62 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [PART L 



creatures inhabiting both in and about that element ; as to the 

 readers of Gesner, Rondeletius, Pliny, Ausonius, Aristotle, and 

 others, may be demonstrated. But I will sweeten this discourse 

 also out of a contemplation in divine Du Bartas, who says : 



" God quickened in the sea and in the rivers 

 So many fishes' of so many features, 

 That in the waters we may see all creatures, 

 Ev'n all that on the earth are to he found, 

 As if the world were in deep waters drowned. 

 For Seas, as well as Skies, have Sun, Moon, Stars ; 

 As well as Air Swallows, Rooks, and Stares ; 

 As well as Earth Vines, Roses, Nettles, Melons, 

 Mushrooms, Pinks, Gilliflowers, and many millions 

 Of other plants, more rare, more strange than these, 

 As very fishes living in the seas : 

 As also Rams, Calves, Horses, Hares, and Hogs, 

 Wolves, Urchins, Lions, Elephants, and Dogs ; 

 Yea, Men and Maids, and, which I most admire, 

 The mitred Bishop, and the cowled Friar : 

 Of which examples but a few years since 

 Were shown the Norway and Polonian Prince." 



These seem to be wonders, but have had so many confirma- 

 tions from men of learning and credit, that you need not doubt 

 them : nor are the number nor the various shapes of fishes 

 more strange or more fit for contemplation, than their different 

 natures, inclinations, and actions ; concerning which I shall 

 beg your patient ear a little longer. 



The Cuttle-fish will cast a long gut out of her throat, which, 

 like as an Angler doth his line, she sendeth forth and pulleth 

 in again at her pleasure, according as she sees some little fish 

 come near to her ; and the Cuttle-fish, being then hid in the 

 gravel, lets the smaller fish nibble and bite the end of it, at 

 which time she by little and little draws the smaller fish so near 

 to her, that she may leap upon her, and then catches and de- 

 vours her : and for this reason some have called this fish the 

 Sea- Angler. 



