282 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [part II. 



Viat. I thank you, Sir, I am now past it, I can 

 go myself. What's here ? the sign of a hridge ? Do 

 you use to travel with wheel-barrows 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. 



Pise. You are pleasant, and I am glad to see 

 you so : but I have rid over the bridge many a dark 

 night. 



Viat. Why, according to the French proverb, and 

 'tis a good one among a great many of worse sense 

 and sound that language abounds in, Ce que Dieu 

 garde, est Men gard£. They whom God takes care 

 of, are in safe protection : but, let me tell you, I 

 would not ride over it for a thousand pounds, nor 

 fall off it for two ; and yet I think I dare venture on 

 foot, though if you were not by to laugh at me, I 

 should do it on all four. 



Pise. Well, Sir, your mirth becomes you, and 

 I am glad to see you safe over ; and now you are 

 welcome into Staffordshire, 



Viat. How, Staffordshire/ What do I there 

 trow ? There is not a word of Staffordshire in all my 

 direction. 



Pise. You see you are betrayed into it. but 

 it shall be in order to something that will make 

 amends ; and 'tis but an ill mile or two out of 

 your way. 



Viat. I believe all things, Sir, and doubt nothing. 



