40 AN ANGLER'S LINES. 



the coming of these same mighty fish; but 

 awhile, and the jest waxed feeble, neither were 

 there heard any words of cheer, and the 

 younger man uprose in his wrath and gat him 

 to "his oars again. The wind, blowing now 

 over the stern, did impel the punt, so that they 

 fetched another place with slight labour, where 

 they did essay anew with tackle of cunning 

 fineness. But the pike (continuing of sullen 

 disposition, the men became exceeding sad, 

 and their countenances were like unto their 

 rods for length. Then had they resort to meat 

 and strong drink. 



Yet even as they sought material comfort, 

 away in the north the sky shaded to a bluish 

 grey. Swiftly the shadow advanced, hiding 

 the face of the sun, and deepening to awful 

 blackness until the whole heavens were covered 

 as by a vast funeral pall. The light of day 

 was veiled beneath its sinister touch; the wild- 

 fowl ceased their call; and all nature seemed 

 to pause, hushed and expectant. And lo ! 

 as a giant aroused, the wind came down with 



