72 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [PART L 



Sir, I am glad my memory has not lost these last verses, 

 because they are somewhat more pleasant and more suitable 

 to May-day than my harsh discourse ; and I am glad your 

 patience hath held out so long as to hear them and me, for 

 both together have brought us within sight of the Thatched 

 House ; and I must be your debtor, if you think it worth your 

 attention, for the rest of my promised discourse, till some other 

 opportunity and a like time of leisure. 



VEN. Sir, you have Angled me on with much pleasure to the 

 Thatched House ; and I now find your words true, that ' ' good 

 company makes the way seem short " : for trust me, Sir, I 

 thought we had wanted three miles of this house till you 

 showed it to me ; but now we are at it, we '11 turn into it, and 

 refresh ourselves with a cup of drink and a little rest. 



Pise. Most gladly, Sir, and we '11 drink a civil cup to all the 

 Otter-hunters that are to meet you to-morrow. 



VEN. That we will, Sir, and to all the lovers of Angling too, 

 of which number I am now willing to be one myself; for, by 

 the help of your good discourse and company, I have put on 

 new thoughts both of the art of Angling, and of all that pro- 

 fess it : and if you will but meet me to-morrow at the time and 

 place appointed, and bestow one day with me and my friends 

 in hunting the Otter, I will dedicate the next two days to wait 

 upon you, and we two will for that time do nothing but angle, 

 and talk of fish and fishing. 



Pise. 'T is a match, Sir ; I '11 not fail you, God willing, to be 

 at Amwell Hill to-morrow morning before sun-rising. 



