CHAP. I. THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 273 



me, Sir, you will find the miles much longer, and the way 

 much worse, before you come to your journey's end. 



Viat. Why ! truly, Sir ! for that I am prepared *o ex- 

 pect the worst ; but methinks the way is mended since I 

 had the good fortune to fall into your good company. 



Pise. You are not obliged to my company for that, 

 but because you are already past the worst, and the 

 greatest part of your way to your lodging. 



Viat. I am very glad to hear it, both for the ease of 

 myself and my horse; but, especially, because I may 

 then expect a freer enjoyment of your conversation : 

 though the shortness of the way will, I fear, make me lose 

 it the sooner. 



Pise. That, Sir, is not worth your care : and I am sure 

 you deserve much better, for being content with so ill 

 company. But we have already talked away two miles 

 of your journey ; for, from the brook before us, that runs 

 at the foot of this sandy hill, you have but three miles to 

 Ashborn. 



Viat. I meet, every-where in this country, with these 

 little brooks ; and they look as if they were full of fish : 

 have they not Trouts in them ? 



Pise. That is a question which is to be excused in a 

 stranger, as you are : otherwise, give me leave to tell you, 

 it would seem a kind of affront to our country, to make a 

 doubt of what we pretend to be famous for, next, if not 

 before, our malt, wool, lead, and coal ; for you are to un- 

 derstand, that we think we have as many fine rivers, 

 rivulets, and brooks, as any country whatever ; and they 

 are all full of Trouts, and some of them the best (it is 

 said) by many degrees, in England. 



Viat. I was first, Sir, in love with you ; and now shall 



be so enamoured of your country, by this account you 



give me of it, as to wish myself a Derbyshire man, or at 



least that I might live in it : for you must know I am a 



T 



