But I think all that love this game may here learn something that may be worth their money, if they be not poor and needy men: and in case they be, I then wish them to forbear to buy it; for I write not to get money, but for pleasure, and this discourse boasts of no more; for I hate to promise much, and deceive the reader. And however it proves to him, yet I am sure I have found a high content in the search and conference of what is here offered to the reader's view and censure: I wish him as much in the perusal of it, and so I might here take my leave; but will stay a little and tell him, that whereas it is said by many, that in fly-fishing for a trout, the angler must observe his twelve several flies for the twelve months of the year, I say, he that follows that rule shall be as sure to catch fish, and be as wise as he that makes hay by the fair days in an almanack, and no surer; for those very flies that used to appear about and on the water in one month of the year, may, the following year, come almost a month sooner or later, as the same year proves colder or hotter and yet, in the following Discourse, I have set down the twelve flies that are in reputation with many anglers; and they may serve to give him some observations concerning them. And he may note, that there are in Wales, and other countries, peculiar flies, proper to the particular place or country; and, doubtless, unless a man makes a fly to counterfeit that very fly in that place, he is like to lose his labour, or much of it; but for the generality, three or four flies, neat and rightly made, and not too big, serve for a trout in most rivers all the summer; and for winter fly-fishing, is as useful as an almanack out of date. And of these, because as no man is born an artist, so no man is born an angler, I thought fit to give thee this notice. When I have told the reader, that in this fifth impression there are many enlargements, gathered both by my own observation, and the communication with friends, I shall stay him no longer than to wish him a rainy evening to read this following discourse; and that, if he be an honest angler, the east wind may never blow when he goes a-fishing. I. W. The fifth, as it is the last of the editions published in the author's lifetime, has been carefully followed in the present publication. See the Author's Life. 1 COMMENDATORY VERSES, TO MY DEAR BROTHER, IZAAK WALTON, UPON HIS COMPLETE ANGLER. ERASMUS, in his learned Colloquies, Whether your matchless judgment most excel 'Twas so to me; who saw the cheerful spring Jo. FLOUD, Master of Arts. TO THE READER OF THE COMPLETE ANGLER. FIRST, mark the title well: my friend that gave it Shall find it full of art, baits, lines, and hooks. His baits will tempt us, and his hooks hold fast. For are we caught alone, but, which is best, And danger of a surfeit here is none. More praise is due: for 'tis both positive CH. HARVIE, Master of Arts. 10 MY DEAR FRIEND, MR IZAAK WALTON, IN PRAISE OF ANGLING, WHICH WE BOTH LOVE. Down by this smooth stream's wandering side,' Of Flora's wardrobe, where the shrill Aerial choir express their skill, First, in alternate melody, And then in chorus all agree. Whilst the charm'd fish, as ecstasied With sounds, to his own throat denied,2 'Tis here that pleasures sweet and high Such as to body, soul, or fame, Roses, not fenced with pricks, grow here; An obvious rod, a twist of hair, In this clear stream let fall a grub, In yon dead hole expects your hook: Supposed to be Christopher Harvie, for whom sce Athen. Oxon. vol. L et vide infra, chap. v. Which, having first your pastime been, When you these creatures wisely choose To practise on, which to your use Distemper'd, serious, turning sad; The water's calmness in your breast, The daughter's dower, th' inheritance Then on these banks let me sit down, Το conquer nations and protect. My reed affords such true content, Delights so sweet and innocent, As seldom fall unto the lot Of sceptres, though they 're justly got. 1349. THO. WEAVER, Master of Arts. TO THE READERS OF MY MOST INGENUOUS FRIEND'S BOOK, "THE COMPLETE ANGLER." With which, when finely touch'd and fitly strung, He studies first to hook, and then to land Some Trout, or Perch, or Pike; and having done, And that escaped his hook, which with a wile Did eat the bait, and fisherman beguile. Thus whilst some vex'd they from their lands are thrown, EDV. POWELL, Master of Arts. TO MY DEAR BROTHER, MR IZAAK WALTON, ON HIS COMPLETE ANGLER. THIS book is so like you, and you like it, I love this mirth, art, wit, the book, and you. LAUDATORUM CARMINA. ROB. FLOUD, C. CLARISSIMO AMICISSIMOQUE FRATRI, DOMINO ISAACO WALTON, UNICUS est medicus reliquorum piscis, et istis, Dr Richard Holdsworth. See an account of him in the Fasti Oxon. 207; and in Ward's Lives of the Gresham Professors. + Dr Daniel Featly, for whom see Athen. Oxon. 603. Dr George Morley, bishop of Winchester, |