THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 175 



so long as I have spoken of. And let me tell you, scholar, that 

 both martins and Bleaks be most excellent meat. 



And let me tell you, that I have known a Hern, that did 

 constantly frequent one place, caught with a hook baited with 

 a big Minnow or a small Gudgeon. The line and hook must 

 be strong : and tied to some loose staff, so big as she cannot 

 fly away with it : a line not exceeding two yards. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



IS OF NOTHING ; OR, THAT WHICH IS NOTHING WORTH. 



Piscator. MY purpose was to give you some directions con- 

 cerning 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 

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

 come our brother Peter and honest Coridon. But I will promise 

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

 London, if I have now forgotten any thing that I can then 

 remember, I will not keep it from you. 



Well met. gentlemen ; this is lucky that we meet so just 

 together at this very door. Come, hostess, where are you ? 

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

 301 can, for I believe we are all very hungry. Well, brother 

 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 

 wo 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. 



Peter. And Coridon and I have not had 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 w r e 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. 



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

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



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

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



