IZAAK WALTON AND HIS FRIENDS 57 



and in 1670 he published a new edition dealing 

 with the first and fourth books. Fifteen editions 

 of this work were produced. 



In 1670 he translated the History of the Life 

 of the Duke of Espernon, with a dedication to 

 Archbishop Sheldon. In 1675 he published his. 

 Burlesque upon Burlesque ; or, The Scoffer Scoffed, 

 " being some of Lucian's Dialogues newly put into 

 English Fustian, for the consolation of those who 

 had rather Laugh and be Merry than be Merry 

 and Wise." He tells us in the prologue it was 

 written in a month and that : — 



" The subject is without offence, 

 Do but some smutty Words dispense, 

 We'll make amends with Rime, if not with sense." 



In the epilogue he refers to the lewdness of the 

 age :— 



" Which made our Author wisely choose 

 To dizen up his dirty Muse 

 In such an odd Fantastic Weed 

 As every one, he knew, woidd read." 



He tells us he wrote it "to please himself" as 

 well as the reader. In the same year he wrote the 

 Planters Manual, being instructions for cultivating 

 all sorts of fruit trees. In the preface to the reader 

 he states that the treatise was only written for the 

 private satisfaction of "a very worthy gentleman 

 who is exceedingly curious in his choice of his 

 fruits, and has great judgment in planting." In 



