b

doubtless beget in them an emulation to be like you, and that emulation might beget an industrious diligence to be so; but I know it is not attainable by common capacities : and there be now many men of great wisdom, learning, and experience, which love and practise this Art, that know I speak the truth.

Sir, this pleasant curiosity of Fish and Fishing, of which you are so great a master, has been thought worthy the pens and practices of divers in other nations, that have been reputed men of great learning and wisdom. And

And amongst those of this nation, I remember Sir Henry Wotton, a dear lover of this Art, has told me, that his intentions were to write a Discourse of the Art, and in praise of Angling; and doubtless he had done

if death had not prevented him; the remembrance of which had often made me sorry, for if he had lived to do it, then the unlearned Angler had seen some better treatise of this Art, a treatise that might have proved worthy' his perusal, which, though some have undertaken, I could never yet see in English.

But mine may be thought as weak, and as unworthy of common view; and I do here freely confess, that I should rather excuse myself, than censure others, my own discourse being liable to

;

VARIATION.] b “and there be," &c. to "the truth,” added in the 2nd Edit. c of which I am one.- 1st Edit.

some treatise of this art worthy.- 1st Edit.

d

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 practise 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 ; a 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.

At which time, if common Anglers should attend

you, and be eyewitnesses of the success, not of your fortune, but your skill, it would

VARIATION.) a than any that I know.- 1st and 2nd Edit.
]

secondly, to Mary, daughter of Thomas Broughton, of Broughton in Staffordshire. He died in 1658, leaving, by his second wife, John, who was thirteen years old in 1663; Thomas, then aged twelve; and Mary, who became the wife of Sir Willoughby Aston, of Aston, in the county of Chester, Bart. John Offey, the eldest son, acquired Crew, in Cheshire, in right of his wife, Ann, daughter and coheiress of John Crew, of that place, Esq. by whom he had, first, John; second, Crew; third, Mary, who married Robert, Viscount Kilmorrey. John Offley, his son and heir, assumed the name of Crew, and died in 1749, leaving John Crew, of Crew, Esq. his son and heir, who was living in 1751, three other sons, and three daughters. Crew Offey, of Wichner, in the county of Stafford, the second son, married Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas Lawrence, of Chelsea; and dying in 1739, left, by her, two sons, John OMey, of Wichner, in the county of Stafford, living unmarried, and aged thirty-four in 1751, and Lawrence OMey, who died in 1749, unmarried. Records of the College of Arms, marked C 36 and 3 D 14. This Dedication is not the only evidence of a personal acquaintance between the families of Walton and Offey: a John Omey proved the will of Agnes Walton, of the parish of Madeley, on the 22nd of April, 1573.

doubtless beget in them an emulation to be like you, and that emulation might beget an industrious diligence to be so ; but I know it is not attainable by common capacities : and there be now many men of great wisdom, learning, and experience, which love and practise this Art, that know I speak the truth.

Sir, this pleasant curiosity of Fish and Fishing, of which you are so great a master, has been thought worthy the pens and practices of divers in other nations, that have been reputed men of great learning and wisdom. And amongst those of this nation, I remember Sir Henry Wotton, a dear lover of this Art, has told me, that his intentions were to write a Discourse of the Art, and in praise of Angling; and doubtless he had done so, if death had not prevented him ; the remembrance of which had often made me sorry, for if he had lived to do it, then the unlearned Anglere had seen some better treatise of this Art, a treatise that might have proved worthy' his perusal, which, though some have undertaken, I could never yet see in English.

But mine may be thought as weak, and as unworthy of common view; and I do here freely confess, that I should rather excuse myself, than censure others, my own discourse being liable to

VARIATION.] b "and there be," &c. to "the truth," added in the 2nd Edit. c of which I am one.

2.-1st Edit.
some treatise of this art worthy.- 1st Edit.

so many exceptions; against which

against which you, Sir, might make this one, that it can contribute nothing to your knowledge. And lest a longer epistle may diminish your pleasure, I shall make this no longer than to add this following truth, that I am really,

e

SIR,

Your most affectionate Friend,

and most humble Servant,

Iz. WA.

e

VARIATION.] e shall not adventure to make this epistle any longer.First four Editions.