The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

I had now the whole south of France, from the banks of the Rhône to those of the Garonne, to traverse upon my mule at my own leisure -- at my own leisure -- -- -for I had left Death, the Lord knows -- -- -and He only -- how far behind me -- -- "I have followed many a man thro' France, quoth he -- but never at this mettlesome rate. " -- -- -Still he followed, -- -- -and still I fled him -- -- -but I fled him cheerfully -- -- -still he pursued -- -- -but, like one who pursued his prey without hope -- -- -as he lagg'd, every step he lost, soften'd his looks -- -- -why should I fly him at this rate?

So notwithstanding all the commissary of the post-office had said, I changed the mode of my travelling once more; and, after so precipitate and rattling a course as I had run, I flattered my fancy with thinking of my mule, and that I should traverse the rich plains of Languedoc upon his back, as slowly as foot could fall.