Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/302

298 a hand to wield it and skill to use it, and he might venture upon an angel with it. He need not fear its holding, if he can but tell how to lay on. Its edge will never blunt. It will cut flesh and bones, and soul and spirit, and all.

Great. But you fought a great while; I wonder you was not weary.

Valiant. I fought till my sword did cleave to my hand; and when they were joined together as if a sword grew out of my arm, and when the blood ran through my ﬁngers, then I fought with most courage.

Great. Thou hast done well. Thou hast resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Thou shalt abide by us, come in and go out with us; for we are thy companions.

Then they took him and washed his wounds, and gave him of what they had to refresh him and so they went on together.

Now, as they went on, because Mr. Great-heart was delighted in him (for he loved one greatly that he found to be a man of his hands), and because there were in company them that were feeble and weak, therefore he questioned with him about many things; as, first, what countryman he was.

Valiant. I am of Dark-land; for there I was born, and there my father and mother are still.

Great. Dark-land, said the guide; doth not that lie on the same coast with the City of Destruction?

Valiant. Yes, it doth. Now, that which caused me to come on pilgrimage was this: We had one Mr. Tell-true come into our parts, and he told it about what Christian had done, that went-from the City of Destruction is—namely,how he had forsaken his wife and children, and had betaken himself to a pilgrim's life; It was also confidently reported, how he had killed a serpent that did come out to resist him in his journeys; and how he got: through to whither he intended. It was also told what welcome he had at all his Lord's lodgings, especially when he came the gates of the Celestial City;