192 THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS.

put into my hands to get gain, and I should be a fool of the greatest size if I should
have no heart to strike in with the opportunity. And for that you tell me of all these
troubles which Tam like to meet with in the way, they are so far off from being to me
a discouragement, that they show I am in the right. The bitter must come before the
sweet, and that also will make the sweet the sweeter. Wherefore, since you came not
to my house in God’s name, as I said, I pray you to be gone, and not to disquiet me
further.”

Then Timorous reviled her, and said to her fellow, “ Come, neighbor Mercy, let us
leave her in her own hands, since she scorns

 

our counsel and company.” But Mercy was
at a stand, and could not so readily comply
with her neighbor, and that for a twofold
reason. 1. Her bowels yearned over Chris-
tiana; so she said within herself, “If my
neighbor will needs be gone, I will go a little
way with her, and help her.” 2. Her bowels
yearned over her own soul; for what
Christiana had said had taken hold upon her

 

mind. Wherefore she said within herself

 

 

again, “TI will yet have more talk with this
Christiana, and if I find truth and life in
what she shall say, myself, with my heart,
shall also go with her.” Wherefore Mercy
began thus to reply to her neighbor Timor-
ous:

 

 

 

Mer. Neighbor, I did indeed come with

“*Well, I see you haye a mind to go a-fooling too”” you to see Christiana this morning; and since

she is, as you see, taking her last farewell of

her country, I think to walk this sunshiny morning a little with her, to help her on
her way. |

But she told her not of the second reason, but kept that to herself,

Trw. Well, I'see you have a mind to go a-fooling too; but\take heed in time, and
be wise. While we are out of danger, we are out; but. when wé are in, we are in.

So Mrs. Timorous returned to her house, and Christiana Betook herself to her
journey. But when Timorous was got home to her house, she sends for some of her

neighbors; to wit, Mrs. Bat’s-eyes, Mrs. Inconsiderate, Mrs. Light-mind, and Mrs.