Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/179

Rh Leave such, my Christiana, to their choice,

And seek those who to ﬁnd thee Will rejoice:

By no means strive, but, in most humble wise,

Present thee to them in thy Pilgrim’s guise.

Go then, my little Book, and show to all

That entertain, and bid thee welcome shall,

What thou shalt keep close shut up from the rest,

And wish What thou shalt show them may he blast

To then: for good, and make them choose to be

Pilgrims better by far than thee or me.

Go then, I say, tell all men who thou art;

Say, I am Christiana, and my part

ls now, with my four sons, to tell you what

it is for men to take a Pilgrim’s lot.

Go, also, tell them who and What they he

That now do go on pilgrimage with thee:

Say, Here’s my neighbour, Mercy; she is one

That has long time with me a Pilgrim gone.

Come, see her in her Virgin face, and learn

'Twixt idle ones and Pilgrims to discern.

Yea, let young damsels learn of her to prize

The world which is to some, in any Wise.

When little tripping; maidens follow God, And leave old doting sinners to his rod,

'Tis like those days wherein the young ones cried

Hosanna! to Whom old ones did deride.

Next tell them of old Honest, whom you found

With his White hairs, treading the Pilgrim's ground;

Yea, tell them how plain-hearted this man was,

How after his good Lord he have his cross.

Perhaps with some gray head this may prevail

With Christ to fall in love, and sin bewail.