CHAP. II. THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 389 



siderable rivers ; as Awber, Eroways, and the like, 

 scarce worth naming, but trouty too ; and further we 

 are not to enquire. But, Sir, I have carried you, as a 

 man may say, by water, till we are now come to the 

 descent of the formidable hill I told you of; (at the 

 foot of which runs the river Dove, which I cannot but 

 love above all the rest; and therefore prepare yourself 

 to be a little frightened. 



Viat. Sir, I see you would fortify me, that I should 

 not shame myself: but I dare follow where you please 

 to lead me. And I see no danger yet ; 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 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! these stories are so slip? 

 pery 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 tjien the 

 >vorst is past. 



