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 call this hill we came down?

do you

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? churches in this country, sir?

Have you

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 showing 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. But look you,

Pisc. It will appear yet much finer to-morrow.

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 downright 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 meantime, in my father Walton's chamber; and now, sir, here service to you, and once more welcome.

is my

VIAT. Ay 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 More-Lands, far better than that at Ashborn.

Pisc. That it may soon be for Ashborn has (which is a kind of 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 yours 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 showed you your lodging, I beseech you, command anything you want, and so I wish you good rest. VIAT. Good-night, sir.

The Fishing House.

CHAPTER III

ISC. Good-morrow, sir, what up and drest so early? VIAT. Yes, sir, I have been drest this half-hour; for I rested so well, and have so great a mind either to take, or to see a trout taken in your fine river, that I could no longer lie abed.

PISC. I am so glad to see you so brisk this morning, and so eager for sport; though I must tell you, this day proves so calm, and the sun rises so bright, as promises no great success to the angler; but, however, we'll try, and, one way or other, we shall sure do something. What will you have to your breakfast, or what will you drink this morning?