THE CONFERENCE. 71 



Framing thereof an inward contemplation 

 To set his heart from other fancies free; 



And whilst he looks on these with joyful eye, 

 His mind is wrapt above the starry sky. 



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 the sight of the 

 Thatched House. And I must be your debtor, if you think 

 it worth your attention, for the rest of my promised dis- 

 course, 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 shewed it me. But now we are at it, we '11 turn into 

 it, and refresh ourselves with a cup of drink, and a little 

 rest. 



PlSC. 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, 

 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 

 profess 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. 



