THE FOURTH DAY. 



CHAP. XVI. Is of nothing, or that which is nothing worth. 



PlSCATOR. 



MY purpose was to give you some directions concerning 

 Roach and Dace, and some other inferior fish, which 

 make the Angler excellent sport, for you know there is more 

 pleasure in hunting the hare than in eating her : but I will for- 

 bear at this time to say any more, because you see yonder 

 come our Brother Peter and honest Coridon. But I will prom- 

 ise you, that, as you and I fish and walk to-morrow towards 

 London, if I have now forgotten anything that I can then re- 

 member, I will not keep it from you. 



Well met, Gentlemen ; this is lucky that we meet so just to- 

 gether at this very door. Come, Hostess, where are you ? Is 

 supper ready ? Come, first give us drink, and be as quick as 

 you can, for I believe we are all very hungry. Well, Brotker 

 Peter and Coridon, to you both ! come, drink, and then tell 

 me what luck of fish : we two have caught but ten Trouts, of 

 which my Scholar caught three; look, here 's eight, and a 

 brace we gave away : we have had a most pleasant day for fish- 

 ing and talking, and are returned home both weary and hun- 

 gry ; and now meat and rest will be pleasant. 



PET. And Coridon and I have had not an unpleasant day, 

 and yet I have caught but five Trouts ; for indeed we went to 

 a good honest ale-house, and there we played at shovel-board 

 half the day ; all the time that it rained we were there, and as 

 merry as they that fished. And I am glad we are now with a. 

 dry house over our heads; for, hark ! how it rains and blows. 

 Come, Hostess, give us more ale, and Our supper with what 



