The Compleat ^Angler 



eight, and a brace we gave away : we have had a most pleasant day 

 for fishing and talking, and are returned home both weary and hungry, 

 and now meat and rest will be pleasant. 



PET. And Coridon and I have had not an unpleasant day, and yet 

 I have caught but five trouts : for indeed we went to a good honest 

 ale-house, and there we played at shovel-board half the day ; all the 

 time that it rained we were there, and as merry as they that fished ; 

 and I am glad we are now with a dry house over our heads, for hark 

 how it rains and blows. Come, hostess, give us more ale, and our 

 supper with what haste you may ; and when we have supped, let us 

 have your song, Piscator, and the catch that your scholar promised 

 us ; or else Coridon will be dogged. 



Pise. Nay, I will not be worse than my word ; you shall not want 

 my song, and I hope I shall be perfect in it. 



VEN. And I hope the like for my catch, which I have ready too ; 

 and therefore let's go merrily to supper, and then have a gentle touch 

 at singing and drinking ; but the last with moderation. 



COR. Come, now for your song ; for we have fed heartily. Come, 

 hostess, lay a few more sticks on the fire. And now sing when you 

 will. 



Pise. Well, then, here's to you, Coridon ; and now for my song. 



O the gallant fisher's life^ 



It is the best of any ! 

 "tts full of pleasure^ void of strife. 

 And 'tis beloved by many : 



Other joys 



Are but toys; 



Only this 



Lawful is; 



For our skill 



Breeds no ///, 

 But content and pleasure. 



In a morning up we rise 

 Ere Aurora's peeping; 

 204 



