The Pilgrim's Progress from this world — to that
which is to come, in the similitude of a dream

by John Bunyan
 

Retold for Children and Adapted to School Reading, by James Baldwin, 1913

(Editor's note: a superb audio recording of this book (Parts 1 & 2) by James Baldwin, can be downloaded for just $5.98)
 

THE MAN WITH THE BURDEN

As I walked through a great wilderness, I came to a certain place where there was a Den, and I laid myself down in that place to sleep — and as I slept I dreamed a dream.

I DREAMED — and I thought that I saw in my dream a man standing with his face turned away from his own house. He was clothed in rags, a book was in his hand, and a great burden was on his back.

Then I saw him open the book and read; and as he read, he wept and cried out, "What shall I do?"

By and by he turned and went into his house. His wife and children saw that he was in trouble, and they wondered; but he kept silent for a long time, and said not a word.

At last, when he could hold in no longer, he said, "Dear ones, do you see this great burden that is on my back? It is so heavy that I can hardly bear its weight."

But they could not see the burden, and they wondered at his words. "Dear father," they said, "you are very tired. When you have slept and are rested, you will feel much better."

"Ah, no," he answered; "it is not sleep that will relieve me. For this book says that the city in which we live will surely be burned with fire; and unless we escape from it soon — we shall all perish! Do you wonder that I am distressed?"

They looked at him sorrowfully; for they feared that he had lost his mind. Then they persuaded him to lie down. But he could not sleep. All night long he tossed upon his bed, groaning and weeping.

Very early in the morning he arose. His children came to him and said, "Dear father, how do you feel after your night's rest?"

"Worse and worse!" he answered. "There is no rest for me while this heavy burden is on my back."

"We cannot see any burden," said his wife. "You are surely losing your mind."

The man looked at her sadly and then went out into the fields. There he walked back and forth all day, sometimes reading from his book — and sometimes weeping most bitterly.

"What shall I do to be saved?" he cried; and he looked this way and that, as if he would run. But he did not know which way to go.

At length an old man, with long white beard and a gentle face, came that way and saw him weeping.

"What is the matter?" asked the stranger, whose name was EVANGELIST. "Why are you crying?"

"Oh, sir," answered the man, "this book which I have in my hand tells me, that unless I get rid of this heavy burden I shall surely die!"

"Then why do you stand here?" asked Evangelist. "Why don't you go and get rid of it?"

"Because I don't know which way to go," said the man, still weeping.

Then Evangelist pointed with his finger towards the blue hills far, far away.

"Look!" he said. "Do you see that wicket gate?"

"No."

"Then do you see a shining light yonder in the distance?"

"Yes, I think I do."

"Well, then, keep that light always in view. Go straight towards it, and by and by you can see the wicket gate. When you have come to the gate, knock, and the one who keeps it will tell you what to do."

 

THE SLOUGH OF DESPOND

Then I saw in my dream, that the man thanked Evangelist and began to run.

His wife and children, who were watching him, cried out to him to stop. "Come back, father!" they called. "Come back and stay with us!"

But he would not listen. He ran on, keeping his face towards the far-away hills and never losing sight of the shining light.

His neighbors saw him running, and they wondered what could ail him. Some pitied, and said, "He is mad!" Some laughed, and said, "He is a fool!" Others called out loudly, "Come back! Come back!"

Two of his friends, whose names were OBSTINATE and PLIABLE, ran after him. And, as they were light of foot, they soon overtook him.

"My friends," he said, "why do you run after me?"

"Oh," said the one whose name was Obstinate, "we are going to take you back home."

"No you will not," answered the runner. "I will not go back to that City of Destruction. I have started to a far better place, and I would like to persuade you to go with me."

"And leave all our friends and comforts behind us?" said Obstinate.

"Certainly," answered GRACELESS — for that was the man's name. "For my book tells me that in the glorious city which lies beyond those far-away mountains, I shall find treasures much richer than those I am leaving behind."

"Oh, nonsense!" said Obstinate. "Who has ever seen that city? Will you go back with us? Or will you still behave like a fool?"

"Have a care, neighbor," said the other man, whose name was Pliable. "Perhaps he is right; and if so, he is wiser than we. I have heard of that Celestial City, and I have half a mind to go with him."

"Then go, if you wish," answered Obstinate. "I shall return to my own place. I'll have nothing to do with such foolish fellows!"

So he turned and went back; and Graceless and Pliable ran on together across the plain.

"I am glad you are going with me," said Graceless.

"And I am glad to be your companion," said Pliable.

Then they talked as they ran; and Graceless told Pliable many wonderful things about the Celestial City towards which they were going. But the burden that was on his back bore heavily upon him, and he soon became weary. "Dear Pliable," he said, "I cannot go so fast. The way grows rougher, and this burden is hard to carry!"

So they went on more slowly — but they kept their faces turned always towards the shining light and the distant mountains.

Soon they came to a great bog that seemed to fill the whole plain before them. It was called the Slough of Despond, and it was so deep with mire that no one had ever been able to build a road across it. But it looked so much like the solid ground that Graceless and Pliable fell into it before they were aware, and were soon waist deep in the mud!

"Dear Pliable, I am sinking still deeper!" cried Graceless. "This burden is pressing me down!"

"That proves that all you have been telling me is a mistake," said Pliable. "If the road to the Celestial City is like this — I want no more of it!"

Then with a desperate struggle he managed to climb out of the bog at the place where he had fallen in. He was covered with mire, and very, very angry; and without trying to help his companion, or stopping to tell him good-by, he strode hastily back toward his home.

Graceless was left to struggle alone in the Slough of Despond. But he kept his face turned toward the distant hills, and even while floundering in the mire — he now and then caught glimpses of the shining light.

By and by, he reached the farther side; but there the mire was deep, and his burden was so heavy that he could not climb out. For a long time he struggled there — but scarcely was he able to keep himself from sinking entirely in the dreadful mire.

At length, when his strength was almost gone, a man who heard his cries came down to the edge of the bog to look at him. This man's face was pleasant to see, and his arms were strong. His name was HELP.

"How did you get into this bog?" he asked.

"I was on my way to yonder wicket gate," answered Graceless; "and before I saw my danger, I fell in."

"Give me your hand," said Help.

Graceless did so, and Help lifted him out of the mire, and set his feet on solid ground.

"Now take courage," he said, "and go straight onward to the wicket gate."

"I thank you," said Graceless. "Now I feel stronger than before; and although this burden is still heavy, I will persevere."

And with that, he went on, keeping his face turned always toward the shining light.

 

WORLDLY WISEMAN

Then I saw in my dream that Pliable went with all speed back to his own house. When his neighbors heard that he had returned, they went to visit him. They asked him all sorts of questions about his little journey, and he answered them truly.

'Well, I think you were very wise to come back home so quickly," said the first neighbor.

"You are not to be pitied. You were a fool for having anything to do with that man Graceless!" said the second neighbor.

"But you showed yourself a great coward," said the third neighbor. "A man who undertakes a journey and then gives it up as soon as the road becomes rough, is not to be depended upon in time of need."

Poor Pliable at first hung his head in shame. But when they began to tell stories about Graceless, and to laugh at what they called his folly, he joined them and laughed as loudly as the rest. And there let us leave him.

For Graceless was still walking onward, and now and then he caught glimpses of the wicket gate, standing, white and bright, at the entrance to a mountain pass. But his burden was now so heavy that his going was very slow, and at every step he groaned with weariness.

By and by he came to a crossroad, and there a stranger met him. The man smiled when he saw Graceless, and spoke to him in a very pleasant manner.

"How now, my good fellow, where are you going?" he said. "And what are you doing with that big burden on your back?"

Graceless told him that he was on his way to the wicket gate, and that he hoped when he reached it, to be shown how to get rid of his burden.

"Well," said the stranger, "I have spent many years in study, and my neighbors call me WORLDLY WISEMAN because of my wisdom. Will you listen to me if I give you some advice?"

"Certainly," said Graceless; "for I need good counsel."

"Well, then, I advise you to get rid of that burden as soon as possible," said Wiseman.

"That is just what I wish to do," answered Graceless. "But I cannot take it off myself, and there is no man in our country who can remove it. And that is why I am going to the wicket gate."

"Who told you to go there?"

"A good man who seemed to me very gentle and loving. His name is Evangelist."

Worldly Wiseman laughed. "He is a fine fellow, indeed — to be giving advice to others," he said. "Why, he knows nothing at all — and yet he pretends to know everything."

"Well, I felt sure that he knew how I might get rid of this burden," answered Graceless. "He showed me this road."

"And a pretty road it is," sneered Mr. Wiseman. "There is not a more dangerous way in all the world. You have already met with some of its difficulties; for I see that the mud of the Slough of Despond is upon you."

"Yes, and I came near being buried in its mire!" said Graceless.

"Well, if you keep on in that same road — you will meet with many worse things: hunger and cold, lions, dragons, darkness, and death. Take my advice, and don't cast your life away so foolishly!" said Mr. Wiseman.

"Sir," answered Graceless, "this burden is so terrible to me that I am willing to face all sorts of dangers if only I can be delivered from it."

"How came you to get the burden, in the first place?"

"By reading this book that I have in my hand."

"I thought so. That book has filled many a man's mind with foolish notions about things of which we know nothing."

"Well, I know one thing. I know that I would like to be eased from this burden."

Worldly Wiseman took Graceless by the hand, and spoke to him very gently.

"Do you see yonder village at the farther end of this broad road?" he asked.

"Yes, I see it," answered Graceless.

