183 THE AUTHOR'S WAY OF SENDING FORTH HIS SECOND PART.

He was a good man, though much down in spirit;
He zs a good man, and doth life inherit.
Tell them of Master Feeble-mind also,
Who not before, but still behind, would go ;
Show them also how he had like been slain,
And how one Great-heart did his life regain.
This man was true of heart, though weak in grace ;
Oue might true godliness read in his face.
Then tell them of Master Ready-to-halt,
A man with crutches, but much without fault :
Tell them how Master Feeble-mind and he
Did love, and in opinions much agree :
And let all know, though weakness was their chance,
Yet sometimes one could sing, the other dance.
Forget not Master Valiant-for-the-truth, —
That man of courage, though a very youth.
Tell every one his spirit was so stout,
No man could ever make him face about ;
And how Great-heart and he could not forbear,
But put down Doubting Castle, slay Despair !
Overlook not Master Despondency,
Nor Much-afraid, his daughter, though they lie
Under such mantles as may make them look
(With some) as if their God had them forsook.
They softly went, but sure; and, at the end,
Found that the Lord of Pilgrims was their friend.
When thou hast told the world of all these things,
Then turn about, my book, and touch those strings
Which, if but touched, will such music make,
They'll make a cripple dance, a giant quake.
These riddles that lie couched within thy breast,
Freely propound, expound; and, for the rest
Of thy mysterious lines, let them remain
For those whose nimble fancies shall them gain.

Now may this little book a blessing be
To those who love this little book and me ;
And may its buyer have no cause to say
His money is but lost or thrown away ;
‘Yea, may this second Pilgrim yield that fruit
As may with each good pilgrim’s fancy suit;
And may it some persuade that go astray,
To turn their feet and heart to the right way,

Is the hearty prayer of
The Author,

JOHN BUNYAX.