CHAP. ii. THE FIRST DAY. 195 



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 is 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 

 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 steerj^as a 

 penthouse. 



Pisa To look down from hence it appears so, I confess; 

 but the path winds and turns, and will not be found so trouble- 

 some. 



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. 

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

 wheeTFjaTrows in this counTrvT 



PiSC. Not that I ever saw, sir. Why do you ask that 

 question ? 



