THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 47 



What's here, the sign of a bridge ?* Do you use to travel with 

 wheel-barrows in this country ? 



Pisc. Not that I ever saw, Sir. Why do you ask that ques- 

 tion ? 



ViAT. Because this bridge certainly was made for nothing 

 else : why a mouse can hardly go over it : 'tis not two fingers 

 broad. 



Pisc. 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 bien 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. 



Pisc 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. 



Pisc. 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. Is this 

 your beloved river Dove ? It is clear and swift indeed, but a 

 very little one. 



Pisc. 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. 



ViAT. Would we were there once ; but I hope we have no 

 more of these Alps to pass over. 



Pisc 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. 



ViAT. Well, if ever I come to London, of which many a man 



* Alexander, in his Joiirnal, speaks of " the small and narrow bridge, as 

 described by Cotton," from which we may infer that it is still standing, or 

 was, in 1815. — lim. Ed. 



