But, ha, here come
the swallows, hawking low on the stream. Now, were but my Scholar here,
I could impart to him much honest lore concerning the swallow, and other
birds. But where she hawks, there fly must be, and fish will rise, and,
look you, I do mark the trout feeding in yonder ford below the plank
bridge.
[ANGLUS steals off, and gingerly takes up his position.
Anglus.--Marry, that is a good trout under the burdock!
[He is caught up in the burdock, and breaks his tackle.
Anglus.--Now to knot a fresh cast. Marry, but they are feeding gaily!
How kindly is the angler's life; he harmeth no fish that swims, yet the
Spectator deemeth ours a cruel sport. Ah, good Master Townsend and
learned Master Hutton, little ye wot of our country contents. So, I am
ready again, and this Whitchurch dun will beguile yonder fish, I doubt
not. Marry, how thick the flies come, and how the fish do revel in this
merciful provender that Heaven sendeth! Verily I know not at which of
these great fellows to make my essay.
[Enter twenty-four callow young ducks, swimming up stream. The ducks
chevy the flies, taking them out of the very mouths of the trout.
Anglus.--Oh, mercy. I have hooked a young duck! Where is my landing-
net? Nay, I have left it under yonder elm!
[He struggles with the young duck.
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