The Compleat ^Angler 



sturgeons, lampreys, and mullets, which they would purchase at rates 

 rather to be wondered at than believed. He that shall view the 

 writings of Macrobius or Varro may be confirmed and informed of 

 this, and of the incredible value of their fish and fish-ponds. 



But, gentlemen, I have almost lost myself, which I confess I may 

 easily do in this philosophical discourse ; I met with most of it very 

 lately (and I hope happily) in a conference with a most learned 

 physician, Dr. Wharton, a dear friend, that loves both me and my 

 art of angling. But, however, I will wade no deeper in these 

 mysterious arguments, but pass to such observations as I can manage 

 with more pleasure, and less fear of running into error. But I must 

 not yet forsake the waters, by whose help we have so many known 

 advantages. 



And first, to pass by the miraculous cures of our known baths, 

 how advantageous is the sea for our daily traffic, without which we 

 could not now subsist ! How does it not only furnish us with food 

 and physic for the bodies, but with such observations for the mind 

 as ingenious persons would not want ! 



How ignorant had we been of the beauty of Florence, of the 

 monuments, urns, and rarities that yet remain in and near unto old 

 and new Rome (so many as it is said will take up a year's time to 

 view, and afford to each of them but a convenient consideration) ; 

 and therefore it is not to be wondered at that so learned and devout 

 a father as St. Jerome, after his wish to have seen Christ in the flesh, 

 and to have heard St. Paul preach, makes his third wish, to have seen 

 Rome in her glory ; and that glory is not yet all lost, for what 

 pleasure is it to see the monuments of Livy, the choicest of the 

 historians ; of Tully, the best of orators ; and to see the bay-trees 

 that now grow out of the very tomb of Virgil ! These, to any that 

 love learning, must be pleasing. But what pleasure is it to a devout 

 Christian to see there the humble house in which St. Paul was content 

 to dwell, and to view the many rich statues that are made in honour 

 of his memory ! nay, to see the very place in which St. Peter and he 

 lie buried together ! These are in and near to Rome. And how 

 much more doth it please the pious curiosity of a Christian to see 

 that place on which the blessed Saviour of the world was pleased to 



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