TO INIY DEAR BROTHER, 



MR. IZAAK WALTON, 



UPON HIS 



COMPLETE ANGLER. 



Erasmus in his learned Colloquies 

 Has mixt some toys, that by varieties 

 He might entice all readers : for in him 

 Each child may wade, or tallest giant swim. 

 And such is this discourse : there's none so low, 

 Or highly learn'd, to whom hence may not flow 

 Pleasure and information : both which are 

 Taught us with so much art, that I might swear 

 Safely, the choicest critick cannot tell. 

 Whether your matchless judgment most excell 

 In angling or its praise : whei'e commendation 

 First charms, then makes an art a recreation. 



'Twas so to me ; who saw the chearful spring 

 Pictur'd in every meadow, heard birds sing 

 Sonnets in every grove, saw fishes play 

 In the cool crystal streams, like lambs in May 

 And they may play, till anglers read this book ; 

 But after, 'tis a wise fish 'scapes a hook. 



Jo. Floud, Mr. of Arts. 



