TO THE READER OF THIS DISCOURSE, 



BUT ESPECIALLT 



TO THE HONEST ANGLER. 



THINK Jit to tell thee these following truths, that 

 1 did neither undertake, nor write, nor publish, and 

 much less own, this Discourse to please myself '; 

 and, having been too easily drawn to do all to please 

 others, as I proposed not the gaining of credit by 

 this undertaking, so I would not willingly lose any 

 part of that to which I had a just title before I 

 began it, and do therefore desire and hope, if I deserve not commenda- 

 tions, yet I may obtain pardon. 



And though this Discourse may be liable to some exceptions, yet I 

 cannot doubt but that most readers may receive so much pleasure or 

 profit by it, as may make it worthy the time of their perusal, if they be 

 not too grave or too busy men. And this is all the confidence that 

 I can put on, concerning the merit of what is here offered to their con- 

 sideration and censure ; and if the last prove too severe, as I have a 

 liberty, so I am resolved to use it, and neglect all sour censures. 



And I wish the reader also to take notice, that in writing of it 

 I have made myself a recreation of a recreation ; and that it might 

 prove so to him, and not read dull and tediously, / have in several 



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