32 EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 



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 common 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 one, that it can contribute nothing 

 to your knowledge. 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 most affectionate friend, and most humble servant, 



IZAAK WALTON. 



TO 



ALL READERS 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 willingly lose any part of that to which I had a just title before 

 I begun it, and do therefore desire and hope, if I deserve not commenda- 

 tions, yet I may obtain pardon. 



And though this discourse may be liable to some exceptions, 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 considera- 

 tion 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 that it might prove so to 

 him, and not read dull and tediously, I have in several places mixed, not 

 any scurrility, but some innocent, harmless mirth, of which, if thou be a 