"Well, the name of that village is Morality," said Mr. Wiseman. "I have lived there for many years, and it is a very pleasant place, indeed. There is a lawyer there, a near neighbor of mine, who knows all about burdens of every kind. His name is LEGALITY, and I would advise you to go and see him at once!"

"Are you sure that he can remove this burden of mine?" asked Graceless.

"Most certainly he can," answered Mr. Wiseman; "and he will do much more. He will put you in the way of getting a home for yourself in our village. Then you may send for your wife and children, and live happily among honest neighbors all the rest of your life."

"Oh, how delightful that would be!" cried Graceless.

"It would certainly be better than trying to reach that wicket gate," said Mr. Wiseman.

"I think so, too," said Graceless. "Please show me the way to that honest lawyer's house."

"Do you see yonder high hill?" asked Mr. Wiseman.

"Yes, I see it very well."

"Then follow the road which leads by that hill. The first house you come to is the house of Mr. Legality."

Graceless thanked him and bade him good-by. Then he turned into the broad road on his left, and walked as fast as his burden would let him towards the hill which had been pointed out to him. It was not more than a mile away, and he soon found himself at its foot.

But what a fearful hill it was! It was now a great mountain, and it seemed to hang right over the road, and Graceless feared every moment that it would topple over upon him. He stood still and trembled. There was no house in sight, no shelter of any kind. The earth shook; flashes of fire came out of the mountain; he knew not which way to go.

"Oh, that I had not listened to the words of Worldly Wiseman!" he cried.

Then, as he lifted his eyes, whom did he see but Evangelist coming to meet him.

"What are you doing here, my friend?" asked the good man.

Graceless could not say a word.

"Are you not the man whom I found crying in the field by the City of Destruction? And didn't I show you the way to the wicket gate?" asked Evangelist.

"Yes, dear sir, you showed me the way," answered the poor man.

"Then how is it that I find you here?" asked Evangelist.

Graceless told him how he had met Mr. Worldly Wiseman at the crossing of the roads, and how he had been persuaded to seek the house of the lawyer Legality.

And when he had finished, he cried, "Woe is me now, for I am undone!"

But Evangelist took him by the hand and said, "This Worldly Wiseman, who pretended to be so friendly to you — had no desire to help you. On the contrary, he wished only to turn you out of the way and send you to destruction! For that reason he advised you to go to Mr. Legality, who has no power whatever to remove your burden."

"Alas! alas!" cried Graceless, "I see now my error. I ought not to have listened to that man. I ought not to have turned off from the straight way which leads toward the shining light."

"Surely you did very wrong," answered Evangelist, "and you deserve to suffer for your folly."

Then there was a great rumbling in the earth, as though words were coming from it; fire flashed from the crevices in the rocks; and the mountain shook from top to bottom.

Graceless expected nothing but death. But seeing the gentle face of Evangelist, he took courage.

"Sir," he asked, "is there no hope? Is there no way of escape? May I not be forgiven? And may I not return and go up to the wicket gate?"

Evangelist answered him very kindly, "Yes, if you are truly sorry for your error, you may again seek the true way. The man at the gate will receive you, for he has good will for all men."

"Then I will go back," said Graceless.

Evangelist kissed him, gave him one smile, and bade him Godspeed.

And Graceless went on with haste, and spoke to no man by the way.

 

THE WICKET GATE

Then I saw in my dream that the man Graceless came, by and by, to the wicket gate. Now, over the gate there was written, "Knock — and it shall be opened unto you." So he knocked, more than once or twice. And as he knocked he kept saying to himself, "May I now enter? Will he that is within open to sorry me?"

By and by, there came to the gate a man with a grave but kindly face, whose name was GOOD-WILL. He looked out, and when he saw a stranger standing there, he asked, "Who are you? And what do you wish?"

"I am a man with a burden," answered Graceless. "I have come from the City of Destruction, and am going on towards the mountains and the shining light, where I hope to be delivered. I have been told that the way lies through this gate; therefore, I ask if you are willing to let me in."

"I am willing with all my heart," said Good-will; and with that he opened the gate.

Graceless stepped in — but not fast enough for Goodwill, who took him by the arm and pulled him quickly.

"Why did you do that?" asked the man.

Then Good-will told him that there was a castle full of wicked giants on the hillside near by, and that often when these giants saw a man about to enter the wicket gate — they would shoot at him with their arrows. In this way many persons had been killed before they could enter in.

"How glad I am that I am here!" said Graceless; "and yet I tremble from the dangers I have passed through!"

"Who sent you here?" asked Good-will.

"A good man, called Evangelist," was the answer. "He told me to knock, and he said that you would show me what to do to be delivered from this heavy burden."

"Why did you come alone?" asked Good-will.

"Because none of my neighbors would come. They did not see their danger as I saw mine."

"Did anyone know of your coming?"

"Oh, yes. My wife and children saw me start, and they called after me to come back. Some of my friends saw me and followed me a little way."

"And did you come straight hither?"

"Alas, no! For I listened to the words of Mr. Worldly Wiseman and was persuaded to turn aside into a dangerous way."

"Oh, did he meet you? And I suppose he advised you to seek ease from Mr. Legality — did he not?"

"He did," answered Graceless, "and I foolishly listened to his advice."

"Well, Mr. Wiseman is a cheat, and so is Mr. Legality," said Good-will. "What did Mr. Legality say?"

"I went by the broad road to find him," said Graceless; "but the mountain which stands by his house was about to fall upon me, and I was forced to stop."

"That mountain has been the death of many, and it was lucky that you escaped," said Good-will.

"Indeed, I would have perished had not Evangelist met me there. He turned my feet again into the narrow way, and my face toward the shining light. And now I am come, unworthy as I am, into this place. How kind you were to open the gate for me!"

"We refuse none who come and knock. Therefore, come with me, and I will teach you that which you need most to know. But first I will give you a new name. You shall no longer be called Graceless — but CHRISTIAN, for you are now a pilgrim on the road to the Celestial Land."

"Oh, tell me about that road," said Christian.

"Look before you," answered Good-will. "See that narrow highway. It was cast up and built by the great and good men of old. It is the way by which you must go."

"I see it," answered Christian; "but are there no windings in it by which one might lose his way?"

"Not in the way itself," answered Good-will; "but there are many crooks and turnings which join on to it at different places. You may always know the right way — for it is never any other than straight and narrow."

"This burden on my back is very grievous," said Christian. "Can you not in some way help me to get rid of it?"

"Be content to bear your burden yet a little while," answered Good-will. "You will come, by and by, to the place of deliverance; and there it will fall from your back of itself."

"Very well, then," said Christian, "I will go forward on my journey."

"Go," said Good-will, "and you will soon see a beautiful house by the roadside. It is the house of the Interpreter. Knock at the door, and he will open and bid you enter. Tell him your name and whither you are going, and he will show you many excellent things."

So Christian bade his friend farewell, and joyfully renewed his journey.

 

THE HOUSE OF THE INTERPRETER

Then I saw in my dream, that Christian went on until he came to the house of the INTERPRETER.

There he knocked again and again; and at last one came to the door, and asked who was there.

Christian answered that he was a traveler who was on his way to the Celestial City, and that he wished to see the master of the house.

Then the Interpreter himself came to the door and said, "Come in! I will show you some things that will be helpful to you on your journey."

So Christian went in and stood waiting. Then the Interpreter took a lighted candle and bade him follow into the next room. And there the good man showed the pilgrim wonderful portraits and moving pictures, each one of which taught its lesson of truth.

In one of these pictures, two children were shown whose names were passion and Patience. PASSION was always restless and dissatisfied; but PATIENCE was very quiet and contented.

As Christian looked at the picture he saw a man bring a bag of gold and pour out the treasure at Passion's feet. The child was very glad and seized the gold with his hands. He laughed at Patience, and rejoiced in his treasure. But soon it melted away, and he had nothing left but rags!

Christian asked the Interpreter the meaning of this picture.

"I will tell you," he answered. "As the treasure of the child Passion vanished and left him nothing but rags — so shall it be with the men of this world, who desire to have all their good things now."

"Yes," said Christian, "I see that Patience was wiser than Passion — for he was contented to wait."

"You are right," answered the Interpreter; "for he waits for the best things — and in due time will be rewarded."

Thus Christian was led from room to room, and in each he was shown some picture or other wonderful object; and the Interpreter explained the meaning of everything that he saw. At last, he was taken into a very dark room, where he saw a man sitting in a cage.

The man seemed very sad. He sat with his eyes looking down to the ground. His hands were folded, and he sighed as though his heart would break.

"My friend," said Christian, "who are you?"

"I am not what I once was," answered the man.

"Well, then, what were you once?" asked Christian.

The man answered, "I was once a happy man, with bright prospects in life. I had even a joyful hope of going to the Celestial City."

"And what are you now?" asked Christian.

"I am a man without hope," was the answer. "I am shut up in the iron cage of despair. For when I might have done well — I neglected my duty and wasted my opportunities."

Then said the Interpreter to Christian, "Let this man's misery be a warning to you, my friend."

"Yes, indeed!" said Christian. "May God help me to watch and be sober. But, sir, is it not time that I should be going?"

"Tarry till I show you one thing more," said the Interpreter.

So he took Christian by the hand and led him into a chamber where there was a man rising quickly out of bed. The man's face was white with fear — and he trembled and shook.

"What is the matter?" asked Christian. "Why are you afraid?"

"Oh, I have had such a terrible dream," answered the man. "I thought that the heavens were black with storm clouds, and that the thunder and lightning were most fearful. Then, as the clouds parted, I saw One sitting among them, with the thousands of heaven around him; and all were clothed in garments of fire.

