i88 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. PART n. 



your naming of Hantshire; and I pray what is your opinion of 

 that book ? 



PlSC. My opinion of Mr. Walton's book is the same with 

 every man's that understands anything of the art of angling, 

 that it is an excellent good one, and that the fore-mentioned 

 gentleman understands as much of fish, and fishing, as any man 

 living: but I must tell you further, that I have the happiness to 

 know his person, and to be intimately acquainted with him, and 

 in him to know the worthiest man, and to enjoy the best, and 

 the truest friend any man ever had ; nay, I shall yet acquaint 

 you further, that he gives me leavp.^to rail him Father, and I 

 hope Js not yet a^hamed^to own me for his adoptecTSbn. 



VlAT. In earnest, sir, I am" ravished to m^et with a friend of 

 Mr. Izaak Walton's, and one that does him so much right in so 

 good and true a character; for I must boast to you, that I have 

 the good fortune to know him too, and came acquainted with 

 him much after the same manner I do with you ; thathewas 

 my MnrfrPi-j -mVir> firrf ^nnjVii- mf* f Q l QV e anting, and then to 

 become ap ang-W; nnH to he plain, with vou. I amthe 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. 



PlSC. 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 ^W^lfon will be. seen twice in no man's company he does 

 not likf^jind Jik^i num. luii~siich as he. ' belT^ves to be very 

 honest men ; which is one of the best argumentspor~aTleast of 

 tTTe 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 

 yourself worthy of his friendship. May I be so bold as to ask 

 your name ? 



PlSC. Yes surely, sir, and if you please a much nicer question j 



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



company, if I find you do not dislike mine, to ask yours too* 



