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.

But

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

PISC. That it may soon be; for Ashbourn 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 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 shewed you your lodgings, I beseech you command any thing you want; and so I wish you good rest.

CHAPTER III.

PISCATOR.

Good morrow, Sir: what! up and dressed so early? VIAT. Yes, Sir, I have been dressed this half hour: for I rested so well, and have so great a mind either to take, or see a Trout taken in your fine river, that I could no longer lie a-bed.

PISC. I am glad to see you so brisk this morning, and so eager of 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?

VIAT. For breakfast, I never eat any, and for drink I am very indifferent; but if you please to call for a glass of ale, I'm for you: and let it be quickly, if you please, for I long to see the little fishing-house you spoke of, and to be at my lesson.

PISC. Well, Sir, you see the ale is come without calling; for though I do not know yours, my people know my diet, which is always one glass so soon as I am dressed, and no more till dinner; and so my servants have served you.

VIAT. My thanks! And now, if you please, let us look out this fine morning.

PISC. With all my heart. Boy, take the key of my fishing-house, and carry down those two anglerods in the hall window, thither, with my fish-pannier, pouch, and landing-net; and stay you there till we come. Come, Sir, we'll walk after; where, by the way, I expect you should raise all the exceptions against our country you can.

VIAT. Nay, Sir, do not think me so ill-natured, nor so uncivil: I only made a little bold with it last night to divert you, and was only in jest.

PISC. You were then in as good earnest as I am now with you; but had you been really angry at it, I could not blame you; for, to say the truth, it is not very taking at first sight. But look you, Sir, now you are abroad, does not the sun shine as bright here as in Essex, Middlesex, or Kent, or any of your southern counties? VIAT.

'Tis a delicate morning indeed; and I now think this a marvellous pretty place.

PISC. Whether you think so or no, you cannot oblige me more than to say so; and those of my friends who know my humour, and are so kind as to comply with it, usually flatter me that way. But look you, Sir, now you are at the brink of the hill, how do you like my river, the vale it winds through like a snake, and the situation of my little fishinghouse?