chap, i.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 267 



they will permit you to slack your pace, out of 

 complacency to a traveller utterly a stranger in 

 these parts, and who am still to wander further out 

 of my own knowledge. 



Pise. Sir, you invite me to my own advantage, 

 and I am ready to attend you ; my way lying through 

 that town ; hut my business, that is, my home, some 

 miles beyond it ; however, I shall have time enough 

 to lodge you in your quarters, and afterwards to 

 perform my own journey. In the mean time, may 

 I be so bold as to enquire the end of your journey ? 



Viat. 'Tis into Lancashire, Sir, and about some 

 business of concern to a near relation of mine : for 

 I assure you, I do not use to take so long journies, 

 as from Essex, upon the single account of pleasure. 



Pise. From thence, Sir ! I do not then wonder 

 you should appear dissatified with the length of 

 the miles, and the foulness of the way ; though I 

 am sorry you should begin to quarrel with them so 

 soon : for, believe me, Sir, you will find the miles 

 much longer, and the way much worse, before you 

 come to your journey's end. 



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. 



