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 pro- 

 posed 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 begun 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 ex- 

 ceptions, 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 consideration 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 a recreation. And 

 that it might prove so to him, and not read dull and 

 tediously, I have in several places mixed, not any scurri- 

 lity, but some innocent, harmless mirth : of which, if thou 

 be a severe, sour-complexioned man, then I here disallow 

 thee to be a competent judge; For Divines say, There 

 are offences given, and offences not given but taken. 



And I am the willinger to justify the pleasant part of it, 

 because, though it is known I can be serious at seasonable 



