CHAP. I. THE COMPLETE ANGLER* 379 



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 dissatisfied 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 be- 

 lieve 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. 



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 con- 

 versation : 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 every-where in this country, with 

 these little brooks ; and they look as if they were full 

 offish : 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 [to,] 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 ac- 



y 3 



