96 THE COMPLETE ANGLEK. [ PA RT I. 



this night ; for at Trout-hall, 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. Well ! you know what 

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

 like case which is worthy to be noted by all parents and 

 people of civility : 



many a one 



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 w r orthy the considera- 

 tion 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. 



Yen. 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 

 huntsman 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 I'll make 

 it a good fish by dressing it. 



Fen. 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 very 

 close), there lie upon the top of the water, in this very hole, 

 twenty chubs. I'll catch only one, and that shall be the 

 biggest of them all : and that I will do so, I'll hold you 

 twenty to one : and you shall see it done. 



