48 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. PART I, 



not far from this place, where I purpose to lodge to-night, 

 there is usually an Angler that proves good company. 

 And let me tell you, good company and good discourse 

 are the very sinews of virtue. But for such discourse as 

 we heard last night, it infects others ; the very boys will 

 learn to talk and swear, as they heard mine host, and 

 another of the company that shall be nameless : I am 

 sorry the other is a gentleman ; for less religion will not 

 save their souls than a beggar's : I think more will be 

 required at the last great day. WelU you know what 

 example is able to do ; and I know what the poet says in 

 the like case, which is worthy to be noted by all parents 

 and people of civility : 



^ many a oue 

 Owes to his country his religion ; 

 And in another would as strongly grow, 

 Had but his nurse or mother taught him so. 



This is reason put into verse, and worthy the consider- 

 ation of a wise man. But of this no more ; for though I 

 love civility, yet I hate severe censures. I'll to my own 

 art ; and I doubt not but at yonder tree I shall catch a 

 Chub : and then we'll turn to an honest cleanly hostess, 

 that I know right well ; rest ourselves there ; and dress 

 it for our dinner. 



Ven. Oh, Sir ! a Chub is the worst fish that swims ; I 

 hoped for a Trout to my dinner. 



Pise. Trust me, Sir, there is not a likely place for a 

 Trout hereabout : and we staid so long to take our leave 

 of your huntsmen this morning, that the sun is got so 

 high, and shines so clear, that I will not undertake the 

 catching of a Trout till evening. And though a Chub be, 

 by you and many others, reckoned the worst of fish ; yet 

 you shall see Til make it a good fish by dressing it. 



Ven. Why, how will you dress him ? 



Pise. I'll tell you by and by, when I have caught him. 

 Look you here, Sir, do you see ? (but you must stand 



