THE CONFERENCE. 5 I 



PlSC. Well now, Mr. Venator, you shall neither want 

 time nor my attention to hear you enlarge your discourse 

 concerning hunting. 



VEN. Not I, Sir: I remember you said that angling itself 

 was of great antiquity and a perfect art, and an art not 

 easily attained to ; and you have so won upon me in your 

 former discourse, that I am very desirous to hear what you 

 can say further concerning those particulars. 



PlSC. Sir, I did say so ; and I doubt not but if you and 

 I did converse together but a few hours, to leave you pos- 

 sessed with the same high and happy thoughts that now 

 possess me of it ; not only of the antiquity of angling, but 

 that it deserves commendations ; and that it is an art, and 

 an art worthy the knowledge and practice of a wise man. 



VEN. Pray, Sir, speak of them what you think fit, for we 

 have yet five miles to the Thatched House ; during which 

 walk I dare promise you my patience and diligent attention 

 shall not be wanting. And if you shall make that to appear 

 which you have undertaken first, that it is an art, and an 

 art worth the learning, I shall beg that I may attend you a 

 day or two a-fishing, and that I may become your scholar 

 and be instructed in the art itself which you so much 

 magnify. 



PlSC. O, Sir, doubt not that angling is an art : is it not 

 an art to deceive a trout with an artificial fly ? a trout ! that 

 is more sharp-sighted than any hawk you have named, and 

 more watchful and timorous than your high mettled merlin 

 is bold ; and yet I doubt not to catch a brace or two 

 to-morrow for a friend's breakfast. Doubt not, therefore, 

 Sir, but that angling is an art, and an art worth your learn- 

 ing. The question is rather, whether you be capable of 



