Introduction 



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have been the traditional descriptions of Walton's business ; but I 

 fear that these graceful and fanciful professions must cease to claim 

 him, and that in future he must be written down an ironmonger. 

 " Let no one," to quote the impassioned words of Dr. Zouch, who, 

 along with one or two other editors, seems to have been uncomfort- 

 able because Walton was a tradesman, " however elevated in rank or 

 station, however accomplished with learning, or exalted in genius," 

 esteem him the less for that. 



Well, if Walton became " apprentice of Thomas Grinsell " at the 

 usual age, he would have commenced his life in London at the age 

 of sixteen, in the year 1611. So conjectures Mr. Marston, and so 

 we can leave the matter. 



Though Walton's manner of business be still uncertain, the place 

 of it has long been known, and Walton's residence in Chancery 



XXXV 



