The Compleat ^Angler 



the same manner I do with you ; that he was my Master, who first 

 taught me to love angling, and then to become an angler; and to be 

 plain with you, I am the very man deciphered in his book under 

 the name of Venator ; for I was wholly addicted to the chace, till 

 he taught me as good, a more quiet, innocent, and less dangerous 

 diversion. 



Pise. Sir, I think myself happy in your acquaintance, and before 

 we part shall entreat leave to embrace you ; you have said enough 

 to recommend you to my best opinion ; for my father Walton will 

 be seen twice in no man's company he does not like, and likes none 

 but such as he believes to be very honest men ; which is one of the 

 best arguments, or at least of the best testimonies I have, that I 

 either am, or that he thinks me, one of those, seeing I have not yet 

 found him weary of me. 



VIAT. You speak like a true friend, and in doing so render your- 

 self worthy of his friendship. May I be so bold as to ask your name ? 



Pise. Yes surely, sir, and if you please a much nicer question ; 

 my name is , and I intend to stay long enough in your com- 

 pany, if I find you do not dislike mine, to ask yours too. In the 

 meantime, because we are now almost at Ashborn, I shall freely and 

 bluntly tell you, that I am a brother of the angle too, and, perad- 

 venture, can give you some instructions how to angle for a trout in 

 a clear river, that my father Walton himself will not disapprove, 

 though he did either purposely omit, or did not remember them, 

 when you and he sat discoursing under the sycamore tree. And, 

 being you have already told me whither your journey is intended, 

 and that I am better acquainted with the country than you are ; I 

 will heartily and earnestly entreat you will not think of staying at 

 this town, but go on with me six miles farther to my house, where 

 you shall be extremely welcome ; it is directly in your way, we have 

 day enough to perform our journey, and, as you like your entertain- 

 ment, you may there repose yourself a day or two, or as many more 

 as your occasions will permit, to recompense the trouble of so much 

 a longer journey. 



VIAT. Sir, you surprise me with so friendly an invitation upon so 

 short acquaintance ; but how advantageous soever it would be to me, 



274 



