TO THE 



READER OF THE 



COMPLETE ANGLER 



First mark the title well ; my friend that gave it 

 Has made it good ; this book deserves to have it. 

 For he that views it with judicious looks, 

 Shall find it full of art, baits, lines, and hooks. 



The world the river is, both you and I, 

 And all mankind are either fish or fry : 

 If we pretend to reason, first or last 

 His baits will tempt us, and his hooks hold fast 

 Pleasure or profit, either prose or rhime, 

 If not at first, will doubtless take's in time. 



Here sits in secret blest theology, 

 Waited upon by grave philosophy 

 Both natural and moral, history 

 Deck'd and adorn'd with flowers of poetry. 

 The matter and expression striving which 

 Shall most excel in worth, yet not seem rich ; 

 There is no danger in his baits, that hook 

 Will prove the safest, that is surest took. 



Nor are we caught alone, but, which is best, 

 We shall be wholsome, and be toothsome drest : 

 Drest to be fed, not to be fed upon ; 

 And danger of a surfeit here is none. 

 The solid food of serious contemplation 

 Is sauc'd here with such harmless recreation, 

 That an ingenuous and religious mind 

 Cannot inquire for more than it may find 

 Ready at once prepared, either t' excite 

 Or satisfy a curious appetite. 



