46 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



Trent at a place called Wildoii, and there loses its name. The 

 east side of this county of Derby is bounded by little inconsidera- 

 ble rivers, as Awber, Eroways, and the like, scarce worth nam- 

 ing, but trouty too ; and further we are not to inquire. 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 

 frighted. 



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. 



Pisc. 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. 



Pisc. I think so too for you, who are mounted upon a beast 

 not acquainted with these slippery stones ; and though I fre- 

 quently 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. 



Pisc. 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. 



Pisc. 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. 



ViAT. I thank you, Sir ; I am now past it, I can go myself. 



