390 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. iART II. 



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

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

 you use to travel with wheelbarrows 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 quc 

 Dieu garde, est bien garde, (f 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 wel- 

 come into Staffordshire. 



Fiat. How, Staffordshire! What do I there, trow. 3 

 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. 



Fiat . I believe all things, Sir ; and doubt nothing. 

 Is this your beloved river Dove ? 'Tis clear and swift, 

 indeed ; but a very little one. 



Pise. You see it, here, at the worst: we shall 

 come to it, anon again, after two miles riding, and so 

 near as to lie upon the very banks. 



Fiat. Would we were there, once : but I hope we 

 have no more of these Alps to pass over. 



Pise. No, no, Sir, only this ascent before you ; 

 which you see is not very uneasy : and then you will 

 no more quarrel with your way. 



Fiat. Well, if ever I come to London of which 

 many a man there, if he were in my place, would 

 make a qucstion^-1 will sit down, and write njy 