"A trumpet sounded, and a voice cried, 'Arise all ye, and come to judgment!'

"With that, the rocks were rent, and the earth was opened, and all who had ever lived came forth. Some of these were very glad, and looked upward; and some sought to hide themselves under the mountains.

"Then He that sat among the clouds opened a book, and bade all to draw near and be judged. Thereupon, I sought to hide myself — but could not; for the eyes of the Judge were upon me, and my conscience accused me on every side."

"But what was it that made you so afraid of this sight?" asked Christian.

"Why," answered the man, "I thought that the day of judgment was come, and that I was not ready for it! My conscience afflicted me, and I thought that the Judge had always his eye upon me!"

Then the Interpreter led Christian away. "Have you considered all these things?" he asked.

"Yes, and they put me in fear and hope," answered Christian.

So he rested for a short time in this wonderful house of the Interpreter. But he would not tarry long, for he was impatient to go on his way.

"I am thankful to you, good Interpreter," he said; "for you have shown me many things that are both rare and profitable."

"May the Comforter be always with you, to guide you in the way that leads to the City," said the Interpreter.

So Christian, with a lighter heart, renewed his journey.

 

THE LIFTING OF THE BURDEN

Now I saw in my dream, that Christian went on slowly and with great difficulty. For the road was steep, and the burden on his back was very heavy.

But he toiled on until he came to a hill upon which there was a Cross; and at the foot of the hill there was a sepulcher. So, as he climbed the hill and came up to the cross, behold, his burden fell from his shoulders and began to tumble; and it rolled downward till it came to the mouth of the sepulcher, where it fell in, and I saw it no more!

Oh, how merry of heart was Christian then. He stood for a while to look and wonder; for it seemed very strange that the sight of the Cross should thus ease him from his burden.

And as he wondered and wept, he saw three Shining Ones — who saluted him and said, "Peace be to you."

The first said to him, "I give you a pure heart."

The second stripped him of his rags and clothed him in beautiful garments.

The third set a mark on his forehead, and gave him a little book with a seal upon it. "Keep this book with care," he said, "and read in it often as you journey onward. When you come to the Celestial City — show it to the keeper of the gate; it shall be your passport."

So the Shining Ones vanished from sight. And Christian was so filled with joy that he leaped three times into the air and then went on, singing —

"Thus far did I come
With my burden of sin,
And nothing could ease
The grief I was in.

But when I came hither
The burden I lost;
And I found peace and joy
At the foot of the cross!"

 

ADVENTURES ON THE ROAD

Then I saw in my dream, that as Christian was going joyfully on his way he came to a pleasant valley. And there he saw, a little way from the road, three men who were lying fast asleep on the brink of a precipice! They had fetters upon their heels, and their names were Simple, Sloth, and Presumption.

Christian went toward them, and cried out to awaken them. "Ho, there, you sleepers! Wake up, and come away from that dangerous place!"

But they only groaned and settled themselves for a deeper sleep.

"Wake up! wake up!" cried Christian again. "Wake up, and I will help you off with your fetters!"

They opened their eyes and looked at him.

"I don't see any danger," said SIMPLE.

"Let me sleep a little longer," said SLOTH.

"Every tub must stand upon its own bottom," said PRESUMPTION.

Then all went to sleep more soundly than before, and Christian went on his way.

He had not gone far when he saw two climbing over the wall from the field on the left-hand side of the road. As he came up, they joined him, and the three walked on together.

"Gentlemen," said Christian, "who are you, and whither are you going?"

One of them, who had a very soft voice and a goody-goody countenance, answered, "My name is HYPOCRISY, and I am from the land of Vainglory."

"And my name," said the other, "is FORMALIST. We two are close friends and companions, and we are on our way to the Celestial City."

"Why didn't you come in by the gate?" asked Christian.

"The gate?" answered Hypocrisy. "What is the use of going round by the gate — when one can make a short-cut across the fields, and jump over the wall?"

"But it is written in this book," said Christian, "that he that climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber."

"Oh, you needn't call us names!" answered Formalist. "It has been the practice a thousand years for people to climb over the wall, just as we have done."

"Well," said Christian, "I doubt if your practice will stand the test of trial."

"What of that?" asked Hypocrisy. "You are on the road to the Celestial City — we are on the same road. Are we not as far along on the way as you?"

"We shall see whether you are found true men at the end of the way," answered Christian.

"Well," said Formalist, "you are no better than we — even if you do wear finer garments."

"These garments," said Christian, "were given to me by the Lord of the place to which I am going. Surely they are a token of his kindness, for I had only rags before. And when I get to the city He will know me, for I shall be clothed in His garments."

To this the men made no answer. They only looked at each other and laughed; and Christian walked on ahead of them.

So they all went on until they came to a very high and rugged hill which is called the Hill of Difficulty. At the foot of that hill, there was a spring of clear water. And here there were two other roads besides the straight and narrow one. One of these wound around the hill on the right-hand side; the other branched off on the left-hand side. But the narrow road went straight forward over the steepest part of the hill.

Christian went to the spring and drank from it. Then feeling much refreshed, he went onward, right up the difficult way. And as he went he began to sing,

"The hill, though steep — I will ascend;
For me the toil — will not offend.
Be brave, my heart — and do not fear;
For the way to life — leads over here."

The other two men came also to the foot of the hill; but when they saw how high and steep it was — they dreaded to climb it. Then they saw the other two roads, how much easier they seemed; and they decided to follow them.

"All the ways will probably meet again on the other side of the hill," they said.

Now the name of one of these roads was Danger, and the name of the other was Destruction. But the two men did not know that.

So one of them walked briskly onward along the way of Danger — and the other went as fearlessly down the road to Destruction. Soon both were lost in dark forests where there was no pathway to guide them, and they were seen no more!

But Christian toiled onward and upward until he at length reached the top of the hill.

 

THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

Now I saw in my dream, that as Christian hastened on his way, the sun went down and the shades of evening began to fall. Christian began to feel alarmed, for the forest by the roadside was the home of wild beasts, and he knew not where to find lodging for the night.

As he was grieving and wondering — he lifted up his eyes, and behold, on the hillside before him, he saw a very stately building. It stood right by the roadside, and its name was the House Beautiful.

Christian quickened his steps and hurried forward, for he hoped to find lodging. But while he was yet some distance from the gate, he saw two lions crouching by the roadside.

He was greatly frightened, and thought that death was before him. He turned and was about to run back — when he heard a voice calling him. It was the voice of the porter, whose name was WATCHFUL.

Christian paused and listened.

"Have courage, sir!" cried the porter. "The lions are chained, and if you will keep in the middle of the path — they cannot touch you."

Then Christian, trembling with fear — went on as the porter directed him. The lions roared dreadfully — but they did him no harm. Soon he was safe at the gateway, and the porter took him by the hand and spoke words of welcome to him.

"What house is this?" asked Christian. "And may I lodge here tonight?"

"It is the House Beautiful," answered the porter. "It was built by the Lord of the hill, to serve as a resting place for weary pilgrims. Come in! Come inside of the gate."

Christian went through the gateway, and the porter asked him many questions.

"What is your name?"

"My name is now Christian — but at first it was Graceless."

"Whence have you come?"

"I have come from the City of Destruction, and I am on my way to the Celestial Land."

Then Watchful, the porter, rang a little bell; and a beautiful maid whose name was DISCRETION came out of the house to answer to the call.

"Here is a weary pilgrim who would gladly lodge here tonight," said Watchful. "Will you not learn from him, whether he is in truth worthy?"

Then the maiden asked him whence he was, and whither he was going — and he told her. She asked him how he had got into the right way — and he told her. She asked him what he had seen and met on the road — and he told her.

"What is your name?"

"Once it was Graceless — but now it is Christian. And I am all the more desirous to lodge here tonight, because I am told that the house was built by the Lord of the hill as a resting place for pilgrims."

Then the maiden smiled — but as she smiled, the tears stood in her eyes.

"I will call some of the others of our household," she said.

She ran into the house and soon returned with three other fair women more beautiful even than herself.

The names of these sisters were Prudence, Piety, and Charity.

"Come in, blessed of the Lord," they said.

So Christian bowed his head and followed them into the beautiful house. They brought him water, with which to refresh himself; and when he had washed himself and brushed the dust from his clothing, they gave him a pleasant seat by the window. And all sat down to talk until supper was ready.

"How did it happen that you started on this journey?" asked PIETY.

"Oh, I had a grievous burden on my back," answered Christian, "and there was a dreadful sound in my ears, and I did not know whither to go."

"But who told you to come this way?"

"As I was trembling and weeping, a man whose name is Evangelist showed me the way to the wicket gate. And there my feet were set in the right road."

"Did you see the house of the Interpreter by the roadside?"

"Oh, yes! And there I was shown many things that I will remember as long as I live. I could have stayed in that good man's house a whole year — but I knew that I had farther to go."

"And what else did you see on the way?"

"See! Why, as I came to the top of a weary hill I saw a Cross, and as I went near to it and fell on my knees — the heavy burden which I had borne so long tumbled from my back and rolled far away out of my sight! And as I was rejoicing, behold three Shining Ones came to me with gifts. One of them gave me these beautiful garments which you see; for I had nothing but rags before. Another gave me this sealed roll, which is my passport to the Celestial City."

Then PRUDENCE asked him, "What is it that makes you so desirous to reach the Celestial City?"

"Oh, there are many things," answered Christian. "I hope that when I am there I shall be free from the troubles which vex me here. They say that there is no death there — and that we may live with those whom we love best, and fear no evil. So I gladly would be there and sing with those blessed ones who stand around the throne of the King."

