Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/195

Rh Spanish mines. Nor shalt thou he rejected, though thou goest but upon my invitation. The King, who hath sent for me and my children, is one that delighteth in mercy. Besides, it thou Wilt, I will hire thee, and thou shalt go along with me as my servant. Yet we will have all things in common betwixt thee and me: only go along with me.

Mer. But how shall I be ascertained that I also shall be entertained? Had I this hope but from one that can tell, I would make no stick at all, but would go, being helped by Him that can help, though the way he never so tedious.

Chr. Well, loving Mercy, I will tell thee what thou shalt do: Go with me to the Wicket-Gate, and there I will further inquire for thee; and if there thou shalt not meet with encouragement, I will be content that thou return to thy place. I will also pay thee for thy kindness which thou showest to me and my children in the accompanying of us in our way as thou dost.

Mer. Then will I go thither, and will take what shall follow; and the Lord grant that my lot may there fall even as the King of heaven shall have his heart upon me.

Christiana was then glad at her heart, not only that she had a companion, but also for that she had prevailed with this poor maid to fall in love. with her own salvation. So they went on together, and Mercy began to weep. Then said Christiana, Wherefore weepeth my sister so?

Mer. Alas! said she, who can but lament, that shall but rightly consider What a state and condition my poor relations are in, that yet remain in our sinful town? And that which makes my grief the more heavy is, because they have no instructor, nor any to tell them what is to come.

Chr. Bowels becometh pilgrims; and thou dost for thy friends as my good Christian did for me when he left me: he mourned for that I would not heed nor regard him. But his Lord and ours did gather up his tears, and put them into his bottle; and now both I and thou, and these my sweet