CHAP. II.] THE FIRST DAT. 371 



formidable hill I told you of, at the foot of which runs the 

 river Dove, which I cannot but love above all the rest ; and 

 therefore prepare yourself to be a little frighted. 



Viat. Sir, I see you would fortify me, that I should not 

 shame myself ; but I dare follow where you please to lead 

 me ; and I see no danger yet ; for the descent, methinks, is 

 thus far, green, even, and easy. 



Pise. You will like it worse presently, wlien you come to 

 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 frequently 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 loo'k 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. 



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 wheel-barrows 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 : it is not two 

 fingers broad. 



B B 2 