Then CHARITY asked him, "Have you a family?"

And Christian answered, "Yes, I have a wife and four small children."

"And why did you not bring them with you?" asked Charity.

Then Christian wept bitterly, and said, "How gladly would I have done so — but they would not listen to me. They wished even to hold me back and prevent me from coming."

While they were yet talking, the supper was made ready, and they sat down at the table. And on the table were all sorts of healthful and nourishing food — red-cheeked apples, and purple grapes, and delicious fruits from the gardens of the sun, and whatsoever would make the body strong and beautiful.

The company sat at the table, and all their talk was about the Lord of the hill — of his goodness in building the house and in furnishing it with all things necessary to the happiness of those who visited it.

"He is a great warrior," said Piety, "for he fought with the greatest enemy of our country, and slew him."

"He is a lover of the poor," said Charity, "for he stripped himself of his own glory that he might relieve them of their sorrows."

Thus they sat and talked till late at night. Then they betook themselves to rest, committing themselves to the care of their Lord.

As for Christian, he was given a bed in a large upper chamber where there was a window that opened toward the sun-rising. The name of that chamber was Peace; and there he slept till the break of day.

In the morning he arose early, and as he dressed he sang for joy.

After he had breakfasted with the household, he began to talk of renewing his journey; but Prudence said, "Nay, you must tarry a day with us. For we would show you some of the rarities of this place."

So they first led him into the library and showed him the records of all that had been done in olden times. There, too, they showed him the history of the Lord of the hill, and the names of many good men and women who had served him, and pictures of the mansions which he had given them to live in.

And in many books they read of the worthy deeds of those who served the Lord — how they had "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens."

Here also were the histories of other famous things, both ancient and modern; and Christian was so pleased with the reading of them, that the day was spent ere he was aware.

The next day, Watchful and the four maidens led him into the armory of the house and showed him the arms and the curious relics that were there.

They showed him the sword and the shield, the helmet and the breastplate, and the shoes which the Lord of the hill had provided for the pilgrims who would enlist under his banner. None of these would wear out — and there were so many that all who live in the world might be clothed in armor.

They showed him some of the strange weapons that had been used in former times — such as the sling with which David had slain Goliath, and the jawbone with which Samson had done such mighty deeds.

They showed him, also, many other excellent things — and thus the second day was passed.

Early the next morning Christian made ready to go forward; but the good people of the house persuaded him to tarry until the sun was higher.

"Stay," said Piety, "and if the air is clear, we will show you the Delectable Mountains."

"And where are they?" asked Christian.

"Oh, they are far, far away," answered Piety; "but they are much nearer to the Celestial City than this place is. And sometimes we have most delightful views of them."

So Christian consented and stayed.

Towards noon they led him up to the top of the house, and bade him look southward. He did so, and lo! at a great distance he saw a most beautiful land. It was a mountainous country, with delightful valleys and fields. There were green woods and pleasant vineyards. There were fruits of all sorts, and flowers of every hue. There were springs and fountains, bright waterfalls, and quiet brooks.

"What is the name of that beautiful country?" asked Christian.

"It is called Immanuel's Land," they answered; "and all pilgrims are as welcome there, as they are at this, our House Beautiful."

Then they led him down again into the armory. And they clothed him from head to foot in stout armor. They put a shield in his hand, and a sharp sword in his belt; and on his head they fitted a helmet of rarest workmanship.

He was now ready to go forward on his journey; and the maidens went with him to the gate.

"I saw another pilgrim passing, a little while ago," said Watchful.

"Did you know him?" asked Christian.

"He told me that his name is FAITHFUL," answered the porter.

"Oh, I know him," gladly answered Christian. "He is one of my old neighbors. How far do you think he has gone?"

"He is at the foot of the hill by this time."

"Well, I will hasten and try to overtake him."

Then Christian bade the porter good-by, and began to go forward. But the maidens, Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence, said, "We will go with you to the foot of the hill."

So they went on together, talking as they walked. The hill was very steep and slippery, and at its foot was the Valley of Humiliation. So dangerous was the going down, that Christian would have fallen many times had not Discretion and Prudence been with him to direct his steps. Even as it was, he slipped two or three times.

At length, they were at the bottom of the hill. The maidens gave Christian a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, and a cluster of raisins. Then they bade him good-by, and he went on his way.

 

THE FIGHT WITH APOLLYON

Then I saw in my dream, that Christian was entered into the Valley of Humiliation — and here he had no easy time of it.

For he had gone but a little way when he saw a dreadful fiend coming across the plain to meet him. The name of this fiend was APOLLYON, and he was too hideous to behold!

His body was covered with scales, like a fish; he had wings like a dragon, and feet like a bear; his mouth was like the mouth of a lion, and fire and smoke came out of his nostrils!

Christian was much afraid. As the monster came flying toward him — he knew not what to do. He had half a mind to run back; but he knew that Apollyon would soon overtake him.

"I will stand my ground, and do what I can," he said to himself; and he went boldly forward to meet the dreadful fiend.

Apollyon came swiftly on, and gruffly saluted Christian: "Ho, there, you fellow! Who are you, and whence have you come?"

"I have come from the City of Destruction, and my name is Christian," answered the pilgrim. "I am on my way to the Celestial Land."

"Huh!" growled the fiend. "Don't you know that I am the king of the City of Destruction? You are my subject, and you are trying to run away from me!"

"True, I was born in your country," said Christian, "but I am not your subject. I have promised myself to the King of the Celestial Land."

Then was Apollyon very angry, and he would have struck down the pilgrim at once — had he not hoped to gain him over. He roared terribly, and cried, "You are a rebel and a traitor, and deserve nothing but death at my hands! Yet I will forgive you — if you will turn now and go back to my city and my service."

But Christian stood his ground bravely and defied the fiend.

"Beware, Apollyon!" he cried. "I am in the King's highway. Therefore, take heed to yourself."

"Ha!" answered Apollyon. "What care I, for the King's highway?" And with one foot on one side of the road and one on the other, he stood directly in front of the pilgrim.

"Now I have you!" he said; and he drew flaming darts from his breast and threw them so that they fell like hail all around Christian's head.

But Christian held up his shield to protect himself, and drawing his sword, rushed boldly upon his foe. Then there was a fight such as neither you nor I have ever seen. The giant fiend, and the valiant man, wrestled and strove, they struck and parried, they pressed this way and that; and neither seemed to get the better of the other.

Christian was wounded in two or three places; and yet for a whole hour he stood up against his foe. At length, however, his foot slipped and he fell; and his sword flew out of his hand.

"Now I have you!" shouted Apollyon.

But as the fiend raised his arm to fetch the last blow, Christian quickly stretched out his hand and recovered his sword. He leaped to his feet, crying, "Rejoice not against me, O my enemy. When I fall — I shall arise!"

With that, he gave the fiend a deadly thrust which made him pause and start back. Then Christian gave him another stroke, and another.

Apollyon saw that he had met his match. He spread his dragon wings and flew away, over the plain — and Christian saw him no more.

The pilgrim looked up and smiled. "Thanks be to Him that delivered me out of the mouth of the lion, and to Him that did help me against Apollyon," he said.

Then there came to him a hand with some of the leaves of the tree of life; and he took these and laid them upon his wounds, and he was healed immediately. And he sat down to eat bread and to drink from the bottle that was given him by the maidens of the House Beautiful.

 

THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

Now I saw in my dream that when Christian had rested and refreshed himself, he again renewed his journey. And now he carried his sword drawn in his hand; for he said, "I know not what other enemy I may meet."

The way was rougher and narrower than before, and it led downward into a wild land of bogs and pits which was called the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Near the entrance to this valley, Christian met two men who were running back with as much speed as they could.

"Hold, men!" he cried. "What's the matter?"

"Matter enough!" they answered. "We have been as far in that valley as any one dares to go. The air is as dark as pitch down there. We saw hundreds of hobgoblins and dragons and satyrs. We heard the most fearful shrieks and groans. Clouds of confusion hover in the darkness. And Death spreads his wings over the whole valley."

"All these things are dreadful," said Christian, "but I see that my way lies through this very valley."

"Well," said the men, "it is not our way"; and they parted.

Then Christian went down into the valley, carrying his sword in his hand. The way was very narrow. On one side of it, there was a very deep ditch; on the other, there was a dangerous bog which was without bottom!

As Christian went forward, groping in the darkness, he was much distressed. For when he would shun the ditch on the one hand — he felt himself slipping into the bog on the other; and when he drew away from the mire of the bog, he was in danger of stumbling into the ditch.

About the middle of the valley, there was a yawning chasm close by the wayside; and out of this chasm came flame and smoke and hideous sounds, enough to frighten the bravest man. So here, Christian put up his sword and began to pray to the Lord of the hill, "O Lord, I beseech you, deliver my soul!"

Thus, for a long time, he went onward; and the angry waves reached their fiery tongues toward him as though they would devour him. Still he went onward; and he heard doleful sounds, the rushing of winds, and the shrieking of fiends.

At times he was minded to go back; but then he remembered the scenes he had passed through, and felt that the danger in front of him could be no greater than that which was behind.

At length, while he was still in the midst of alarms, he thought that he heard a voice in the darkness ahead of him. He listened. It was the voice of a man, speaking up clearly in the midst of the great uproar: "Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me."

Then Christian was glad, and he went on with a surer step than before. He called to him that was before: "Oh, my friend Faithful! Is it your voice that I hear?"

But no answer came out of the gloom.

Soon, however, the day broke, and the light of the sun began to dispel the darkness. Christian paused and looked back over the road he had traveled.

