virtuous couch

— It was on the sunny side of the island and the reflection from the surface of these fish was a sight seldom seen. Their rich deep-toned olive green bodies, marked with a dark rich umber brown, and their golden white bellies, as they rolled and contorted on "their virtuous couch," was a treat in color none could fail to enjoy, but as the course of true love never did run smooth on terra firma, neither did it here appear to have immunity from the outside interferences of the eunious and predaceous in the presence of hundreds of that "cuss."