240 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [PART II. 



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

 that it is an excellent good one ; and that the forementioned 

 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 triend any man ever had : nay, I shall yet 

 acquaint you further, that he gives me leave to call him father, 

 and I hope is not yet ashamed to own me for his adopted son, 



VIAT. In earnest, Sir, I am ravished to meet 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 ; that he 

 was my Master who first taught me to love Angling, and then 

 to become an Angler ; and, to be plain v/ith you, I am the 

 very man deciphered in his book under the name of Venator ; 

 for I was wholly addicted to the Chase, 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 yourself 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 company, if I find you do not dislike mine, to ask 

 ' yours" too. In the mean time, because we are now almost at; 



