DISCOURSE AT SUPPER. 215

it, that, between this and the gate by which we got into the way, we were both so

a

sorely assaulted that we were made to ery out “murder;” and the two that made this
assault upon us were like the two that I saw in my dream.

Then said the Interpreter, “Thy beginning is good; thy latter end shall greatly
increase.” So he addressed himself to Mercy, and said unto her, “And what moved
thee to come hither, sweetheart ?”

Then Mercy blushed and trembled, and for a while continued silent.

Inter. Then said he, “ Be not afraid; only believe, and speak thy mind.”

Mer. So she began, and said, “Truly, sir, my want of experience is that which
makes me covet to be in silence, and that also that fills me with fears of coming short
at last. I cannot tell of visions and dreams, as my friend Christiana can, nor know I
what it is to mourn for my refusing the counsel of those that were good rela-
tions.”

Inter. What was it, then; dear heart, that hath prevailed with thee to do as thou
hast done?

Mer. Why, when our friend here was packing up to be gone from our town, I and
another went accidentally to see her. So we knocked at the door and went in. When
we were within, and seeing what she was doing, we asked her what was her meaning.
She said she was sent for to go to her husband; and then she up and told us how she
had seen him in a dream, dwelling in a curious place, among immortals, wearing ¢
crown, playing upon a harp, eating and drinking at his Prince’s table, and singing
praises to Him for bringing him thither, ete. Now, methought while she was telling
these things unto us, my heart burned within me. And I said in my heart, If this be
true, I will leave my father and my mother, and the land of my nativity, and will, if I
may, go along with Christiana. So I asked her further of the truth of these things,
and if she would let me go with her; for I saw now that there was no dwelling but
with the danger of ruin any longer in our town. But yet I came away with a heavy
heart; not for that I was unwilling to come away, but for that so many of my relations
were left behind. And Iam come with all the desire of my heart, and will go, if I
may, with Christiana, unto her husband and his King.

Inter. Thy setting out is good, for thou hast given credit to the truth: thou art a
Ruth, who did, for the love she bare to Naomi and to the Lord her God, leave father
and mother, and the land of her nativity, to come out and go with a people that she
knew not heretofore. The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given
thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust !*".

Now supper was ended, and preparation was made for bed: the women were Jaid