COMMENDATORY VERSES, 



TO MY DEAR BROTHER, IZAAK WALTOX, 

 UPON HIS COMPLETE ANGLER. 



ERASMUS, in his learned Colloquies, 

 Has mix'd some toys, tnat, by varieties, 

 He might entice all readers : for in him 

 Each child may wade, or tallest giant swim. 

 And such is this discourse : there 's none so low, 

 Or highly learn 'd, to whom hence may not flow- 

 Pleasure and information ; both which are 

 Taught us with so much art, that I might swear 

 Safely, the choicest critic cannot tell 

 Whether your matchless judgment most excel 

 In angling or its praise ; where commendation 

 First charms, then makes an art a recreation. 



'Twas so to me ; who saw the cheerful spring 

 Pictured in every meadow ; heard birds sing 

 Sonnets in every grove ; saw fishes play 

 In the cool crystal streams, like lambs in May : 

 And they may play, till anglers read this book ; 

 But after, 'tis a wise fish 'scapes a hook. 



Jo. FLOUD, Master of Arts. 



TO THE READER OF THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



FIRST, mark the title well : my friend that gave it 

 Has made it good ; this book deserves to have it ; 

 For he that views it with judicious looks, 

 Shall find it full of art, baits, lines, and hooks. 



The world the river is ; both you and I, 

 And all mankind, are either fish or fry. 

 If we pretend to reason, first or last, 

 His baits will tempt us, and his hooks hold fast. 

 Pleasure or profit, either prose or rhyme, 

 If not at first, will doubtless take in time. 



Here sits, in secret, bless'd Theology, 

 Waited upon by grave Philosophy 

 Both natural and moral ; History, 

 Deck'd and adorn'd with flowers of Poetry, 

 The matter and expression striving which 

 Shall most excel in worth, yet not seem rich. 

 There is no danger in his baits ; that hook 

 Will prove the safest fliat is surest took. 



