FIRST DAT.] AGREEABLENESS OF ANGLING. 13 



PUTS. The advocates for a favourite pursuit never 

 want sophisms to defend it. I have even heard it 

 asserted, that a hare enjoys being hunted. Yet I will 

 allow that fly-fishing, after your vindication, appears 

 amongst the least cruel of field-sports : I can go no 

 farther; as I have never thought of trying it, I can 

 say nothing of its agreeableness as an amusement, 

 compared with hunting and shooting. 



HAL. I wish that you would allow me to convince 

 you, that for a contemplative man, as you are, and a 

 lover of nature, it is far superior, more tranquil, more 

 philosophical, and, after the period of early youth, 

 more fitted for a moderately active body and mind, 

 requiring less violent exertion; and pursued with 

 discretion, affording an exercise conducive to health. 

 There is a river, only a few miles off, where I am sure 

 I could obtain permission for you, and our friend 

 Poietes, to fish. 



PHYS. I am open to conviction on all subjects, 

 and have no objection to spend one May-day with you 

 in this idle occupation ; premising, that you take at 

 least one other companion, who really loves fishing. 



HAL. You, who are so fond of natural history, 

 even should you not be amused by fishing, will, I am 

 sure, find objects of interest on the banks of the river. 



PHYS. I fear I am not entomologist enough to 

 follow the life of the May-fly, but I shall willingly 



