WORLDLY WISEMAN’S COUNSEL. 39

of him, by beholding his laborious going, by observing his sighs and groans, and the
like, began thus to enter into some talk with Christian :

Worip. How now, good fellow! whither away after this burdened manner?

Curis. A burdened manner indeed, as ever I think poor creature had! And
whereas you ask me, Whither away? JI tell you, sir, Iam going to yonder wickct-
gate before me; for there, as I am informed, I shall be put into a way to be rid of my
heavy burden.

Worxp. Hast thou a wife and children ?

Curis. Yes; but Iam so laden with this burden, that I cannot take that pleasure
in them as formerly ; methinks I amas if I had none.®

Wortp. Wilt thou hearken to me, if I give thee counsel?

Curis. If it be good, £ will; for I stand in need of good counsel.

Worxp. I would advise thee, then, that thou with all speed get thyself rid of thy
burden ; for thou wilt never be settled in thy mind till then; nor canst thou enjoy the
blessings which God hath bestowed upon thee till then.

Curis. That is that which I seek for, even to be rid of this heavy burden; but get
it off myself I cannot; nor is there any man in our country that can take it off my
shoulders ; therefore am I going this way, as I told you, that I may be rid of my burden.

Worxp. Who bid thee go this way to be rid of thy burden?

Curis. A man that appeared to me to be a very great and honorable person; his
name, as I remember, is Evangelist.

Wortp. J beshrew * him for his counsel! there is not a more dangerous and trouble-
some way in the world than is that into which he hath directed thee; and that thou
shalt find, if thou wilt be ruled by his counsel. Thou hast met with something, as I
perceive, already; for I see the dirt of the Slough of Despond is upon thee; but that
slough is the beginning of the sorrows that do attend those that go on in that way.
Hear me: Iam older than thou: thou art like to meet with, in the way which thou
goest, wearisomeness, painfulness, hunger, perils, nakedness, sword, lions, dragons
darkness, and, in a word, death, and what not. These things are certainly true, having
been confirmed by many testimonies. And why should a man so carelessly cast away
himself, by giving heed to a stranger ?

Curis. Why, sir, this burden upon my back is more terrible to me than all these
things which you have mentioned ; nay, methinks I care not what I meet with in the
way, if so be I can also meet with deliverance from my burden.

Wokrt.p. How camest thou by the burden at first ?

* Wish him ill.