Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/34

30 strong castle, of which Beelzebub is the captain; from thence both he, and them that are with him, shoot arrows at those that come up to this gate, if haply they may die before they can enter in.

Then said Christian, I rejoice and tremble. So when he was got in, the man at the gate asked him who directed him thither.

Chr. Evangelist bid me some hither and knock, as I did; and he said, that you, sir, would tell me what I must do.

Good-w. An open door is set before thee, and no man can shut it.

Chr. Now I begin to reap the benefit of my hazards.

Good-w. But how is it that you came alone?

Chr. Because none of my neighbours saw their danger, as I saw mine.

Good-w. Did any of. them know of your coming?

Chr. Yes; my wife and children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn again: also some of my neighbours stood crying and calling after me to return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way.

Good-w. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back?

Chr. Yes; both Obstinate and Pliable. But when they saw that they could not prevail, Obstinate went railing back, but Pliable came with me a little way.

Good-w. But why did he not come through?

Chr. We indeed came both together until we came to the Slough of Despond, into the which we also suddenly fell. And then was my neighbour Pliable discouraged, and would not venture further. Wherefore, getting out again, on the side next to his own house, he told me I should possess the brave country alone for him: so he went his way, and I came mine: he after Obstinate, and I to this gate.

Good-w. Then said Good-will, Alas, poor man! is the Celestial glory of so little esteem with him, that he counteth