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 be
encouraged to entreat, that they may be enlarged to the patronage and
protection of this Book: and I have put on a modest confidence, that I shall
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, that
Angling is an Art: and you know that Art better than others; and that this is
truth is demonstrated by the fruits of that pleasant labour which you enjoy,
when you purpose to give rest to your mind, and divest yourself of your
more serious business, and, which is often, dedicate a day or two to this
recreation.