Ch. In my Opinion, Learning is fleeter than any Stag.

Au. But I hunt chiefly with two Dogs, that is to say, with Love and Industry:  For Love affords a great Deal of Eagerness to learn, and as the most elegant Poet says,

      ——­Labor improbus omnia vincit.

Ch.  Austin, you admonish after a friendly Manner, as you use to do; and therefore, I won’t give over, nor rest, nor tire, till I attain.

Au. Venison is now in the Prime. Pliny tells us a very admirable Story concerning this Animal.

Ch. What is it, I pray you?

Au. That as often as they prick up their Ears, they are very quick of Hearing; but on the contrary, when they let them down, they are deaf.

Ch. That very often happens to myself; for if I happen to hear a Word spoken of receiving Guineas, there is no Body quicker of Hearing than I; for then with Pamphilus in Terence, I prick up my Ears; but when there is any Mention made of paying them away, I let them down, and am presently hard of Hearing.

Au. Well, I commend you; you do as you should do.

Ch. Would you have some of the Leg of this Hare?

Au. Take it yourself.

Ch. Or had you rather have some of the Back?

Au. This Creature has nothing good but its Flank and hind Legs.

Ch. Did you ever see a white Hare?

Au. Oftentimes. Pliny writes, that on the Alps there are white Hares; and that it is believed in the Winter Time they feed upon Snow:  Whether it be true or no, let Pliny see to that:  For if Snow makes a Hare’s Skin white, it must make his Stomach white too.

Ch. I don’t know but it may be true.

Au. I have something for you that is stranger than that; but it may be you have heard of it.  The same Man testifies that there is the same Nature in all of them; that is, of Males and Females, and that the Females do as commonly breed without the Use of the Male, as with it.  And many Persons assert the same, and especially your skilful Hunters.

Ch. You say right; but if you please, let us try these Rabbets, for they are fat and tender.  I would help that pretty Lady if I sat nigher to her. Austin, pray take Care of that Lady that sits by you, for you know how to please the fair Sex.

Au. I know what you mean, you Joker.

Ch. Do you love Goose?

Au. Ay, I love ’em mightily, and I an’t very nice.  I don’t know what’s the Matter, but this Goose don’t please me; I never saw any Thing dryer in all my Life; it is dryer than a Pumice-Stone, or Furius’s Mother in Law, upon whom Catullus breaks so many Jests.  I believe it is made of Wood; And in Troth I believe ’tis an old Soldier, that has worn itself out with being upon the Guard.  They say a Goose is the most wakeful Creature living.  In Truth, if I am not out in my Guess, this Goose was one of them, who when the Watch and their Dogs were fast asleep, in old Time defended the Roman Capitol.