CHAP. VI. THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 307 



not commend you too much, lest I make you proud. 

 Come, put it on ; and you shall now go downward, to 

 some streams betwixt the rocks, below the little foot- 

 bridge you see there, and try your fortune. Take heed 

 of slipping into the water as you follow me under this 

 rock. So now you are over : and now throw in. 



Fiat. This is a fine stream indeed. There's one ! I 

 have him. 



Pise. And a precious catch you have of him ; pull him 

 out ! I see you have a tender hand. This is a diminutive 

 gentlemen ; e'en throw him in again, and let him grow 

 till he be more worthy your anger. 



Viat. Pardon me, Sir, all's fish that comes to the hook, 

 with me now. Another ! 



Pise. And of the same standing. 



Viat. I see I shall have good sport now. Another ! and 

 a Grayling. Why you have fish here at will. 



Pise. Come, come, cross the bridge ; and go down the 

 other side, lower, where you will find finer streams and 

 better sport, I hope, than this. Look you, Sir, here is a 

 fine stream now. You have length enough ; stand a little 

 further off, let me entreat you ; and do but fish this stream 

 like an artist, and peradventure a good fish may fall to 

 your share. How now ! what ! is all gone ? 



Viat. No, I but touch't him ; but that was a fish worth 

 taking. 



Pise. Why now let me tell you, you lost that fish by 

 your own fault, and through your own eagerness and 

 haste ; for you are never to offer to strike a good fish, if 

 he do not strike himself, till first you see him turn his 

 head after he has taken your fly, and then you can never 

 strain your tackle in the striking, if you strike with any 

 manner of moderation. Come, throw in one again, and 

 fish me this stream by inches ; for I assure you, here arc 

 very good fish : both Trout and Grayling lie here ; and at 

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