THE HOD. 



for angling, only putting a top into it, as also at Snap. 

 It is a groat ease to have a light rod, get it the proper 

 season, and let them stand near the fire, or in some dry 

 place for the space of half a year or more ; for if your 

 rod be green and heavy, it will tire you, and be a great 

 hinderance. 



The truth is, if sport be quick, scarcely any thing 

 can vex or discompose the fisher ; for he is then so 

 attentive on his pleasure, that he takes little notice of 

 those inconveniences which otherwise might be trouble 

 and vexation ; he then regards neither wind nor wea- 

 ther, and disdains those slight perturbations of cold, 

 thirst, or hunger; he hath then gotten the Philosopher's 

 stone which sweetens all his other crosses, and turns all 

 disasters into gold. His sport is a cordial for all his 

 distempers, and the Piko (like a good water-physician) 

 en res him of all his diseases, If weary, his Sj-ort re- 

 freshes him ; if co d, it warms him ; if melancholy, it 

 cheers him ; if drowsy, it revives him ; if in pain, it 

 eases him ; if sick, it recovers him : he then feels not 

 the weight of his rod, nor is concerned that his tack. 

 3 ing is no better. This is the prosperity of the fisher ; 

 but if you see him in adversity, when fortune does not 

 smiie on his endeavours, you shall find him much alter- 

 ed, and in a contrary condition; supposing (I say) the 

 thing called luck does not attend him, which should re- 

 fine all the clioss of outward misfortunes, he is then so 

 much at a loss, and dejected, that he can expect but a 

 bitter portion. Patience and hope are the two chief 

 pillars that support the building of a fisherman ; for if 

 they are once disturbed or shaken, you m?iy easily 

 foresee the ruins of Piscator. 



If you desire to be private, you may walk out with 

 nn oak stick, or the like, in your hand, taking a ring 

 with a screw at it: you -may deceive the expectations 

 of others, and pass on without the least suspicion. 



