XXX11 



Give me leave therefore to remonstrate 

 my resolution, since the arguments and al- 

 legations in my book are my own. Yet had 

 I rob'd Virgil to adorn my muse, peradven- 

 ture my fancy had been more fruitful ; but 

 take it as it is, since so freely dedicated to 

 the Virtuosos of the Rod, from whom in 

 modesty I may reasonably expect some cha- 

 ritable censures of this my sober and con- 

 templative angler ; advising them to direct 

 to the gnomen of practicks, omitting theo- 

 ry, and the useless prescriptions of the an- 

 tients. Then shall no man need to grope 

 the invention of others, but manifest every 

 truth by plain demonstration. Thus far I 

 may safely sail under the angler's protec- 

 tion ; but should I write marginal notes, 

 and place them to the test of unpractical 

 anglers, beyond dispute I should split on a 

 rock, and wanting a pilot to bring me off, I 

 might live without hope, and die in despair ; 

 which I resolve against whilst capable to 

 write my name, 



PHILANTHBOPUS. 



