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?

Pisc. 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: 'tis not two fingers broad.

PISC. You are pleasant, and I am glad to see you so but I have rid over the bridge many a dark night.

VIAT. 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 bien gardé. 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.

Pisc. Well Sir, your mirth becomes you, and I am glad to see you safe over, and now you are welcome into Staffordshire.

VIAT. HOW, Staffordshire! What do I there trow? there is not a word of Staffordshire in all my direction.

Pisc. 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.

VIAT. I believe all things, Sir, and doubt nothing. Is this your beloved river Dove? 'Tis clear, and swift indeed, but a very little one.

PISC. 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.

VIAT. Would we were there once; but I hope we have no more of these Alps to pass over.

PISC. 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.

VIAT. 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 come down?

PISC. We call it Hanson Toot.

VIAT. Why, farewell Hanson Toot, I'll no more on thee; I'll go twenty miles about first: Puh! I sweat, that my shirt sticks to my back.

Pisc. Come, Sir, now we are up the hill, and now how do you?

VIAT. Why very well, I humbly thank you, Sir, and warm enough, I assure you. What have we here, a Church? As I'm an honest man, a very pretty Church! Have you Churches in this country, Sir?

PISC. You see we have: but had you seen none, why should you make that doubt Sir?

VIAT. Why, if you will not be angry, I'll tell you I thought myself a stage or two beyond Christendom.

Pisc. Come, come, we'll reconcile you to our country before we part with you; if shewing you good sport with Angling will do it.

VIAT. My respect to you, and that together may do much, Sir; otherwise, to be plain with you, I do not find myself much inclined that way.

Pisc. Well, Sir, your raillery upon our mountains has brought us almost home; and look you where the same river of Dove has again met us to bid you welcome, and to invite you to a dish of Trouts to-morrow.

VIAT. Is this the same we saw at the foot of Penmen-Maure? It is a much finer river here.

PISC. It will appear yet much finer to-morrow. But look you, Sir, here appears the house, that is now like to be your inn, for want of a better.

VIAT. It appears on a sudden, but not before 'twas looked for; it stands prettily, and here's wood about it too, but so young, as appears to be of your own planting.

Pisc. It is so. Will it please you to alight, Sir; and now permit me after all your pains and dangers to take you in my arms, and to assure you that you are infinitely welcome.

VIAT. I thank you, Sir, and am glad with all my heart I am here; for, in down right truth, I am exceeding weary.

PISC. You will sleep so much the better; you

shall presently have a light supper, and to bed. Come, Sirs, lay the cloth, and bring what you have presently, and let the Gentleman's bed be made ready in the mean time, in my father Walton's chamber; and now, Sir, here is my service to you, and once more welcome.

VIAT. I marry, Sir, this glass of good sack has refreshed me, and I'll make as bold with your meat, for the trot has got me a good stomach.

Pisc. Come, Sir, fall to then, you see my little supper is always ready when I come home; and I'll make no stranger of you.

VIAT. That your meal is so soon ready, is a sign your servants know your certain hours, Sir. I confess I did not expect it so soon; but now 'tis here, you shall see I will make myself no stranger.

PISC. Much good do your heart, and I thank you for that friendly word: and now, Sir, my service to you in a cup of More-Lands ale: for you are now in the More-Lands, but within a spit and a stride of the Peak; fill my friend his glass.

VIAT. Believe me you have good ale in the MoreLands; far better than that at Ashborn.

PISC. That it may soon be: for Ashborn has, which is a kind of a riddle, always in it the best malt, and the worst ale in England. Come, take away, and bring us some pipes, and a bottle of ale, and go to your own suppers. Are you for this diet, Sir?

VIAT. Yes, Sir, I am for one pipe of tobacco; and I perceive your's is very good by the smell.

PISC. The best I can get in London, I assure you. But, Sir, now you have thus far complied with my designs, as to take a troublesome journey into an ill country, only to satisfy me; how long may I hope to enjoy you?

VIAT. Why truly, Sir, as long as I conveniently can; and longer, I think, you would not have me,

PISC. Not to your inconvenience by any means, Sir, but I see you are weary, and therefore I will presently wait on you to your chamber, where take counsel of your pillow, and to-morrow resolve me. Here, take the lights, and pray follow them, Sir: Here you are like to lie, and now I have shewed you your lodgings, I beseech you command any thing you want; and so I wish you good rest.