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 begun it, and 

 do therefore desire and hope, if I deserve not com- 

 mendations, 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 consideration and cen- 

 sure ; 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 scurrility, but some innocent, harmless 



