OF NOTHING. 305 



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 fishing and talking, and are returned home both 

 weary and hungry, 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 alehouse, 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 haste you may; and when we have supped 

 let us have your song, Piscator, and the catch that your 

 scholar promised us ; or else Coridon will be dogged. 



PlSC. Nay, I will not be worse than my word; you shall 

 not want my song, and I hope I shall be perfect in it. 



VEN. And I hope the like for my catch, which I have 

 ready too ; and therefore let 's go merrily to supper, and 

 then have a gentle touch at singing and drinking ; but the 

 last with moderation. 



COR. Come, now for your song; for we have fed heartily. 

 Come, hostess, lay a few more sticks on the fire. And now 

 sing when you will. 



PlSC. Well then, here's to you, Coridon; and now for my 

 song, 



O the gallant fisher's life, 



It is the best of any! 

 'T is full of pleasure, void of strife, 

 And 't is beloved by many : 

 Other joys 

 Are but toys ; 



20 



