Page:The pilgrim's progress by John Bunyan every child can read (1909).djvu/275

Rh When they were come to the arbor, they were very willing to sit down, for they were all in a pelting heat. Then said Mercy, "How sweet is rest to them that labor, and how good is the Prince of pilgrims to provide such resting-places for them! Of this arbor I have heard much, but I never saw it before. But here let us beware of sleeping; for, as I have heared [sic], for that it cost poor Christian dear."

Then said Mr. Great-heart to the little ones, "Come, my pretty boys, how do you do? what think you now of going on pilgrimage?"

"Sir," said, the least, "I was almost beat out of heart; but I thank you for lending me a hand at my need. And I remember now what my mother has told me, namely, "That the way to heaven is as up a ladder, and the way to hell is as down a hill." But I rather go up the ladder to life, than the hill to death."

Then said Mercy, "But the proverb, is, 'To go down the hill is easy.

But James said (for that was his name). "The day is coming when, in my opinion, going downhill will be the hardest of all."

"That's a good boy," said his master; "thou hast given her a right answer."

Then Mercy smiled, but the little boy did blush.

Chr. "Come," said Christiana, "will you eat a bit, a little to sweeten your mouths, while you sit here to rest your legs? for I have here a piece of pomegranate, which Mr. Interpreter put in my