CHAP. V.] THE rOURTH DAT. 167 



into the sea hath altered him to another colour or kind, I 

 am not able to say ; but I am certain he hath all the signs 

 of being a trout, both for his shape, colour, and spots : and 

 yet many think he is not. 



Yen. But, master ! will this trout which I had hold of die ? 

 for it is like he hath the hook in his belly. 



Pise. I will tell you, scholar ! that unless the hook be fast 

 in his very gorge, 'tis more than probable he will live : and 

 a little time, with the help of the water, will rust the hook ; 

 and it will in time wear away, as the gravel doth in the 

 horse-hoof which only leaves a false quarter. 



And now, scholar ! let's go to my rod. Look you, scholar ! 

 I have a fish too : but it proves a logger-headed chub ; and 

 this is not much amiss ; for this will pleasure some poor 

 body, as we go to our lodging to meet our brother Peter 

 and honest Coridon. Come ! now bait your hook again, and 

 lay it into the water : for it rains again, and we will even retire 



to the sycamore-tree, and there I will give you more direc- 

 tions concerning fishing ; for I would fain make you an artist. 



Ven. Yes, good master ! I pray let it be so. 



Pise. "Well, scholar ! now we are sat down and are at ease, 

 I shall tell you a little more of trout-fishing, before I speak 

 of the salmon, which I purpose shall be next, and then, of 

 the pike or luce. 



Tou are to know, there is night as well as day-fishing for 



