'The Compleat ^Angler 



rise here, he is like to be such a one as will endanger your tackle : 

 how now ! 



VIAT. I think you have such command here over the fishes, that 

 you can raise them by your word, as they say conjurers can do 

 spirits, and afterward make them do what you bid them ; for here's 

 a trout has taken my fly, I had rather have lost a crown. What 

 luck's this ! he was a lovely fish, and turned up a side like a salmon. 



Pise. O, sir, this is a war where you sometimes win, and must 

 sometimes expect to lose. Never concern yourself for the loss of 

 your fly, for ten to one I teach you to make a better. Who's that 

 calls ? 



SERV. Sir, will it please you to come to dinner ? 



Pise. We come. You hear, sir, we are called, and now take your 

 choice, whether you will climb this steep hill before you, from the top 

 of which you will go directly into the house, or back again over these 

 stepping-stones, and about by the bridge. 



VIAT. Nay, sure, the nearest way is best ; at least my stomach 

 tells me so ; and I am now so well acquainted with your rocks, that 

 I fear them not. 



Pise. Come, then, follow me ; and so soon as we have dined, we 

 will down again to the little house, where I will begin at the place I 

 left off about fly-fishing, and read you another lecture ; for I have a 

 great deal more to say upon that subject. 



VIAT. The more the better ; I could never have met with a more 

 obliging master, my first excepted ; nor such sport can all the rivers 

 about London ever afford, as is to be found in this pretty river. 



Pise. You deserve to have better, both because I see you are willing 

 to take pains, and for liking this little so well ; and better I hope to 

 show you before we part. 



316 



