To my dear Brother, Mr. Isaac Walton, upon his 

 Compleat 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 

 Tought us with so much art, that I might swear 

 Safely, the choicest critic cannot tell, 

 Whether your matchless judgment most excel 

 In angling or its -praise : where commendation 

 First charms, then makes an art a recreation. 



'Twas so to me : who saw the cheerful Spring 

 Pictured in every meadow, heard birds sing 

 Sonnets in every grove, saw fishes play 

 In 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. 



Io. Floud, Mr. of Arts. 



II 



