Au. I hear you; but by the same Argument, Circumcision of the Flesh may be defended; for that moderates the Itch of Coition, and brings Pain. If all hated Fish as bad as I do, I would scarce put a Parricide to so much Torture.
Ch. Some Palates are better pleas'd with Fish than Flesh.
Au. Then they like those Things that please their Gluttony, but don't make for their Health.
Ch. I have heard of some of the Æsops and Apitius's, that have look'd upon Fish as the greatest Delicacy.
Au. How then do Dainties agree with Punishment?
Ch. Every Body han't Lampreys, Scares, and Sturgeons.
Au. Then it is only the poor Folks that are tormented, with whom it is bad enough, if they were permitted to eat Flesh; and it often happens, that when they may eat Flesh for the Church, they can't for their Purse.
Ch. Indeed, a very hard Injunction!
Au. And if the Prohibition of Flesh be turned to delicious Living to the Rich; and if the Poor can't eat Flesh many Times, when otherwise they might, nor can't eat Fish, because they are commonly the dearer; to whom does the Injunction do good?
Ch. To all; for poor Folks may eat Cockles or Frogs, or may gnaw upon Onions or Leeks. The middle Sort of People will make some Abatement in their usual Provision; and though the Rich do make it an Occasion of living deliciously, they ought to impute that to their Gluttony, and not blame the Constitution of the Church.