6

But a companion that feasts the company with wit and mirth, and leaves out the sin which is usually mixed with them, he is the man; and indeed such a companion should have his charges borne; and to such company I hope to bring you this night; for at Trout-hall, not far from this place, where I purpose to lodge to-night, there is usually

I 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 the like case, which is worthy to be noted by all parents and people of civility :

e

Variation.) e 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 ”—“at the last great day "] well, you know what example is able to do, and I know what the poet says in the like case, which is worthy to be noted by all parents and people of civility.

many a one, &c. 1st Edit., the words in italic were added to the 2nd, and those in brackets to the 3rd Edit.

Note.] 6 Trout-hall was probably a name given by Anglers to some little inn which they were in the habit of frequenting, and possibly the sign was a Trout. Piscator did not, however, fulfil his intention of sleeping at Trout-hall, because we find that his scholar and himself returned and slept at the alehouse where they dined, and which it would appear from his conversation with the milkwoman, was called Bleak-hall. The cause of this alteration in his plan, Piscator seems to explain to Venator, in a subsequent page, where he says they would eat the trout he had caught for supper, and would go to his hostess from whence they came, [because] “on going out of the door, she told him that his brother Peter and a cheerful companion had sent word they would lodge there that nighit.”

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.

a

This is reason put into verse, and worthy the consideration 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.

VENATOR. Oh, Sir! a Chub is the worst fish that swims; I hoped for a Trout to my dinner.

PISCATOR. Trust me, Sir, there is not a likely place for a Trout hereabout: and we staid so long to take our leave of your huntsmen 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.

Venator. Why, how will you dress him?

Piscator. I'll tell you by and by, when I have caught him. Look you here, Sir, do you see? but you must .

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.

, Venator. Ay, marry! Sir, now you talk like an artist; and I'll say you are one, when I shall see you perform what you say you can do: but I yet doubt it. Piscator. You shall not doubt it long; for

you

shall see me do it presently. Look! the biggest of these Chubs has had some bruise upon his tail, by a Pike or some other accident; and that looks like a white spot. That very

Chub I mean to put into your hands presently;'

stand very

a

VARIATION.] ' I mean to catch, sit you, &c. - 1st and 2nd Edit.

SEP

ایک

Liian tina cujot i on

honest Ale-house coches we will find a cleania

whäll Lavender sin the windows inondy ballads

twenty stuch about the wall."

room,