Produced by Tokuya Matsumoto <toqyam@os.rim.or.jp>
To the Right worshipful
John Offley
of Madeley Manor, in the County of Stafford
Esquire, My most honoured Friend
Sir,—I have made so ill use of your former favours, as by them to beencouraged to entreat, that they may be enlarged to the patronage andprotection of this Book: and I have put on a modest confidence, that Ishall not be denied, because it is a discourse of Fish and Fishing,which you know so well, and both love and practice so much.
You are assured, though there be ignorant men of another belief, thatAngling is an Art: and you know that Art better than others; and thatthis is truth is demonstrated by the fruits of that pleasant labourwhich you enjoy, when you purpose to give rest to your mind, and divestyourself of your more serious business, and, which is often, dedicate aday or two to this recreation.
At which time, if common Anglers should attend you, and be eyewitnessesof the success, not of your fortune, but your skill, it would doubtlessbeget in them an emulation to be like you, and that emulation mightbeget an industrious diligence to be so; but I know it is not attainableby common capacities: and there be now many men of great wisdom,learning, and experience, which love and practice this Art, that know Ispeak the truth.
Sir, this pleasant curiosity of Fish and Fishing, of which you are sogreat a master, has been thought worthy the pens and practices of diversin other nations, that have been reputed men of great learning andwisdom. And amongst those of this nation, I remember Sir Henry Wotton, adear lover of this Art, has told me, that his intentions were to write aDiscourse of the Art, and in praise of Angling; and doubtless he haddone so, if death had not prevented him; the remembrance of which hadoften made me sorry, for if he had lived to do it, then the unlearnedAngler had seen some better treatise of this Art, a treatise that mighthave proved worthy his perusal, which, though some have undertaken, Icould never yet see in English.
But mine may be thought as weak, and as unworthy of common view; and Ido here freely confess, that I should rather excuse myself, than censureothers, my own discourse being liable to so many exceptions; againstwhich you, Sir, might make this one, that it can contribute nothing toYOUR knowledge. And lest a longer epistle may diminish your pleasure, Ishall make this no longer than to add this following truth, that I amreally,
Sir,
your most affectionate Friend,
and most humble Servant,
Iz. Wa.
The epistle to the reader
To all Readers of this discourse, but especially to the honest Angler
I think fit to tell thee these following truths; that I did neitherundertake, nor write, nor publish, and much less own, this Discourse toplease myself: and, having been too easily drawn to do all to pleaseothers, as I propose not the gaining of credit by this undertaking, so Iwould not willingly lose any part of that to which I had a just titlebefore I began it; and do therefore desire and hope, if I deserve notcommendations, yet I may obtain pardon.
And though this Discourse may be liable to some exceptions, yet I cannotdoubt but that most Readers may receive so much pleasure or profit byit, as may make it worthy the time of their perusal, if they be not toograve or too busy men. And t