CHAP. II.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 77 



mighty God hath in the Levitical law, Deuteron. xxii. 6, 7, 

 made a law against it. 



But the poor fish have enemies enough beside such unnatural 

 Fishermen, as namely, the Otters that I spake of, the Cormo- 

 rant, the Bittern, the Osprey, the Sea-gull, the Heron, the 

 Kingfisher, the Gorara, the Puet, the Swan, Goose, Ducks, and 

 the Craber, which some call the Water-rat : against all which 

 any honest man may make a just quarrel, but I will not, I will 

 leave them to be quarelled with and killed by others ; for I am 

 not of a cruel nature, I love to kill nothing but fish. 



And now to your question concerning your host. To speak 

 truly, he is not to me a good companion : for most of his con- 

 ceits were either Scripture jests, or lascivious jests; for which 

 I count no man witty, for the Devil will help a man that way 

 inclined, to the first, and his own corrupt nature, which he 

 always carries with him, to the latter : but a companion that 

 feasts the company with wit and mirth, and leaves out the sin 

 which is usually mixed with them, he is the man ; and indeed 

 such a companion should have his charges borne, and to such 

 company I hope to bring you this night ; for at Trout Hall, 

 not far from this place, where I "purpose to lodge to-night, there 

 is usually an Angler that proves good company. And let me 

 tell you, good company and good discourse are the very sinews 

 of virtue : but for such discourse as we heard' last night, it in- 

 fects others, the very boys will learn to talk and swear as they 

 heard mine host, and another of the company that shall be 

 nameless ; I am sorry the other is a gentleman, for less religion 

 will not save their souls than a beggar's : I think more will be 

 required at the last great day. Well, you know what example 

 is able to do ; and I know what the poet says in the like case, 

 which is worthy to be noted by all parents and people of ci- 

 vility : 



" Many a one 



Owes to his country his religion : 

 And in another would as strongly grow, 

 Had but his nurse or mother taught him so," 



