CHAP. I. THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 3$$ 



tell you. That my house stands upon the margin of one 

 of the finest rivers, for Trouts and Grayling, in Eng- 

 land; That I have lately built a little fishing-house, 

 upon it, dedicated to anglers, over the door of which, 

 you will see the two first" letters of my father Walton's 

 name and mine twisted in cypher *; That Settle Cypher 

 you shall lie in the same bed he has some- embellished in 

 times been contented with, and have such tbe Titie-fagt. 

 country entertainment as my friends sometimes ac- 

 cept ; and be as welcome, too, as the best friend of 

 them all. 



Fiat. No doubt. Sir, but my master Walton found 

 good reason to be satisfied with his entertainment in 

 your house ; for you who are so friendly to a mere 

 stranger, who deserves so little, must needs be exceed- 

 ing kind and free to him who deserves so much 



Pise. Believe me, no : and such as are intimately 

 acquainted with that gentleman, know him to be a man, 

 who will not endure to be treated like a stranger. So 

 that his acceptation of my poor entertainments, has ever 

 been a pure effect of his own humility and good-nature, 

 and nothing else. But, Sir, we are now going down 

 the Spittle-hill into the town ; and therefore let me im- 

 portune you suddenly to resolve, and (most earnestly) 

 not to deny me. 



Viat. In truth, Sir, I am so overcome by your 

 bounty, that I find I cannot : but must render myself, 

 wholly, to be disposed of by you. 



Pise. Why that's heartily and kindly spoken : and 

 I as heartily thank you. And, being you have aban- 

 doned yourself to my conduct, we will only call 

 and drink a glass on horseback at the Talbot; and 

 away. 



Viat. I attend you. But what pretty river is this, 

 ihat runs under this stone bridge ? has it a name ? 



Pise. Yes, it is called Henmore : and has in it 

 both Trout and Grayling, but you will meet with one 

 or two better, anon. And so soon as we are past through 

 the town, I will endeavour, by such discourse as best 

 likes you, to pass away the time till you come to your 

 ill quarters. 



