INTRODUCTION. XXV11 



are singing the smooth verses of Kit Marlowe and 

 Sir Walter Raleigh. 



Such were the scenes that Walton loved ; and it is 

 perhaps the prime merit of " The Angler " that it 

 induces a relish for scenes like them. It tempts us 

 out of doors, and renews our taste for the wholesome 

 pleasures of the country, for the primitive sights 

 and sounds and odors to which, as the poets who 

 know life best have told us, the jaded senses turn 

 back with longing when the hand of the ringer is at 

 the passing bell. Even obscene old Falstaff, steeped 

 in the riot of tavern and brothel, when the end came, 

 " babbled of green fields." 



But it is time for the present writer to step aside, 

 and to say, with courteous Mr. Piscator, " I cry you 

 mercy for being so long, and thank you for your 

 patience." 



E. G. J. 



October, 1892. 



