PISCATOR. I think it will be profitless trying to take any more this forenoon; toward night they will bite again. And what shall we do in the mean time? Usually, when I come out here alone, I go ashore, and rest myself during these hours, amid the fragrant shades of the thick trees, that screen me from the mid-day heat. Would you like to take such a ramble?--or are you inclined to stay here, and gaze into the water? DISCIPULA. I suppose the picture will keep till we come back. Let us go ashore, and wander around in the woods, and find romantic grottoes, and weave flower-wreaths, and build castles in the air. PISCATOR. And half a mile inland, you can see its summit from here, is a hill that commands a vast tract of lake and woodland. DISCIPULA. Yes, yes; let us go! PISCATOR. Well, scholar, here we are again, after our long tramp. You see I am a better land-pilot than you just now took me to be; for I have brought us out to the right spot; more by token, yonder is the boat, safe and sound. I am afraid you are fatigued with our long travels? DISCIPULA. Not much; but I would like to sit down on the green carpet, under this shade, for a few minutes. PISCATOR. It must be, at the least, four of the clock; and although your nature, my fair young lady, is probably too ethereal to think of such homely matters, I do not profess mine to be such, and am ready to acknowledge, that _a little dinner_ would not be unacceptable. DISCIPULA. Unacceptable? No; but where are we to get it? PISCATOR. I always bring with me, on my excursions, a hand-basket, containing---- DISCIPULA. Why in the world!--why _didn't_ you let me know that before? Let us have it as quick as possible! PISCATOR. It is in the boat, and if you will remain a moment, I will bring it up here. DISCIPULA. Oh yes, do! And be quick, my good master!--as quick as you can! PISCATOR. Nimble as any page, that waits on lady bright. Here we have the provisions; and if we could manage to find something for a table-cover, we might dispense with knives and---- Right, scholar, put your hand into the basket and help yourself. DISCIPULA. Ham sandwich! Oh, Mr. Piscator, this is good! Is there enough of it? PISCATOR. Enough for us two; and therefore you need not fear to help yourself heartily, as I am glad to see that you are not. Never was sumptuous feast to an epicure on gala-day better than my simple fare to me on this beach, after a morning's sail and ramble. DISCIPULA. Most excellent! I'll come out here every time I can get a chance, for the sake of dining with you under the old beech tree. PISCATOR. It brings to my mind the story of the king, who, after the chase, took some bread and water at the hut of a woodsman; which, as it is no doubt well known, I shall not repeat unto you. But the bottom of the basket begins to appear. What! done already? Good despatch! And now, scholar, we will immediately to our sport, for we have no time to waste.