206 VALE OF ST. JOHN. 



PISCATOR. Observe that rocky eminence stand- 

 ing out from the hill, of a somewhat castellated 

 form, and in a misty state of the air, with 

 refracted lights, if there happen to be gleams of 

 sunshine, having a greater resemblance to a 

 baronial stronghold. See in it the magical 

 towers of romance, at times appearing and at 

 times disappearing, as so picturesquely described 

 by the latest Wizard of the North. 



AMICFS. A curious delusion ! But how often 

 are we cheated by our senses, without the 

 pleasure of a resulting romance ! 



PISCATOR. Here we leave the high road. 

 This on our right, which we are now entering, 

 will lead us to a hamlet, where in a stedding 

 belonging to an honest " statesman," the pro- 

 prietor of some twenty acres, which he himself 

 farms, we can put up our ponies ; and after 

 our day's fishing return to and refresh our- 

 selves with what provisions we have brought in 

 our baskets. The river is close to the house, 

 and the best part for angling. 



AMICUS. I hope your friend is a credit to the 

 name. 



PISCATOR. He is an honest industrious fellow ; 

 would that all statesmen were! neighbourly 