He could see plainly the ditch and the bog with the narrow pathway between them.

He could see the hobgoblins and the dragons and the satyrs; but they were far off, hiding in the shadows of the valley.

He gave thanks that he had escaped all these, and then resumed his journey. The way, however, was still beset with dangers — for he was not yet out of the valley. There were so many snares, traps, pits, and pitfalls all along the way, that had it now been dark, he would surely have fallen into them and been lost. But, as I have said, the sun was rising.

 

THE MAN TALKATIVE

Now I saw in my dream, that Christian had come safely out of the dark valley, and was singing on his way. And as he came to the brow of a hill, whom should he see before him but his old friend FAITHFUL?

"Ho! ho! soho!" he cried. "Wait and I will be your companion."

Faithful looked behind him — but walked on.

"Wait! wait till I come up with you," again called Christian.

But Faithful answered, "I must not tarry — for my errand is pressing."

Then Christian ran with what speed he could, and not only overtook Faithful, but passed by him. Then he looked back and laughed.

"You wouldn't wait, and so I am ahead of you."

But, as he was speaking, he stumbled and fell; and being worn with his journey he could not rise again, till Faithful came to help him.

Then the two went on very lovingly together, talking of things that had happened to them on their pilgrimage. Each told the other of all that he had seen, and of the dangers he had escaped; and both were much comforted and strengthened.

They had walked thus a long way, when, chancing to look up, they saw a stranger near them who was going in the same direction.

"Whither away, friend?" asked Faithful. "Are you going to the Celestial Land?"

"That is the very place to which I am going," answered the stranger.

"I am glad," said Faithful; "and we shall be pleased to have your company."

"Nothing will please me better," said the stranger. "I hope that we shall have much pleasant talk together."

"Come on, then, and let us spend our time discoursing about things that are interesting and profitable," said Faithful.

"With all my heart," answered the stranger, "for I am very fond of talking."

So he came up and walked between the two pilgrims; and as he walked he talked.

"How pleasant it is to talk!" he said. "How delightful to talk of the history and mystery of things! A man may learn many things by talking and listening to talk. Let us talk of things heavenly — or things earthly; of things past — or of things to come; of things foreign — or of things at home. We shall find all such discourse profitable."

And so he went on, chattering about this thing and that — but saying nothing that could improve the mind, or touch the heart. He talked and talked and talked; and his words rippled from his mouth so pleasantly that even Faithful was inclined to think that there was some meaning to his speech.

But Christian kept silent, and gradually fell a little way behind the others. He was busy with his own thoughts, and the empty words of the stranger were unpleasant to him.

By and by, as the stranger was delivering a long speech and listening to himself with great delight, Faithful loitered a little until Christian had overtaken him.

"What a fine companion we have!" he whispered. "He will make a good pilgrim."

Christian smiled. "He certainly has a fair tongue," he said.

"Do you know him?" asked Faithful.

"Know him! Yes, better than he knows himself!"

"Tell me, then, who is he?"

"I wonder that you don't know him. He is a fellow from our town, and his name is TALKATIVE. His father's name is Say-well, and his home is in Prating Row."

"Well, he seems to be a very pretty man," said Faithful.

"He is prettiest, away from home," said Christian. "The people who know him say that it is better to deal with a Turk, than with him. He is ugly to his family, ugly to his servants, ugly to all goodness at home. But he is always ready to talk — and he talks to please the company he is in."

"Since you know him so well," said Faithful, "I am led to believe that he is a great sayer — but no doer. I am already sick of his prattle and his company. But how shall we get rid of him?"

"Only ask him some question touching his own life and morals, and see whether he won't become sick of your company," answered Christian.

So Faithful quickened his steps, and soon caught up with Talkative.

"Come, what cheer? How are you now?" he asked.

"Very well, I thank you," said Talkative. "I thought we should have had a great deal of talk by this time."

"We will have it now," said Faithful; and so by skillful questions, he led the talkative man to say a great many things concerning the duties of life and the right way of living. Then he asked him plainly,

"Do you, yourself, live in this way? And do you do those things which you say all good and true men ought to do?"

Talkative hung his head, and was slow to answer. Then he said, "I see that you are ready to find fault with every man that you meet. I do not care to talk with such people; and so I will bid you good-by."

And with that, he leaped over the wall and walked away by himself across the field.

And Christian and Faithful went on together talking of the place to which they were bound, and rejoicing in the hope which filled their hearts.

 

VANITY FAIR

Then I saw in my dream that, as Christian and Faithful journeyed onward, they came, by and by, to a large and famous town. The name of that town was Vanity; and a fair was held there all the year round.

The road to the Celestial City was through the midst of the town and the great fair; and so the two pilgrims must needs go that way.

As they walked, they saw the places, rows, and streets where all sorts of things were bought and sold. One street was called the English Row, another the French Row, another the Italian Row, another the German Row. Every country in the world had its own place, where its own peculiar kinds of goods were sold.

And as the pilgrims went quietly along, intent upon their own duty — they were beset by numbers of hawkers and barkers urging them to buy of their goods.

"What will you buy? What will you buy?" they cried; and they offered all sorts of vanities and follies.

The people who visited this fair and who spent most of their time there, were dressed in rich and gaudy apparel; and they seemed to have nothing to do but to eat, drink, and be merry. They moved hither and thither, from one street or row to another — laughing at this thing and that, and seeking always for something new.

And here at all times were seen cheats, fools, apes, knaves, and rogues of every kind; and here also were thieves, liars, and all sorts of wicked men.

"What will you buy? What will you buy?" cried the hawkers and barkers. And a crowd of idlers soon gathered around the pilgrims to see what they would do.

Then Faithful, turning, and looking at them gravely, answered, "We buy the truth!"

At that answer there was a great commotion in the street. Some laughed, some mocked, and some picked up stones to throw at the pilgrims.

At length the whole fair was in a hubbub, and Christian and Faithful were so hemmed in by the multitude, that they could go neither forward nor backward.

Then some officers of the town took them in charge and led them to the hall of the chief magistrate, where they were accused of having made an unlawful disturbance in the fair.

"You seem to be strangers in this place," said the chief magistrate sternly. "Where do you come from, and what is your business?"

"We are pilgrims," answered Christian, "and we are on our way to our own country, which is the Celestial Land."

"What do you mean by coming thus to our fair and trying to overturn it by your disorder?" asked the magistrate.

"We were but going peaceably along the highway," answered Faithful, "and we would have said nothing had not so many followed us, asking us to buy of their wares. Even then we did nothing — but said that we would buy the truth."

This answer caused the magistrate to fall into a great rage. He called them liars and disturbers of the peace, and commanded them to be punished.

So the officers of the town took them and beat them, and besmeared them with mud, and put them in a cage — where all the people of the fair might come and jeer at them.

But Christian and Faithful bore their punishment meekly, and made no answer to those who reviled them. Their very faces showed the goodness of their hearts; and since it could not be proved that they had done any harm, there were several of the townsfolk who began to speak well of them.

This put the magistrate and the rest of those at the fair into greater rage than before; and they declared that the pilgrims should suffer death.

So they put chains upon them and made their feet fast in the stocks. And a time was set when they should be tried before the judge of that country, who acted in the name of the king.

The day at last came, and the two prisoners were brought into court. The name of the judge was Sir HATE-GOOD; and he sat upon the bench with a jury of twelve picked men before him.

"You are charged," said he, "of being enemies to our town, the disturbers of our fair, and plotters against our king, who is the great Beelzebub. What have you to say in your defense?"

Then Faithful began to answer. "As for being an enemy," he said, "I set myself only against those who set themselves against the Almighty. As for disturbance, I have made none, for I am a man of peace. As for your king, Beelzebub — he is the enemy of our Lord, and I defy him."

Having said this, he sat down, and three witnesses were called. The names of these witnesses were Envy, Superstition, and Pick-thank; and they had been hired for this work.

"Do you know this prisoner at the bar?" asked the judge.

Then ENVY stepped forward and said, "My lord, I have known him a long time. He is one of the vilest men in our country. He has no regard for our king, our laws, or our customs. I have heard him say that all ought to be overthrown."

"What else have you to say?" asked the judge.

"Oh, I might say a thousand things about his vileness and his treason — but I will not weary the court. Perhaps I will say more after the other witnesses have spoken."

Then they called SUPERSTITION and bade him look at the prisoner.

"Do you know this man?" asked the judge!

"Well, I have no great acquaintance with him — nor do I wish to have," answered the witness. "But I know him to be a very pestilent fellow; and I have heard him speak ill of our king and our religion." And with this, he went on to accuse Faithful of many wicked deeds.

Finally, PICK-THANK was brought forward and asked to say what he knew about the prisoner.

"My lord, I have known him a very long time," he answered. "I have often heard him rail against our king, Beelzebub, and against the princes of our land. In fact, I have heard him rail against you, my lord. I have heard him call you a villain, and all sorts of other ugly names. I know him to be an enemy of our country and of our king."

The judge was now filled with anger towards Faithful; and he called upon the jury to decide among themselves and give their verdict concerning the vile prisoner before them.

So the jury consulted together, and each one gave his own opinion of the matter:

"I see clearly that this man is a heretic!" said Mr. BLINDMAN, who was the foreman.

"Yes! yes!" said Mr. MALICE. "Away with him. I hate the very looks of him!"

"I never could endure him!" said Mr. LOVE-LUST.

"Nor I, for he was always talking against my ways!" said Mr. LIVE-LOOSE.

"Hang him, hang him!" said Mr. HEADY.

"He's a sorry scrub!" said Mr. HIGH-MIND.

