The Complete Angler 1653 by Izaak Walton
page 18 of 141 (12%)
page 18 of 141 (12%)
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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, and an art not easily learn'd? _Pisc_. Yes (Sir:) and I doubt not but that if you and I were to converse together but til night, I should leave you possess'd with the same happie thoughts that now possesse me; not onely for the Antiquitie of it, but that it deserves commendations; and that 'tis an Art; and worthy the knowledge and practice of a wise, and a serious man. _Viat_. Sir, I pray speak of them what you shall think fit; for wee have yet five miles to walk before wee shall come to the _Thatcht house_. And, Sir, though my infirmities are many, yet I dare promise you, that both my patience and attention will indure to hear what you will say till wee come thither: and if you please to begin in order with the antiquity, when that is done, you shall not want my attention to the commendations and accommodations of it: and lastly, if you shall convince me that 'tis an Art, and an Art worth learning, I shall beg I may become your Scholer, both to wait upon you, and to be instructed in the Art it self. _Pisc_. Oh Sir, 'tis not to be questioned, but that it is an art, and an art worth your Learning: the question wil rather be, whether you be capable of learning it? For he that learns it, must not onely bring an enquiring, searching, and discerning wit; but he must bring also that _patience_ you talk of, and a love and propensity to the art itself: but having once got and practised it, then doubt not but the Art will |
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