232 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [part ii. 



Viator. 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. 



PiSCATOR. 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. 



Viator. 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 ? 



PiSCATOR. Not that I ever saw. Sir ; why do you ask that 

 question ? 



Viator. Because this bridge certainly was made for nothing 

 else : why ! a mouse can hardly go over it : 'tis not two fingers 

 broad. 



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

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



Viator. 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 Men gardd, " They 

 whom God takes care of are in safe protection : " but, let me tell 

 you, I would not ride oyer 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. 



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

 to see you safe over, and now you are welcome into Staffordshire. 



Viator. How, Staffordshire ! What do I there, trow .' there 

 is not a word of Staffordshire in all my direction. 



PiSCATOR. 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. 



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

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

 a very little one. 



PiSCATOR. 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. 



Viator. Would we were there once : but I hope we have no 

 more of these Alps to pass over. 



PiSCATOR. 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. 



