THE COMPLETE ANGLER 253 



VIAT. Why ! truly, Sir ! for that I am prepared to 

 expect the worst ; but methinks the way is mended 

 since I had the good fortune to fall into your good 

 company. 



Pise. You are not obliged to my company for that, 

 but because you are already past the worst, and the 

 greatest part of your way to your lodging. 



VIAT. I am very glad to hear it, both for the ease of 

 myself and my horse ; but especially, because I may 

 then expect a freer enjoyment of your conversation : 

 though the shortness of the way will, I fear, make me lose 

 it the sooner. 



Pise. That, Sir, is not worth your care : and I am 

 sure you deserve much better for being content with 

 so ill company. But we have already talked away 

 two miles of your journey ; for, from the brook before 

 us, that runs at the foot of this sandy hill, you have 

 but three miles to Ashborn. 



VIAT. I meet, everywhere in this country, with these 

 little brooks ; and they look as if they were full of fish : 

 have they not trouts in them ? 



Pise. That is a question which is to be excused in 

 a stranger, as you are : otherwise, give me leave to tell 

 you, it would seem a kind of affront to our country, to 

 make a doubt of what we pretend to be famous for, next, 

 if not before, our malt, wool, lead, and coal ; for you 

 are to understand, that we think we have as many fine 

 rivers, rivulets, and brooks, as any country whatever ; 

 and they are all full of trouts, and some of them the 

 best, it is said, by many degrees, in England. 



VIAT. I was first, Sir, in love with you ; and now 

 shall be so enamoured of your country by this account 

 you give me of it, as to wish myself a Derbyshire man, 

 or at least that I might live in it : for you must know 

 I am a pretender to the angle, and, doubtless, a trout 

 affords the most pleasure to the Dangler of any sort of 



