264 THE COMPLETE ANGLER 



Pise. You will like it worse presently, when you. 

 come to the brow of the hill ; and now we are there, 

 what think you ? 



VIAT. What do I think? Why I think it is the 

 strangest place that, ever sure, men and horses went 

 down ; and that, if there be any safety at all, the safest 

 way is to alight. 



Pise. I think so too for you, who are mounted upon 

 a beast not acquainted with these slippery stones ; and 

 though I frequently ride down, I will alight too to bear 

 you company, and to lead you the way ; and, if you please, 

 my man shall lead your horse. 



VIAT. Marry, Sir, and thank you too : for I am 

 afraid I shall have enough to do to look to myself ; and, 

 with my horse in my hand should be in a double fear, 

 both of breaking my neck, and my horse's falling on 

 me ; for it is as steep as a penthouse. 



Pise. To look down from hence it appears so, I 

 confess ; but the path winds and turns, and will not 

 be found so troublesome. 



VIAT. Would I were well down though ! Hoist 

 thee ! there's one fair 'scape 1 these stones are so slippery 

 I cannot stand ! yet again ! I think I were best lay 

 my heels in my neck, and tumble down. 



Pise. If you think your heels will defend your neck, 

 that is the way to be soon at the bottom ; but give 

 me your hand at this broad stone, and then the worst 

 is past. 



VIAT. I thank you, Sir, I am now past it, I can go 

 myself. What's here the sign of a bridge ? Do you 

 use to travel with wheelbarrows in this country ? 



Pise. Not that I ever saw, Sir. Why do you ask 

 that question ? 



VIAT. Because this bridge certainly was made for 

 nothing else ; why a mouse can hardly go over it : 'tis 

 not two fingers broad. 



