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The
Compleat Angler

or the
Contemplative mans
Recreation.

Being a Difcourfe of FISH and FISHING, Not unworthy the perufal of most Anglers.

Simon Peter faid, Igod fishing; and they (aid, Wo
alfo wil go with thee. John zi.3.

London, Printes by T. Maxa for RICE. MARRIQT,in
Denfica Churcbayard Fleeckreet, 1653.

To the Right Worshipful JOHN OFFLEY

Of MADELY Manor in the
County of Stafford, Elg
My most honoured Friend

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encouraged to intreat that they may be enlarged to the patronage and protection of this Book and I have put on a modeft confidence, Az

that

that Ifhall not be denyed, becaufe 'tis a difcourse of Fish and Fishing, which you both know fo well, and

love and practice fo much.

You are affur'd (though there be ignorani men of an other belief) that Angling is an Art;and you know that Art better then any that I know:and that this is truth, is demoftrated by the fruits of that pleafant labor which you enjoy when you purpose to give reft to your mind, and deveft your felf of your

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more ferious bufineß, and (which is often) dedicate a day or two to this Recreati

on.

At which time, if common Anglers fhould attend you,and be eye-witnesses of the fuccefs, not of your for tune,but your skill, it would

doubtleß beget in them an emulation to be like you,and that emulation might beget an induftrious diligence to be fo:but I know it is not atain able by common capaci

ties,

A3 Sir,

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