xxiv THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF 



TO MY 



MOST HONORED FRIEND 



CHARLES COTTON, ESQ. 



Sir, 



You now see I have returned you your very pleasant and use- 

 ful discourse of the art of fly-fishing, printed just as it was sent 

 me ; for I have been so obedient to your desires, as to endure all 

 the praises you have ventured to fix upon me in it. And when 

 I have thanked you for them, as the efl'ects of an undissembled 

 love, then let me tell you, Sir, that I will really endeavor to live 

 up to the character you have given of me, if there were no other 

 reason, yet for this alone, that you, that love me so well, and 

 always think what you speak, may not, for my sake, suffer by a 

 mistake in your judgment. 



And, Sir, I have ventured to fill a part of your margin, by 

 way of paraphrase, for the reader's clearer understanding the 

 situation both of your fishing-house, and the pleasantness of that 

 you dwell in. And I have ventured also to give him a copy of 

 verses that you were pleased to send me, now some years past, 

 in which he may see a good picture of both ; and so much of 

 your own mind too, as will make any reader, that is blest with a 

 generous soul, to love you the better. I confess, that for doing 

 this you may justly judge me too bold : if you do, I will say so 

 too ; and so far commute for my offence that, though I be more 



* This letter, and the Stanzes Jrreguliers called " The Retirement," 

 were placed at the close of the second part in the edition of ]G76. 



