And now having said this much by way of preparation, I am next to tell you, that in ancient times a debate hath risen, (and it is not yet resolved) Whether _Contemplation_ or _Action_ be the chiefest thing wherin the happiness of a man doth most consist in this world? Concerning which, some have maintained their opinion of the first, by saying, "[That the nearer we Mortals come to God by way of imitation, the more happy we are:]" And that God injoyes himself only by _Contemplation_ of his own _Goodness, Eternity, Infiniteness_, and _Power_, and the like; and upon this ground many of them prefer _Contemplation_ before _Action_: and indeed, many of the Fathers seem to approve this opinion, as may appear in their Comments upon the words of our Saviour to _Martha_. [Luk. 10. 41, 42] And contrary to these, others of equal Authority and credit, have preferred _Action_ to be chief; as experiments in _Physick_, and the application of it, both for the ease and prolongation of mans life, by which man is enabled to act, and to do good to others: And they say also, That _Action_ is not only Doctrinal, but a maintainer of humane Society; and for these, and other reasons, to be preferr'd before _Contemplation_. Concerning which two opinions, I shall forbear to add a third, by declaring my own, and rest my self contented in telling you (my worthy friend) that both these meet together, and do most properly belong to the most honest, ingenious, harmless Art of Angling. And first I shall tel you what some have observed, and I have found in my self, That the very sitting by the Rivers side, is not only the fittest place for, but will invite the Angler to Contemplation: That it is the fittest place, seems to be witnessed by the children of _Israel_, [Psal. 137.] who having banish'd all mirth and Musick from their pensive hearts, and having hung up their then mute Instruments upon the Willow trees, growing by the Rivers of _Babylon_, sate down upon those banks bemoaning the _ruines of Sion_, and contemplating their own sad condition. And an ingenuous _Spaniard_ sayes, "[That both Rivers, and the inhabitants of the watery Element, were created for wise men to contemplate, and fools to pass by without consideration.]" And though I am too wise to rank myself in the first number, yet give me leave to free my self from the last, by offering to thee a short contemplation, first of Rivers, and then of Fish: concerning which, I doubt not but to relate to you many things very considerable. Concerning Rivers, there be divers wonders reported of them by Authors, of such credit, that we need not deny them an Historical faith.