CHUB. 59 



they both be a-milking again. I will give her the 

 chub, and persuade them to sing those two songs 

 to us." 



"God speed you, good woman ! I have been a- 

 fishing, and am going to Bleak Hall to my bed, and, 

 having caught more fish than will sup myself and my 

 friend, I will bestow this upon you and your daughter ; 

 for I use to sell none." 



(Surely one can excuse that little outburst about 

 hanging him upon a willow twig ! ) " Marry ! God 

 requite you, sir, and we'll eat it cheerfully," said the 

 milkwoman. Evidently she knew how to appreciate 

 the gift, and how to cook it. 



I am quite sure the dear old boy thought he was 

 doing a real kindness in giving this "logger-headed 

 chub " to the pretty milkmaid's mother and it was 

 on that account so thankfully and gracefully received 

 by her. It was not the value of the gift but the 

 warm-hearted geniality of the giver that won the 

 hearts of the milkmaid and her mother, and caused the 

 latter to promise him " a syllabub of a new verjuice 

 in a new made haycock" when he came that way 

 again, and another song from Maudlin for they both 

 "love all anglers." No doubt he was fonder of 

 giving away chub than trout. When he had educated 

 Venator up to catch a chub, and was asked by him, 

 " What shall I do with my chub or chevin that I 

 have caught ? " his reply was, " Marry, sir, it shall be 

 given away to some poor body, for I'll warrant you 

 I'll give you a trout for your supper ; and it is a good 

 beginning of your art to offer your first fruits to the 

 poor, who will both thank God and you for it.' 



