

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER 



To all Readers of this discourse, but especially 

 to the honest Angler 



I THINK fit to tell thee these following truths ; that 

 I did neither undertake, nor write, nor publish, and 

 much less own, this Discourse to please myself: 

 and, having been too easily drawn to do all to 

 please others, as I propose not the gaining of credit 

 by this undertaking, so I would not willingly lose 

 any part of that to which I had a just title before I 

 began it ; and do therefore desire and hope, if I 

 deserve not commendations, yet I may obtain 

 pardon. 



And though this Discourse may be liable to some 

 exceptions, yet I cannot doubt but that most Readers 

 may receive so much pleasure or profit by it, as 

 may make it worthy the time of their perusal, if 

 they be not too grave or too busy men. And this 

 is all the confidence that I can put on, concerning 

 the merit of what is here offered to their considera- 

 tion and censure ; and if the last prove too severe, 

 as I have a liberty, so I am resolved to use it, and 

 neglect all sour censures. 



And I wish the Reader also to take notice, that 

 in writing of it I have made myself a recreation of j\ 

 a recreation; and that it might prove so to him,]) 

 and not read dull and tediously, I have in several 



