A CONFERENCE BETWIXT 



Pise. Well, now Mr. Venator you shall neither want time 

 nor my attention to hear you enlarge your discourse concerning 

 Hunting. 



VEN. Not I Sir, I remember you said that Angling itself 

 was of great antiquity, and a perfect art, and an art not easily 

 attained to; and you have so won upon me in your former 

 discourse, that I am very desirous to hear what you can say 

 further concerning those particulars. 



Pise. Sir, I did say so, and I doubt not but if you and I 

 did converse together but a few hours, to leave you possessed 

 with the same high and happy thoughts that now possess me 

 of it ; not only of the antiquity of Angling, but that it deserves 

 commendations, and that it is an art, and an art worthy the 

 knowledge and practice of a wise man. 



VEN. Pray, Sir, speak of them what you think fit, for we 

 have yet five miles to the Thatched-house, during which 

 walk, I dare promise you my patience, and diligent attention 

 shall not be wanting. And if you shall make that to appear 

 which you have undertaken; first, that it is an art, and an 

 art worth the learning, I shall beg that I may attend you a 

 day or two a-fishing, and that I may become your Scholar, 

 and be instructed in the art itself which you so much 

 magnify. 



Pise. O, Sir, doubt not but that Angling is an art ; is it not 

 an art to deceive a Trout with an artificial fly ? a Trout ! that is 

 more sharp sighted than any Hawk you have named, and more 

 watchful and timorous than your high mettled Merlin is bold? 

 and yet, I doubt not to catch a brace or two to-morrow, for a 

 friend's breakfast: doubt not therefore, Sir, but that Angling 

 is an art, and an art worth your learning : the question is rather, 

 whether you be capable of learning it ? for Angling is somewhat 

 like poetry, men are to be born so : I mean with inclinations to 

 it, though both may be heightened by discourse and practice; 

 but he that hopes to be a good Angler, must not only bring an 

 inquiring, searching, observing wit ; but he must bring a large 

 measure of hope and patience, and a love and propensity to the 

 art itself; but having once got and practised it, then doubt not 

 but Angling will prove to be so pleasant, that it will prove to 

 be like virtue, a reward to itself. 



