e_
concerning _Cats_: And I hope I may take as great a libertie to blame
any Scoffer, that has never heard what an Angler can say in the
justification of his Art and Pleasure.

But, if this satisfie not, I pray bid the Scoffer put this Epigram into
his pocket, and read it every morning for his breakfast (for I wish him
no better;) Hee shall finde it fix'd before the Dialogues of _Lucian_
(who may be justly accounted the father of the Family of all
_Scoffers_:) And though I owe none of that Fraternitie so much as good
will, yet I have taken a little pleasant pains to make such a
conversion of it as may make it the fitter for all of that Fraternity.

_Lucian_ well skill'd in _scoffing_, this has writ,
Friend, that's your folly which you think your wit;
This you vent oft, void both of _wit_ and _fear_,
Meaning an other, when your self you jeer.

But no more of the _Scoffer_; for since _Solomon_ sayes, [Pro 24. 9.] he
is an abomination to men, he shall be so to me; and I think, to all that
love _Vertue_ and _Angling_.

_Viat._ Sir, you have almost amazed me: for though I am no Scoffer, yet
I have (I pray let me speak it without offence) alwayes look'd upon
_Anglers_ as more patient, and more simple men, then (I fear) I shall
finde you to be.

_Piscat._ Sir, I hope you will not judge my earnestnesse to be
impatience: and for my _simplicitie_, if by that you mean a
_harmlessnesse_, or that _simplicity_ that was usually found in the
Primitive Christians, who were (as most _Anglers_ are) quiet men, and
followed peace; men that were too wise to sell their consciences to buy
riches for vexation, and a fear to die. Men that lived in those times
when there were fewer Lawyers; for then a Lordship might have been
safely conveyed in a piece of Parchment no bigger then your hand,
though several skins are not sufficient to do it in this wiser Age. I
say, Sir, if you take us Anglers to be such simple men as I have spoken
of, then both my self, and those of my profession will be glad to be so
understood. But if by simplicitie you meant to expresse any general
defect in the understanding of those that professe and practice
_Angling_, I hope to make it appear to you, that there is so much
contrary reason (if you have but the patience to hear it) as may remove
all the anticipations that Time or Discourse may have possess'd you
with, against that Ancient and laudable Art.

_Viat._ Why (Sir) is Angling of Antiquitie, and an Art