The Compleat ^Angler 







These, sir, have been the opinions of several men that have 

 possibly endeavoured to make angling more ancient than is needful, 

 or may well be warranted ; but for my part, I shall content myself 

 in telling you, that angling is much more ancient than the Incar- 

 nation of our Saviour ; for in the prophet Amos mention is made 

 of fish-hooks ; and in the book of Job (which was long before the 

 days of Amos, for that book is said to be writ by Moses) 

 mention is made also of fish-hooks, which must imply anglers in 

 those times. 



But, my worthy friend, as I would rather prove myself a gentle- 

 man, by being learned and humble, valiant and inoffensive, virtuous 

 and communicable, than by any fond ostentation of riches ; or, 

 wanting those virtues myself, boast that these were in my ancestors 

 (and yet I grant that where a noble and ancient descent, and such 

 merit meet in any man, it is a double dignification of that person) ; 

 so if this antiquity of angling (which for my part I have not forced) 



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