182 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. PART I. 



CHAP. XVI. 



It of nothing ; or, that which it nothing worth. 



Pwco/or. MY purpose was to give you some directions 

 concerning 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 

 togethef at this very door. Come, hostess, where are 

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

 as quick as you 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 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 not had an unpleasant 

 day : and yet I have caught but five Trouts ; for, indeed, 

 we went to a good honest ale-kouse, 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 



