270 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [part ii. 



Father, and I hope is not yet ashamed to own me 

 for his adopted Son. 



Viat. In earnest, Sir, I am ravished to meet 

 with a friend of Mr. Izaak Walton's, and one that 

 does him so much right in so good and true a cha- 

 racter : for I must boast to you, that I have the good 

 fortune to know him too, and came acquainted with 

 him much after the same manner I do with you ; 

 that he was my Master who first taught me to love 

 Angling, and then to become an Angler ; and, to be 

 plain with you, I am the very man deciphered in 

 his book under the name of Venator ; for I was 

 wholly. addicted to the Chace, till he taught me as 

 good, a more quiet, innocent, and less dangerous, 

 diversion. 



Pise. Sir, I think myself happy in your acquaint- 

 ance ; and before we part shall entreat leave to em- 

 brace you. You have said enough to recommend 

 you to my best opinion ; for my Father Walton will 

 be seen twice in no man's company he does not 

 like, and likes none but such as he believes to be 

 very honest men ; which is one of the best argu- 

 ments, or at least of the best testimonies I have, 

 that I either am, or that he thinks me, one of those, 

 seeing I have not yet found him weary of me. 



Viat. You speak like a true friend ; and, in doing 

 so, render yourself worthy of his friendship. May 

 I be so bold as to ask your name ? 



Pise. Yes surely, Sir, and if you please a much 



