Yet this, and much more, is most justly due:
Where what I write as elegant as true,
To the best friend I now or ever knew.

But, my dear friend, 'tis so, that you and I,
By a condition of mortality,

With all this great, and more proud world, must die :

In which estate, I ask no more of fame,

No other monument of honour claim,

Than that of your true friend to advance my name.

And if your many merits shall have bred
An abler pen, to write your life when dead;
I think an honester can not be read.

CHARLES COTTON.

Jan. 17, 1672.

The first edition of The Compleat Angler was thus advertised in The Perfect Diurnall: from Monday, May 9th, to Monday, May 16th, 1653:

"The Compleat Angler, or the Contemplative Man's Recreation, being

a discourse of Fish and Fishing, not unworthy the perusal of most Anglers, of 18 pence price. Written by Iz. Wa. Also the known Play of the Spanish Gipsee, never till now published: Both printed for Richard Marriot, to be sold at his shop in Saint Dunstan's Churchyard, Fleet Street."

And its publication was noted in similar terms in the Mercurius Politicus: from Thursday, May 12, to Thursday, May 19, 1653.

* This edition was issued during 1896-1897 in thirteen monthly parts.