TO THE READER OF THIS DISCOURSE, 



BUT ESPECIALLY 



TO THE HONEST ANGLER. 



I THINK fit to tell thee these following truths, that I did 

 neither undertake, nor write, nor publish, and much less 

 own, this Discourse to please myself ; and, having been too 

 easily drawn to do all to please others, as I propose not the 

 gaining of credit by this undertaking, so I would not wil- 

 lingly lose any part of that to which I had a just title before 

 I began it, and do therefore desire and hope, if I deserve 

 not commendations, yet I may obtain pardon. 



And though this Discourse may be liable to some ex- 

 ceptions, yet I cannot doubt but that most readers may 

 receive so much pleasure or profit by it, as may make it 

 worthy the time of their perusal, if they be not too grave or 

 too busy men. And this is all the confidence that I can 

 put on, concerning the merit of what is here offered to their 

 consideration and censure ; and if the last prove too severe, 

 as I have a liberty, so I am resolved to use it, and neglect 

 all sour censures. 



And I wish the reader also to take notice, that in writing 

 of it I have made myself a recreation of a recreation ; and 



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