Izaak Walton Men Quotations

As no man is born an artist, so no man is born an angler.

No man can lose what he never had.

It [angling] deserves commendations;... it is an art worthy the knowledge and practice of a wise man.

These poor rich men, we anglers pity them perfectly.

It was wisely said, by a man of great observation, that there are as many miseries beyond riches as on this side of them.

We see but the outside of a rich man's happiness; few consider him to be like the silkworm, that, when she seems to play, is at the very same time consuming herself.

Lord, what music hast thou provided for Thy saints in heaven, when Thou affordest bad men such music on earth!

It is agreed by most men, that the Eele is a most daintie fish; the Romans have esteemed her the Helena of their feasts, and some The Queen of pleasure.

The will of man is by his reason swayed.

Of this blest man, let his just praise be given, Heaven was in him, before he was in Heaven.

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

A companion that feasts the company with and mirth, and leaves out the sin which is usually mixed with them, he is the man; and let me tell you, good company and good discourse are the very sinews of virtue.

Angling is somewhat like poetry, men are to be born so...

This dish of meat is too good for any but anglers, or very honest men.

Rivers and the inhabitants of the watery elements are made for wise men to contemplate and for fools to pass by without consideration.