248 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [PART H. 



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. 



Pise. 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. 



Pise. 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. 



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 : 't is 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. 



