36 THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 



Sir, This pleasant curiosity of Fish and Fishing, of which 

 you are so great a master, has been thought worthy the pens 

 and practices of divers in other nations that have been reputed 

 men of great learning and wisdom ; and amongst those of this 

 nation, I remember Sir Henry Wotton, a dear lover of this 

 Art, has told me that his intentions were to write a Discourse 

 of the Art, and in praise of Angling. And doubtless he had 

 done so, if death had not prevented him ; the remembrance of 

 which hath often made me sorry : for, if he had lived to do it, 

 then the unlearned Angler had seen some better Treatise of 

 this Art, a Treatise that might have proved worthy his perusal ; 

 which, though some have undertaken, I could never yet see in 

 English. 



But mine may be thought as weak, and as unworthy of com- 

 mon view : and I do here freely confess that I should rather 

 excuse myself, than censure others, my own discourse being 

 liable to so many exceptions ; against which, you, Sir, might 

 make this one, that it can contribute nothing to your knowl- 

 edge. And, lest a longer Epistle may diminish your pleasure, 

 I shall make this no longer than to add this following truth, 

 That I am really, Sir, 



Your affectionate Friend, 



And most humble Servant, 



Iz. WA. 



