CHAP. I.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 63 



And there is a fish called a Hermit, that at a certain age gets 

 into a dead fish's shell, and like a hermit dwells there alone, 

 studying the wind and weather, and so turns her shell that she 

 makes it defend her from the injuries that they would bring 

 upon her. 



There is also a fish called, by ^Elian, in his ninth Book of 

 Living Creatures, Ch. 16, the Adonis, or Darling of the Sea; 

 so called because it is a loving and innocent fish, a fish that 

 hurts nothing that hath life, and is at peace with all the numer- 

 ous inhabitants of that vast watery element : and truly I think 

 most Anglers are so disposed to most of mankind. 



And there are also lustful and chaste fishes, of which I shall 

 give you examples. 



And first, what Du Bartas says of a fish called the Sargus : 

 which because none can express it better than he does, I shall 

 give you in his own words ; supposing it shall not have the 

 less credit for being verse, for he hath gathered this and other 

 observations out of authors that have been great and industri- 

 ous searchers into the secrets of Nature. 



" The adult'rous Sargus doth not only change 

 Wives every day in the deep streams, but, strange ! 

 As if the honey of sea-love delight 

 Could not suffice his raging appetite, 

 Goes courting she-goats on the grassy shore, 

 Horning their husbands that had horns before." 



And the same author writes concerning the Cantharus, that 

 which you shall also hear in his own words : 



" But contrary, the constant Cantharus 

 Is ever constant to his faithful spouse ; 

 In nuptial duties spending his chaste life, 

 Never loves any but his own dear wife." 



Sir, but a little longer, and I have done. 

 VEN. Sir, take what liberty you think fit, for your discourse 

 seems to be music, and charms me to an attention, 



