FIRST DAY. 393 



PlSC. 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 com- 

 pany, and to lead you the way ; and, if you please, my man 

 shall lead your horse. 



VlAT. 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. 



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

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

 troublesome. 



VlAT. 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. 



PlSC. 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. 



VlAT. 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 ? 



PlSC. Not that I ever saw, Sir. Why do you ask that 

 question ? 



VlAT. Because this bridge certainly was made for nothing 

 else ; why, a mouse can hardly go over it ; 't is not two 

 fingers broad. 



PlSC. You are pleasant, and I am glad to see you so ; 

 but I have rid over the bridge many a dark night. 



VlAT. Why, according to the French proverb, and 't is a 



