270 AN ANGLER AT LARGE 



VEN : But, sir, were it not better to be by 

 the water-side ? There is no chance of a fish 

 here. 



Pise : As much, my honest scholar, as beside 

 the very stream. The fly will not show before 

 seven minutes after eleven of the clock, at soonest. 

 Hostess, a draught of ale. 



VEN : Good Master, you do amaze me. How 

 know you this so surely ? 



Pise : Let me tell you, sir, that your fly is a 

 creature very obedient to the action of the 

 elements. On a grey morning, such as we have 

 to-day, he lacketh the genial warmth of the sun to 

 bring him forth. But forth he must come, will 

 he, nill he, and that he will do this morning at 

 seven after eleven. Nor will he fail us. Come, 

 will you drink a civil glass with me ? 



VEN : Most gladly, sir ; but I had rather be 

 a-fishing. See, the sun is shining now. 



Pise : Fear not, worthy scholar ; the fly will 

 appear neither sooner nor later than I say. 



VEN : I pray you, master, tell me how you have 

 got this prodigious knowledge ? 



Pise : Marry, sir, by learning. But I confess 

 that no direction can be given to make weather- 

 wise a man of dull capacity. Your good health, 

 my impatient scholar. 



