I started, and looked round. Close behind me stood
the tall figure of a man, dressed in raiment of quaint and singular
fashion, but of goodly materials. He was in the prime and vigour of
manhood; his features handsome and noble, but full of calmness and
benevolence; at least, I thought so, though they were somewhat shaded by
a hat of finest beaver, with broad drooping eaves.
'Surely that is a very cruel diversion in which thou indulgest, my young
friend,' he continued.
'I am sorry for it, if it be, sir,' said I, rising; 'but I do not think
it cruel to fish.'
'What are thy reasons for not thinking so?'
'Fishing is mentioned frequently in Scripture. Simon Peter was a
fisherman.'
'True; and Andrew and his brother. But thou forgettest: they did not
follow fishing as a diversion, as I fear thou doest. Thou readest the
Scriptures?'
'Sometimes.'
'Sometimes? not daily? that is to be regretted. What profession dost
thou make? I mean to what religious denomination dost thou belong, my
young friend?'
'Church.'
'It is a very good profession--there is much of Scripture contained in
its liturgy. Dost thou read aught besides the Scriptures?'
'Sometimes.'
'What dost thou read besides?'
'Greek, and Dante.'
'Indeed! then thou hast the advantage over myself; I can only read the
former. Well, I am rejoiced to find that thou hast other pursuits
besides thy fishing. Dost thou know Hebrew?'
'No.'
'Thou shouldst study it. Why dost thou not undertake the study?'
'I have no books.
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