(both for the pleasure and profit of it) prove like to _Vertue, a
reward to it self_.

_Viat_. Sir, I am now become so ful of expectation, that I long much to
have you proceed in your discourse: And first, I pray Sir, let me hear
concerning the antiquity of it.

_Pisc_. Sir, I wil preface no longer, but proceed in order as you
desire me: And first for the Antiquity of _Angling_, I shall not say
much; but onely this; Some say, it is as ancient as _Deucalions_ Floud:
and others (which I like better) say, that _Belus_ (who was the
inventer of godly and vertuous Recreations) was the Inventer of it: and
some others say, (for former times have had their Disquisitions about
it) that _Seth_, one of the sons of _Adam_, taught it to his sons, and
that by them it was derived to Posterity. Others say, that he left it
engraven on those Pillars which hee erected to preserve the knowledg of
the _Mathematicks, Musick_, and the rest of those precious Arts, which
by Gods appointment or allowance, and his noble industry were thereby
preserved from perishing in _Noah's_ Floud.

These (my worthy Friend) have been the opinions of some men, that
possibly may have endeavoured to make it more ancient then may well be
warranted. But for my part, I shall content my self in telling you,
That _Angling_ is much more ancient then the incarnation of our
Saviour: For both in the Prophet _Amos_ [Chap. 42], and before him in
_Job_ [Chap. 41], (which last Book is judged to be written by _Moses_)
mention is made _fish-hooks_, which must imply _Anglers_ in those
times.

But (my worthy friend) as I would rather prove my self to be a