"The Compleat ^Angler 



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 stones are so slippery 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 then the worst is past. 



VIAT. 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 que Dieu garde^ est bien gardd. " 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 fours. 



Pise. 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. 



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. 



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