116 SALMONIA. 



for I do not think it wise to diminish the love 

 of life, or to destroy the fear of death. 



HAL. There is no danger of this. These 

 passions are founded on immutable laws of 

 our nature, which philosophy cannot change ; 

 and it would be good if we could give the same 

 security of duration to the love of virtue and 

 the fear of vice or shame, which are con- 

 nected with immutable interests, and which 

 ought to occupy far more the consideration 

 of beings destined for immortality. But to 

 our business. 



Now we have fish for dinner, my task is 

 finished : Physicus and Poietes, try your skill. 

 I have not fished over the best parts of this 

 pool : you may catch a brace of fish here 

 before dinner is ready. 



PHYS. It is too late, and I shall go and 

 see that all is right. 



POIET. I will take one or two casts ; but 

 give me your fly : I like always to be sure that 

 the tackle is taking. 



HAL. Try at first the very top of the pool, 

 though I fear you will get nothing there : 

 but here is a cast which I think the Highlander 

 can hardly have commanded from the other 



