TO THE READER.
Reading edition
Sir,
The book I here present to you was put into the Printer’s hands for the entertainment of a few Gentlemen Fishers; and I hope you take a pleasure in the harmless recreation of Angling, otherwise I may not hope you will overlook its defects. I heartily wish it were a more worthy tribute to the memory of those best masters of our art, Mr. Izaak Walton, and Mr. Charles Cotton:
‘ALAS, THAT THEY ARE DEAD!’
But I beseech you to be civil, and moderate in your censures; for I undertook those pleasant walks, to which I here invite you, by the banks of the Dove (now ten years are past) to unbend my mind from some serious cares. And that I may not detain you from the perusal, I have only this ivfurther to desire,—that we may all have a south wind when we go a-fishing,—and be blest with a virtuous cheerful spirit, a peaceful conscience, and at last eternal rejoicings in the kingdom of angels.
Your loving friend
and humble servant,
J. L. A.
From my House at ——
Festival of St. Peter, 1687.
