PERCH. 43 



dark, heavy clouds are come on, the fly is 

 off. It is almost the hour for the signal of 

 the dressing bell; and there is nothing more 

 to be done now till evening. But see ! our 

 host is come to examine our fish in the well, 

 and to inquire about our sport; and, I dare 

 say, will order some of our fish to be dressed 

 for the table. 



HOST. I hope, gentlemen, you have been 

 amused ? 



HAL. Most highly, sir. As a proof of 

 it, there are in the fish-well eighteen good 

 trout, and one not much short of 61bs. ; 

 three above 41bs., and four above 31bs. in 

 weight. I hope you will order that great 

 fish for your dinner. 



HOST. We will see. He is a fine fish, 

 and fit for a present, even for a Prince and 

 you shall take him to a Prince. Here is a 

 fish, and there another, of the two next 

 sizes, which I am sure will cut red. Pre- 

 pare them, fisherman. And, Halieus, you 

 shall catch two or three perch, for another 

 dish ; I know there are some good ones be- 

 low the piles of the wear; I saw them hunt- 



