THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 255 



YIAT. 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 break- 

 ing 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. 



YIAT. 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 ; bub 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. 



YIAT. 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 garde. 

 " 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. 



YIAT. 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. 



YIAT. I believe all things, sir, and doubt nothing. Is 

 this your beloved river, Dove ? 'Tis clear and swift, indeed, 

 but a very little one. 



