elegancies of his conversation; and pitty too, that so much of them as
were capable of such an expression, were not drawn by the pensil of a
_Tytian_ or a _Tentoret_, by a pen equall and more lasting then their art;
for his life ought to be the example of more then that age in which he
died. And yet this copy, though very much, indeed too much short of the
Originall, will present you with some features not unlike your dead friend,
and with fewer blemishes and more ornaments than when 'twas first made
publique: which creates a contentment to my selfe, because it is the
more worthy of him, and because I may with more civility intitle you to
it.

And in this designe of doing so, I have not a thought of what is pretended
in most Dedications, _a Commutation for Courtesies_: no indeed Sir, I put
no such value upon this trifle; for your owning it will rather increase my
Obligations. But my desire is, that into whose hands soever this shall
fall, it may to them be a testimony of my gratitude to your self and
Family, who descended to such a degree of humility as to admit me into
their friendship in the dayes of my youth; and notwithstanding my many
infirmities, have continued me in it till I am become gray-headed; and as
Time has added to my yeares, have still increased and multiplied their
favours.

This, Sir, is the intent of this Dedication: and having made the
declaration of it thus publick, I shall conclude it with commending them
and you to Gods deare love.

I remain, Sir, what your many merits have made me to be,
The humblest of your Servants,
ISAAC WALTON.