Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/301

Rh thieves. Then they demanded what I should say to the second. So I told them, the place from whence I name, had I not found incomodity there, I had not forsaken it at all; but finding it altogether unsuitable to me, and very unprofitable for me, I forsook it for this way. Then they asked me what I said to the third. And I told them, my life cost far more dear than that I should lightly give it away. Besides, you have nothing to do thus to put things to my choice; wherefore at your peril be it if you meddle. Then these three—to wit, Wild~head, Inconsiderate, and Pragmatic—drew upon me, and I also drew upon them. So we fell to it, one against three, for the space of above three hours. They have left upon me, as you see, some of the marks of their valour, and have also carried away with them some of mine. They are but just now gone: I suppose they might, as the saying is, hear your horse dash, and so they betook themselves to flight.

Great. But here was great odds, three against one.

Valiant. 'Tis true; but little or more are nothing to him that has the truth on his side. "Though an host should encamp against me," said one, "my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident," etc. Besides, said he, I have read in some records, that one man has fought an army: and how many did Samson slay with the jawbone of an ass!

Great. Then said the guide, Why did you not cry out, that some might have come for your succour?

Valiant. So I did, to my King, who I knew could hear me, and afford invisible help, and that was sufficient for me.

Great. Then said Great-heart to Mr. Valiant-for—truth, Thou hast worthily behaved thyself; let me see thy sword. So he showed it him.

When he had taken it in his hand, and looked thereon a while, he said, Ha! it is a. right Jerusalem blade.

Valiant. It is so. Let a man have one of these blades, with