The Compleat ^Angler 



VIAT. For breakfast, I never eat any, and for drink am very 

 indifferent ; but if you please to call for a glass of ale, I'm for you ; 

 and let it be quickly, if you please, for I long to see the little fishing- 

 house you spoke of, and to be at my lesson. 



Pise. Well, sir, you see the ale is come without calling ; for though 

 I do not know yours, my people know my diet, which is always one 

 glass so soon as I am drest, and no more till dinner : and so my 

 servants have served you. 



VIAT. My thanks ! And now, if you please, let us look out this 

 fine morning. 



Pise. With all my heart. Boy, take the key of my fishing- 

 house, and carry down those two angle-rods in the hall window, 

 thither, with my fish-pannier, pouch, and landing-net ; and stay you 

 there till we come. Come, sir, we'll walk after, where, by the 

 way, I expect you should raise all the exceptions against our country 

 you can. 



VIAT. Nay, sir, do not think me so ill-natured, nor so uncivil ; I 

 only made a little bold with it last night to divert you, and was only 

 in jest. 



Pise. You were then in as good earnest as I am now with you : 

 but had you been really angry at it, I could not blame you : for, to 

 say the truth, it is not very taking at first sight. But look you, sir, 

 now you are abroad, does not the sun shine as bright here as in 

 Essex, Middlesex, or Kent, or any of your southern counties ? 



VIAT. 'Tis a delicate morning, indeed ; and I now think this a 

 marvellous pretty place. 



Pise. Whether you think so or no, you cannot oblige me more 

 than to say so ; and those of my friends who know my humour, and 

 and are so kind as to comply with it, usually flatter me that way. 

 But look you, sir, now you are at the brink of the hill, how do you 

 like my river, the vale it winds through like a snake, and the situa- 

 tion of my little fishing-house ? 



VIAT. Trust me, 'tis all very fine, and the house seems at this 

 distance a neat building. 



Pise. Good enough for that purpose ; and here is a bowling- 

 green too, close by it ; so, though I am myself no very good 



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