The Compleat ^Angler 



Jaaier 



E-H-N- 



Auc. Why, sir, I pray, of what fraternity are you, that you are 

 so angry with the poor Otters ? 



Pise. I am, sir, a brother of the Angle, and therefore an enemy 

 to the Otter : for you are to note that we Anglers all love one 

 another, and therefore do I hate the Otter, both for my own and for 

 their sakes who are of my brotherhood. 



VEN. And I am a lover of Hounds ; I have followed many a 

 pack of dogs many a mile, and heard many merry huntsmen make 

 sport and scoff at Anglers. 



Auc. And I profess myself a Falconer, and have heard many 

 grave serious men pity them, 'tis such a heavy, contemptible, dull, 

 recreation. 



Pise. You know, gentlemen, 'tis an easy thing to scoff at any 

 art or recreation ; a little wit, mixed with ill-nature, confidence, and 

 malice, will do it ; but though they often venture boldly, yet they 

 are often caught, even in their own trap, according to that of Lucian, 

 the father of the family of scoffers. 



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