58 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



gling more ancient than is needful or may well be 

 warranted ; but for my part, I shall content myself 

 in telling you that angling is much more ancient 

 than the incarnation of our Saviour ; for in the 

 prophet Amos mention is made of fish-hooks ; 

 and in the book of Job, which was long before the 

 days of Amos, for that book is said to be writ by 

 Moses, mention is made also of fish-hooks, which 

 must imply anglers in those times. 



But, my worthy friend, as I would rather prove 

 myself a gentleman by being learned and humble, 

 valiant and inoffensive, virtuous and communi- 

 cable, than by any fond ostentation of riches, or, 

 wanting those virtues myself, boast that these were 

 in my ancestors, and yet I grant that where a 

 noble and ancient descent and such merit meet in 

 any man, it is a double dignification of that per- 

 son, so if this antiquity of angling, which for my 

 part I have not forced, shall, like an ancient family, 

 be either an honor or an ornament to this virtuous 

 art which I profess to love and practise, I shall be 

 the gladder that I made an accidental mention of 

 the antiquity of it ; of which I shall say no more, 

 but proceed to that just commendation which I 

 think it deserves. 



And for that I shall tell you that in ancient 

 times a debate hath risen, and it remains yet un- 

 resolved, whether the happiness of man in this 

 world doth consist more in contemplation or 

 action. 



Concerning which some have endeavored to 



