chap, ii.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 281 



for the descent, methinks, is thus far, green, even, 

 and easy. 



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 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 dou- 

 ble 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 ! 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. 



