Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/286

282 asked Mr. Contrite and the rest in what posture their town was at present.

Contr. You may be sure we are full of hurry in fair—time. 'Tis hard keeping our hearts and spirits in, good, order when we are in a cumbered condition. He that lives in such a place as this, and has to do with such as we have, has need of an item to caution him to take heed every moment of the day.

Hon. But how are your neighbours new for quietness?

Contr. They are much more moderate now than formerly. You know how Christian and Faithful were used at our town; but of late, I say, they have been far more moderate. I think the blood of Faithful lieth as a load upon them till now; for since they burned him, they have been ashamed to burn any more. In those days we were afraid to walk the streets; but now we can show our heads. Then the name of a prefessor was sodious; now, especially in some parts of our town (for you know our town is large), religion is counted honourable. Then said Mr. Contrite to them, Pray, how fared it with you in your pilgrimage? how stands the country affected towards you?

Hon. It happens to us as it happeneth to wayfaring men;—sometimes our way is clean, sometimes foul; sometimes up-hill, sometimes down-hill; we are seldom at a certainty. The wind (is not always on our backs, nor is every one a friend that we meet with in they 1 way. We have met with some notable rubs already, and what are to come we know not; but for the most part we ﬁnd it true that has been talked of old, A good man must suffer trouble.

Contr. You talk of rubs; what rubs, have you met with a?

Hon. Nay; ask Mr. Great-heart, our guide; for he can give best account of that.

Great., We have been beset three or four times already, First, Christiana and her children were beset by two ruffians, who they feared would take away their lives. We were beset by Giant Bloody-man, and Giant Maul, Giant Slay-Good.