394 THE COMPLETE ANGLER 



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 four. 



PlSC. Well, Sir, your mirth becomes you, and I am glad 

 to see you safe over, and now you are welcome into Staf- 

 fordshire. 



VIAT. How, Staffordshire ! What do I there, trow ? 

 There is not a word of Staffordshire in all my direction. 



PlSC. You see you are betrayed into it, but it shall be in 

 order to something that will make amends ; and 't is but 

 an ill mile or two out of your way. 



VlAT. I believe all things, Sir, and doubt nothing. Is 

 this your beloved river Dove ? 'T is clear and swift indeed, 

 but a very little one. 



PlSC. You see it, here, at the worst ; we shall come to it 

 anon again, after two miles' riding, and so near as to lie 

 upon the very banks. 



VlAT. Would we were there once ! but I hope we have 

 no more of these Alps to pass over. 



PlSC. No, no, Sir, only this ascent before you, which you 

 see is not very uneasy, and then you will no more quarrel 

 with your way. 



VlAT. Well, if ever I come to London, of which many a 

 man there, if he were in my place, would make a question, 

 I will sit down and write my travels ; and, like Tom Coriate, 

 print them at my own charge. Pray what do you call this 

 hill we came down ? 