"My heart rises against him!" said Mr. ENMITY.

"He is a rogue!" said Mr. LIAR.

"Hanging is too good for him!" said Mr. CRUELTY.

"Let us hasten to put him out of the way!" said Mr. HATE-LIGHT.

"Yes, let us forthwith sentence him to death!" said Mr. IMPLACABLE.

And so they did.

And the judge presently condemned him to be led from the place and put to the most cruel death that could be invented.

They therefore brought him out to do with him according to their law. They scourged him; they beat him with their fists; they stoned him with stones; and, last of all, they burned him to ashes at the stake!

Thus came Faithful to his end.

But, behold, there came a chariot with horses; and Faithful, being freed from the body — was taken up into it; and straightway he was carried up through the clouds, with sound of trumpet, the nearest way to the Celestial Gate.

As for Christian, he was remanded to prison to wait for his trial at another time. But He that overrules all things, so wrought it about, that he escaped from his foes and went on his way. And as he went, the name of his dear friend was ever on his tongue—

"Sing, Faithful, sing,
And let your name survive.
For though they killed you,
You art yet alive."

 

THE FATE OF MR. BY-ENDS

Now I saw in my dream that Christian was not alone as he left the town of Vanity. For he had as companion, one who had been a citizen of that town, and whose name was now HOPEFUL.

"I will go with you," said this man Hopeful, "because I have seen how gently and patiently and bravely, you bore your sufferings at the Fair. And there are many others who witnessed the glorious death of Faithful and will follow after us."

Now they had not gone very far on their way when they overtook one who was going before them. This person was very smartly dressed, he walked with his head thrown back, and he had ever a proud smile upon his face.

"Good-morning, fellow traveler," said Christian. "How far go you in this way?"

"I am from the town of Fair-speech, and I am going to the Celestial City," he answered.

"From Fair-speech!" said Christian. "Is there anything good in that town?"

"I hope so!" was the answer.

"I have heard of that town. They say it is a very wealthy place," said Christian.

"Indeed, that is true," said the traveler. "I have a good many rich kindred there."

"Pray, sir, what may we call you?" asked Christian.

"I am a stranger to you, and you to me," was the answer. "If you are going this way — I shall be glad to go with you. I will say to you that I belong to a very respectable family. True, my great grandfather was only a ferryman, rowing one way — and looking the other; but I have become a gentleman of the first quality."

Then Christian stepped a little aside to his fellow, Hopeful, and said, "This man will not tell me his name — but I'm quite sure that he is the noted Mr. BY-ENDS of Fair-speech."

"Ask him," said Hopeful; "he will surely not be ashamed of his name."

So Christian came up with him again and said, "I think I have a good guess at you. Isn't your name Mr. By-ends?"

"That is not my real name," answered the man; "but some people who don't like me have given it to me as a nickname."

"Did you never do anything to deserve such a name?"

"Never, never! The worst I ever did was to happen always to be on the same side as the company I am with. I never go against wind or tide. I like to go to church when I can wear my silver slippers. So why should men call me By-ends?"

"Well, if you go with us — you must go against wind and tide," said Christian.

"Indeed," answered By-ends, "if you don't wish my company, I can get along very well by myself." And with that he dropped behind, and Christian and Hopeful went onward with quickened steps.

Soon the road became broader and easier, and presently they saw spread out before them a beautiful plain called EASE. The way was now so pleasant that the pilgrims sang for joy; the plain was very level and they were soon across it.

At the farther side of the plain there was a hill, and in that hill there was a silver mine; but it was a little way off from the road.

As the pilgrims were looking at the hill — they saw a man whose name was DEMAS standing beside it and beckoning to them.

"Ho, you travelers!" he said, "come over here, and I will show you something."

"What is it?" asked Christian.

"It is a silver mine!" answered Demas, "and there are men here digging for treasure. If you would become rich, now is your time."

"Let's go and see!" said Hopeful.

"Not I," answered Christian; "I've heard of this place before. There is a pit close by it, and many who have been lured that way have fallen into it and perished!"

Then he turned again to Demas and asked, "Isn't that mine a very dangerous place for pilgrims?"

"Oh, no — not very dangerous," answered Demas; but he blushed as he spoke.

Then Christian took Hopeful by the hand and said, "Let us still keep on our way."

So they went on, and Hopeful, looking backward, said, "I'd warrant you that when By-ends comes up — he will turn in to see that mine."

"No doubt of it," said Christian; "for he is that sort of man."

And it happened just so. For when By-ends came within sight of the hill and the mine, he had great longing to see the treasure that was hidden there. And when Demas beckoned to him, he ran over to the place — and was seen no more! But whether he fell into the pit by looking over, or whether he went down to dig, or whether he was smothered by the gases in the mine — of these things I am not certain.

 

BY-PATH MEADOW

Now I saw in my dream, that Christian and Hopeful went until they came to a pleasant river; and for a time their way lay just upon the bank of the river.

Here, therefore, they walked with great delight. They drank of the water of the river, and it was pleasant and strengthening to their weary spirits. On either side of the stream there were beautiful trees that bore all manner of fruit; and the leaves of these trees were for medicine.

Here, also, they came to a meadow that was curiously beautified with lilies, and it was green all the year round. In this meadow they lay down and slept, for here they were safe from all harm. When they awoke, they ate of the fruit of the trees, and drank of the life-giving water. Then they lay down again to sleep.

Thus they rested and refreshed themselves for several days; and when they were disposed to go on, they ate and drank and departed. But soon the river and the road parted — and at this they were very sorry. For now the way was rough to their travel-worn feet; and as they went on, they wished for a better way.

By and by, they saw on the left hand of the road — a green meadow; and there was a stile to go over the fence into it. And a sign by the stile told them that this was By-path Meadow.

Christian's feet being tender, he went to the stile and looked over; and behold there was a pleasant path on the other side of the fence.

"This suits me," said Christian. "Here is the easiest going. Come, Hopeful, let us get over and follow this soft, cool path."

"What if it should lead us astray?" asked Hopeful.

"Oh, no danger of that!" said Christian. "It keeps close along the roadside fence."

So they climbed over the stile and found the path very easy for their feet. They soon overtook a man who was walking the same way, and they asked him, "Where does this pathway lead?"

"To the Celestial City," he answered.

"Are you quite sure?" asked Hopeful.

"I am confident of it," answered the stranger.

"There, didn't I tell you so?" said Christian. "And to make us doubly sure, see that finger board which says: TO THE CELESTIAL CITY."

So the stranger, whose name was VAIN-CONFIDENCE, went on before; and they followed him. But soon the night came on, and it grew very dark. They could not see the path. They lost sight of him, that went before.

Presently, as they were groping in the dark, they heard a fearful scream, and then a crash — as of some one falling into a pit. They called out, and asked, "What is the matter? Where are we now?"

But the only answer they heard was a groaning in the darkness. And now it began to rain; and the thunder and lightning were most dreadful. The water also began to rise in the meadow, and they were fearful lest they should be drowned.

"Oh, that I had kept in the right way!" groaned Hopeful.

"But who would have thought that this path would lead us astray?" said Christian.

"I was afraid of it at the first," said Hopeful, "and there I gave you a gentle hint. I would have spoken plainer — but you are older than I."

"Well, good brother," said Christian, "I am truly sorry that I have led you out of the way. Pray, forgive me; I did not intend wrong."

"Certainly, I forgive you," said Hopeful, "and I believe that this shall be for our good."

"Let us go back again, and try to find the road," said Christian.

"Yes, let us go; but I will lead the way," said Hopeful.

"No, let me go first," said Christian.

"Indeed, I will go first," said Hopeful; "for you might miss the way again."

Then they heard in the darkness a voice saying, "Set your heart toward the highway, even the way which you went."

But by this time the waters were risen very high, and they were in great danger. They started bravely back, however, feeling their way at every step. And the flood was so high that nine or ten times they came near being drowned.

At last, reaching the high ground, where there was a little shelter, they crouched down in a dry place to rest. And being very weary, they fell asleep.

 

GIANT DESPAIR

Now I saw in my dream, that not far from the place where the pilgrims lay — there was a castle called Doubting Castle. The owner of that castle was GIANT DESPAIR, and it was on his grounds, that Christian and Hopeful were now sleeping.

This giant, getting up in the morning early, went out to walk in his fields; and there he beheld the two men asleep, being over-wearied with struggling in the storm. He beat with his club upon the ground, and called out to them in a grim and surly voice:

"Wake up there, you! Get up, I say!"

In much alarm, and scarcely knowing where they were, they sprang to their feet and looked him in the face.

"Who are you? And why are you here, trespassing on my grounds?" he gruffly asked.

They told him that they were pilgrims, and that they had lost their way.

"Well," said the giant, "you have trespassed upon my grounds, you have trampled upon and broken my shrubbery, and therefore you must go with me to my castle."

Then, with his great club in his hand — he drove them before him up to the great door of his castle; and he put them into a very dark and loathsome dungeon, where the light of the sun was never seen. There they lay helpless for three days and nights, without one bite of bread or drop of drink, or any friend to ask them how they did.

Now, Giant Despair had a wife, and her name was DIFFIDENCE. In the evening he told her about the prisoners he had taken, and asked her what he should do with them.

"Who are they?" she asked; "and where are they going?"

"They say they are pilgrims, and that they are bound for the Celestial City," answered the giant.

"That is a likely story," said the woman. "Tomorrow morning, give them a good beating — and see what they will say then."

So, as soon as he arose the next morning, he took his crab-tree club and went down into the dungeon. There he first began to abuse them by calling them all sorts of wicked names; but they made him no answer.

