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Ven. Pray, sir, speak of them what you think fit, for we have yet
five miles to the Thatched-House; during which walk, I dare promise
you, my patience and diligent attention shall not be wanting. And
if you shall make that to appear which you have undertaken---first,
that it is an art, and an art worthy the learning, I shall beg that
I may attend you a day or two a-fishing, and that I may become your
scholar and be instructed in the art itself which you so much magnify.
Pisc. O, sir, doubt not but that angling is an art; is it not
an art to deceive a trout with an artificial fly? a trout that
is more sharp-sighted than any hawk you have named, and more watchful
and timorous than your high-mettled merlin is bold? and yet I
doubt not to catch a brace or two to-morrow, for a friend's breakfast:
doubt not, therefore, sir, but that angling is an art, and an
art worth your learning. The question is rather, whether you be
capable of learning it? for angling is somewhat like poetry, men
are to be born so: I mean with inclinations to it, though both
may be heightened by discourse and practice; but he that hopes
to be a good angler, must not only bring an inquiring, searching,
observing wit, but he must bring a large measure of hope and patience,
and a love and propensity to the art itself; but having once got
and practised it, then doubt not but angling will prove to be
so pleasant, that it will prove to be, like virtue, a reward to
itself.
Ven. Sir, I am now become so full of expectation, that I long
much to have you proceed, and in the order that you propose.
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