

CONNECTION WITH ASTROLOGY, ETC. 141 



Miss P . . So, here's a pretty piece of news, 



A man there, I declare ! 

 Or does the mist my eyes confuse ? 

 Yes, yes, a man, I swear. 



Mich, (through window, dressing by a candle.) 

 I hear the cock crow on the gate, 



I catch old Sol's first beam; 

 Then up at once, my hook to bait, 



And hasten to the stream. 



Sob. (A.t loophole yawning.) 



I hears my master's voice, O, lor'! 



I've scarcely closed my eyes ; 

 One hardly gets a single snore, 

 Before it's tune to rise." 



Miss Pike gives the following description of Michael 

 Brayling : 



" Miss P. Ah, I hear your voice, Mr. Michael Brayling 

 getting up by candle-light as usual, to go a fishing ; 

 always angling, angling, from year's-end to year's-end. 

 What a loss of time ! much better marry some kind 

 opposite neighbour ; matrimony affords excellent amuse- 

 ment in wet weather ; better than fishing under a bridge, 

 or an umbrella ! Indeed, I think you'd do as well to stay 

 at home, if it were only to watch your chit of a ward, 

 Elizabeth, that you think so highly of um ! I've my 

 opinions, but what they are, I'll leave you to guess, 

 Mr. Michael Brayling. Ah, he's coming, the queer old 

 Bachelor. I wouldn't have him see me in my nightcap, 

 for all the fish in the Thames. [Exit. 