Then he fell upon them with his club and beat them most savagely —  until they fell upon the floor and were not able to help themselves in the least. Having done this, he left them alone in the darkness, to moan and groan in their deep distress. And there they lay all that day, expecting only to die.

In the evening the giant's wife asked him what he had done with his prisoners. He told her that he had beaten them without mercy — but that they were still alive and groaning on the floor of the dungeon.

"Why don't you kill them at once?" she asked.

"Truly, that is what I should like to do," answered Giant Despair; "but I don't dare to put myself in danger of the law."

"Well, then, if I were you," said the woman, "I would give them some knives and tell them to kill themselves."

The giant was pleased with this advice, and early the next morning he went down into the dungeon again. He spoke to them in the same surly manner as before, and told them that they need never expect to get out of that place alive.

"You had better make way with yourselves — and so end your misery," he said. And with that, he placed sharp knives and a bottle of poison on the floor beside them.

But Christian answered him meekly: "We are sorry that we trespassed upon your grounds; and, indeed, we would not have done so but for the darkness. If you will kindly allow us to depart, we promise never to trouble you again."

This pleasant speech put the giant into a terrible rage. He rushed upon the helpless men and would have killed them with his club; but as he was going to strike — he fell into a fit and lost the use of his hand. For in sunshiny weather, he often had such fits.

When, by and by, he came to himself, he arose and left the dungeon quietly. And the pilgrims sat on the floor, and asked each other what they should do.

"Here we shall indeed perish," said Christian, "for there is no one to help us."

"Do you remember how brave you were in other places?" asked Hopeful. "Think how you fought with Apollyon. Think how you faced the terrors of the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Think how you played the man at Vanity Fair, and feared neither chain nor cage nor bloody death. So, let us bear up with what patience we can."

The next morning the giant went down into the dungeon again. There he found his two prisoners not only alive, but somewhat stronger than before, and the sight of them roused his anger again.

"What! Still alive?" he said gruffly.

Then he opened a little window in the wall of the dungeon and showed them the yard of the castle. It was strewn with white bones and skulls, and was indeed a dreadful place to look into.

"Do you see those bones?" said Giant Despair. "They are bones of men who were once pilgrims as you are. They trespassed upon my grounds and I tore them to pieces, just as I shall tear you when I am ready."

Then he gave them another beating, and left them in a worse state than before.

"It is strange how much they can endure," he said to his wife. "You would think that with all the beatings I have given them, and with all my advice — they would have come to an end before now."

"I am afraid that they are expecting someone to come and help them," answered the woman. "Or perhaps they have pick-locks in their pockets, and hope to open the doors with them and escape."

"Well, I never thought of that," said the giant. "Tomorrow morning I will search them."

Now, a little before day, Christian sprang up quickly and cried out, "What a fool I am! Here I am lying in this dungeon when I might as well be walking at liberty. I have a key here in my bosom. It is called Promise, and I'm quite sure it will open any lock in Doubting Castle."

"That's good news, brother," said Hopeful. "Try it, and let us see what it will do."

Christian took the key from his bosom and began to try at the dungeon door. Quickly the bolts moved back, and the door opened.

Then Christian and Hopeful both went out; and when they had come to the outer door of the castle, they unlocked that also.

They crossed the courtyard softly, and came to the great iron gate. Christian fitted the key into the lock — but it took all his strength to turn it. At length they pushed the gate open; but it made such a creaking on its hinges, that Giant Despair heard it, and came rushing out in pursuit of his prisoners.

But when he had nearly overtaken them, he fell into another fit, and they escaped him. So they went on until they came to the stile; and having climbed it, they were again in the King's highway, and so were safe once more.

"I hope no other pilgrims will ever fall into the hands of that giant," said Hopeful.

"But they may do so," answered Christian. "The stile is easy to climb, and the grounds by the castle are very inviting."

"Let us put up a sign to warn those who may come after us," said Hopeful.

So they set up a pillar close by the stile; and upon one side of the pillar they wrote these words:

Over this Stile
is the way to
Doubting Castle
which is kept by
Giant Despair,
who despises the King
of the Celestial Country,
and seeks to destroy his
Holy Pilgrims.

Having put up this warning, they went again upon their way; and as they went they sang,
"We wandered from the King's highway
To seek an easier road;
But wandering thus, we came unto
A giant's grim abode.

O Pilgrims, who may follow us,
We bid you walk with care,
Lest you like us do fall into
The power of Giant Despair."

 

THE DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS

Now I saw in my dream, that the pilgrims came at length to the Delectable Mountains. These are the mountains which belong to the Lord of the Celestial Land, and which Christian had seen afar off when at the House Beautiful.

Very joyfully did the two weary ones go up into these mountains. And there they beheld the gardens and orchards, the vineyards and fountains of water. There also they drank and washed themselves; and they ate freely of the grapes of the vineyard.

Now there were on the tops of these mountains, shepherds feeding their flocks, and they stood by the side of the highway. The pilgrims, therefore, as they came up, were glad to speak with them. So they stopped and rested, each leaning upon his staff, as weary pilgrims do when talking with anyone on the road.

"Whose Delectable Mountains are these?" asked Christian.

The eldest of the shepherds answered, "They belong to Immanuel, the Lord of the Celestial Land, and they are within sight of his city. These sheep are also his, and he loves them."

"Is this the way to the Celestial City?" asked Hopeful.

"The way you are in is the right way," answered the shepherd.

"How far is it thither?"

"It is too far for any but those who will surely get there."

"Is the way safe — or dangerous?"

"It is safe for those who deserve to be safe — but dangerous to the unworthy."

Then the shepherds, whose names were Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere — took them by the hand and welcomed them to the Delectable Mountains. They led them to their tent and gave them food and drink.

"Now stay with us a while, and let us become acquainted," they said.

So the pilgrims tarried with them, and slept in their tent that night; for they were very weary.

In the morning the shepherds called Christian and Hopeful, and asked them to walk out a little way upon the mountains. So they walked a while, and saw many wonderful views.

They saw in the distance a dreadful hill called ERROR. The sides of it were very steep, and the shepherds said that many a man had tried to climb to its top — and had perished.

Then the shepherds led them to the summit of a hill called CAUTION. And there they saw a path which led straight down to Doubting Castle and the grounds of Giant Despair.

At last they led them to a very high hill called CLEAR. "From this spot we will show you the gates of the Celestial City," they said.

Now the eldest of the shepherds, whose name was Knowledge, had a wonderful spyglass in which things that are far away appear as very close at hand. He put this spyglass into Christian's hands and bade him look through it, if indeed he had the skill to do so.

Christian put it to his eye and looked; and after him Hopeful did likewise. But their hearts were so moved by what they had already been told that their hands shook, and they could not look steadily through the glass. They thought, however, that they saw something like a gate — and also some of the glory of the place.

After this they returned to the shepherds' tent, and there they refreshed themselves for their journey. And when they were ready to depart, the kind shepherds went a little way with them, and taking them by the hand, bade them farewell.

"I give you a pocket map of the way," said Knowledge. "Whenever you are in doubt, look at it."

"Beware of the Flatterer," said Experience.

"Take heed that you do not sleep in the Enchanted Land," said Watchful.

"God speed you on your way," said Sincere.

Then, turning, the shepherds went back to their sheep — and the pilgrims went on their way.

 

THE FLATTERER

Now I saw in my dream that the two pilgrims went down the mountain along the King's highway. Near the foot of the mountain they saw a crooked little lane which opened into the highway; and as they were wondering whither it led, they saw a finger board at the side of it on which was written: THIS WAY LIES THE LAND OF CONCEIT.

While they were reading the sign, a very brisk young man came down the lane into the highway.

"Good morning, strangers," said he. "Whither are you going?"

"We are on our way to the Celestial City," answered Christian. "Who are you, and whither are you bound?"

"People call me IGNORANCE," answered the young man, "though I don't know why I should have that name. I have come out of the Land of Conceit — and I, too, am going to the Celestial City."

"Do you think you will get into the city?" asked Christian.

"Well, I don't know," answered Ignorance. "Other good people get in, and I think I can do so."

"Why didn't you come into the highway through the wicket gate?" asked Hopeful.

"The wicket gate is a long way from our country," answered the young man. "And indeed, what is the use of a wicket gate when one can come in by way of a pleasant green lane like this?"

Then the pilgrims walked onward, and Ignorance followed them a long way, calling to them now and then to ask a question.

They went on till they came to a place where another road joined itself to the King's highway. It seemed as straight and as well-built as the highway itself; and they were not sure which was the right road — and which was the wrong.

As they stood, uncertain which way to go, a man of dark skin but wearing a snow-white robe came up with them.

"Well, my worthy friends," said he, "whither are you journeying?"

"We are journeying to the Celestial City," answered Christian. "But these two roads are so nearly alike, that we know not which to take."

"I am going thither," said the man, "and I know the way very well. If you will follow me, I will be your guide."

So they followed him. But he led them by a way which after a while began to turn a little, and a little away from the city. It kept turning, until in time their faces looked away from the Celestial Land; yet they kept on following him.

"You are very wise men," said the stranger, "and there is no one who can walk with surer steps than you."

But after a time they found themselves caught in a net. The net was so tangled about them, that they could not get out. Then the white robe fell off the dark man's back, and they saw where they were!

They lay struggling and helpless for some time. "Now," said Christian, "I see my error. We have been following the FLATTERER. For is it not written that he that flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet?"

"Didn't the shepherds warn us against this fellow?" said Hopeful. "And didn't they give us a pocket-map of the way?"

Thus they lay bewailing and blaming themselves in the net.

After a long time, they looked up and saw a Shining One coming towards them with a whip of cords in his hand. He came up and asked them who they were and how they came to be there.

"We are pilgrims to the Celestial City," answered Christian; "but we were led out of our way by a dark man clothed in white. He told us to follow him, for he knew the way."

"The dark man was Flatterer — in the garb of an angel of light," said the Shining One; and he cut the net to pieces and set the men free.

"Now follow me," said he, "and I will set you in your way again."

So he led them back to the King's highway. Then he asked them sharply, "Did you not stay a little while with the shepherds on the Delectable Mountains?"

They answered, "We did."

"And did not one of the shepherds give you a pocket-map on which was shown every part of the King's highway?"

"He did," answered Christian.

"Did you, when you were uncertain, look at this map and read the directions that are printed upon it?"

"Alas, no!" they both answered.

"Why?"

"We forgot about it."

"Did the shepherds warn you against any person?"

"Yes, against the Flatterer. But this man talked so pleasantly that we did not imagine it was he."

Then the Shining One bade them lie down upon the ground; and he whipped them sorely with his whip of cords. "As many as I love — I rebuke and chasten," he said.

Then he raised them up, and bade them go on their way; and they thanked him for his kindness — and went softly along the right road, rejoicing that their faces were once more set towards the Celestial Land.

 

THE ENCHANTED LAND

Then I saw in my dream, that they went till they came into a certain country where the air was such as to make them feel very drowsy. The soft breezes, which scarcely stirred the leaves, were laden with sweet perfumes, and the mossy banks in the shade of the trees invited to rest.

Then Hopeful began to be very dull and heavy of sleep. And he said to Christian, "I can scarcely hold my eyes open, I am so drowsy; let us lie down here and take a short nap."

But Christian answered, "Let us do no such thing — lest sleeping, we never wake again!"

"Why so, my brother?" said Hopeful. "Sleep is sweet to the weary traveler, and to the laboring man. A little nap might greatly refreshen us."

"Listen to me, Hopeful," said Christian. "Do you not remember that one of the shepherds warned us to beware of falling asleep in the Enchanted Land? Therefore, let us keep awake and watch, lest evil befall us."

"You are right, brother," said Hopeful. "If I had been here alone, I would have given up to sleep, and perhaps I would have been in danger of death. The wise man was right when he said: Two are better than one."

"Well," said Christian, "let us by all means keep awake; and to drive away this drowsiness, let us talk with each other about our journey, and the place whither we are bound."

"With all my heart," said Hopeful.

So they walked on, and as they walked they talked. But the air was heavy, and there was ever a sound of sweet music in their ears, which, if they had listened to, would have lulled them to sleep. Yet as often as Hopeful showed signs of drowsiness, Christian would shake him a little and cry, "Wake up, brother!"

Then they would walk onward, sweetly conversing about the things that were uppermost in their minds; and by and by, when Christian himself began to be overcome, Hopeful in his turn would cry, "Wake up, brother!"

Thus they walked onward, cheering and comforting and warning each other, until they were safely through the Enchanted Land.

 

THE LAND OF BEULAH

Now I saw in my dream that the pilgrims went on, and by and by entered into the country of Beulah. This was indeed a pleasant land and a healthful one. For the air was very sweet, and the sun shone night and day.

There they heard always the singing of birds; they saw every day the flowers blooming in wood and field; they heard the cooing of turtle-doves and the songs of running brooks.

So in this land, the pilgrims tarried a while and solaced themselves. For the Land of Beulah is beyond the Valley of the Shadow of Death. It is also out of reach of Giant Despair, and Doubting Castle cannot so much as be seen from its hilltops.

But the pilgrims were here within sight of the city they were going to; and as they rested themselves, some of the people of that city came out to see them. For in this land the Shining Ones came often to walk, because it was on the borders of the Celestial Country.

Here the pilgrims had no want of corn and wine; for in this place was an abundance of all the things they had sought in their pilgrimage. And as they walked onward, their joy became greater, day by day. Then, as they drew nearer the city — they began to have a more perfect view of it.

They saw that it was builded of pearls and precious stones, and that the streets were paved with gold. Then, as they beheld somewhat of its natural glory and the sunbeams that enlightened it, Christian could scarcely wait to enter it. His desire was so great, that he fell sick; and Hopeful also had a fit of the same disease.

Therefore, they lay for a while in the Land of Beulah, looking wistfully over towards the Celestial Gate, and crying out because of their great desire. But after a time, being better able to hold themselves, they arose and went on. They went on and came yet nearer and nearer, where were orchards and vineyards and beautiful gardens.

Now as they passed these places, they saw the GARDENER standing in the way. They asked him, "Whose goodly vineyards and gardens are these?"

'They are the King's," he answered. "They are planted here for his own delight, and for the solace of pilgrims."

Then he led them into the vineyards and bade them refresh themselves with the dainty fruit that hung clustering on the vines. He showed them also the King's walks, and the pleasant arbors where He delighted to be. And here they tarried a while and slept. And sweet dreams came to them in their sleep, and they talked aloud of the joys that were in store for them.

In the morning when they awoke, they turned their steps once more towards the city. But the sunbeams which rested upon it were so extremely glorious, that they could not look that way with open face. So, as they went, they had need to look through glasses that had been made for that purpose.

Then I saw, as they went on, that two men in shining raiment came forth to meet them; and the faces of these men shone as the light. These men asked the pilgrims whence they came — and they told them. They asked them where they had lodged — and they told them. They asked them what dangers they had met and what difficulties they had overcome — and they told them.

"There are still two difficulties which you must surmount — and then you will be in the city," said the men.

"Will you not walk with us until we come to our journey's end?" asked Christian and Hopeful.

"That we will do," answered the men; "but it is by your own faith that you must go on in safety to the Celestial Gate."

 

THE RIVER OF DREAD

Now I saw in my dream, that they went on together until they came in sight of the gate. I further saw that between them and the gate there was a river and there was no bridge to go over; and the river was very deep.

When the pilgrims came to this river, they were much disheartened; but the men who were with them said, "You must go through — or you cannot get to the gate."

Christian was greatly cast down by this answer, and began to wish that he might draw back and escape. But Hopeful took him by the hand and cheered him with comforting words. Then as they came to the water's edge, they asked the men how deep the river was.

"You will find it deeper or shallower — as you put your trust in the King," was the answer.

So they stepped in. Then Christian felt himself beginning to sink, and he cried out, "O Hopeful, my friend, I sink in deep waters! The billows go over my head; the waves cover me!"

But Hopeful answered, "Be of good cheer, my brother! My feet are on the bottom, and it is good."

Still Christian cried out in his despair, "I shall perish in this river! I shall never see the Celestial Land — the land of milk and honey!"

Hopeful, therefore, had much ado to keep his brother's head above water. Indeed, sometimes he would be quite gone down; and in a little while he would rise up again, half dead.

But all the time, Hopeful tried to cheer him. "Brother, I see the gate!" he said. "I see the men standing by to welcome us!"

"It is you for whom they wait," answered Christian. "They wait for you, and not me. You have been Hopeful ever since I knew you."

"And so have you," answered Hopeful. "Remember how you have kept your face turned always toward the Celestial Land."

Then I saw in my dream, that Christian was silent for a time as though in deep thought. And Hopeful said, "Be of good cheer. We shall soon be on the other side. I see the Prince of the Celestial Land!"

"I see him, too!" cried Christian; "and he tells me: When you pass through the waters — I will be with you; and through the rivers — they shall not overflow you!"

Soon the water became shallower, and Christian found the bottom good ground to walk upon. So they went on, cheerfully and with hopeful hearts — and thus they got over.

 

THE END OF THE JOURNEY

Then I saw in my dream, that the pilgrims being come out of the water, two Shining Ones met them and saluted them. And all went walking along together towards the gate.

Now the city stood upon a mighty hill — but the pilgrims went up with ease; for the Shining Ones led them and helped them. They had also left their heavy garments behind in the river; for though they went in with them, they came out without them.

So they went up lightly and with speed, though the city was higher than the clouds. They went up through the clear air, talking sweetly as they went; for they were comforted because they had safely crossed the river and were being led by such glorious companions.

The Shining Ones talked to them on the way and told them about the beauty and the grandeur of the place. "You are now going," they said, "to the paradise of our Lord. There you shall see the tree of life and eat of its never-fading fruits. There you shall be clothed with glory and with majesty; and there you shall see the King as he is! There your friends will meet you, even those who have come before; and you shall with joy receive everyone that follows into the holy place after you."

Now as they were drawing near the gate, a great company came out to meet them. And the two Shining Ones said, "These are the men that have loved our Lord, and have left all for His sake. He has sent us to fetch them, and we have brought them thus far on their journey."

Then there was a great shout of welcome; and the King's trumpeters saluted them with music loud and sweet. And the great company surrounded them on every side. Some went before, some behind, and all walked on together towards the gate.

But before they came to it, they had another view of the city itself; and the pilgrims thought that they heard the bells therein, ringing sweetly to welcome them.

And so they went on, and the watchmen at the gate looked over and saw them, and asked who they were.

"These pilgrims," answered a Shining One, "are come from the City of Destruction, for the love that they bear to the King of this place."

Then Christian and Hopeful gave their passports to the keepers of the gate; and the command was given that they should enter.

Now I saw in my dream that these two men went in at the gate: and lo, they were transfigured — and they had raiment put on that shone like gold. Then I heard all the bells in the city ring out for joy; and a voice sweeter than any earthly music said unto them "Enter into the joy of your Lord!"

So I awoke, and behold it was a dream!