224 THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS.

panions were compelled to do. ‘They took it up, and put it into an earthen pot,
and so let it stand till the dirt was gone to the bottom, and then they drank thereof.

Next he showed them the two by-ways that were at the foot of the hill, where
Formality and Hypocrisy lost themselves. And said he, “ These are dangerous paths.
Two were here cast away when Christian came by; and although, as you see, these
ways are since stopped up with chains, posts, and a ditch, yet there are that will
choose to adventure here, rather than take the pains to go up this hill.”

Cur. The way of transgressors is hard** It is a wonder that they can get into those
ways without danger of breaking their necks.

Great. They will venture: yea, if at any time any of the King’s servants doth
happen to see them, and doth call unto them, and tell them that they are in the wrong
ways, and do bid them beware the danger, then they will railingly return them answer,
and say, “ As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the King,
we will not hearken unto thee; but we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth
out of our own mouth.”*® Nay, if you look a little farther, you shall see that these
ways are made cautionary enough, not only by these posts, and ditch, and chain, but
also by being hedged up; yet they will choose to go there.

Cur. They are idle: they love not to take pains: up-hill way is unpleasant to them.
So it is fulfilled unto them as it is written, “The way of the slothful man isa hedge
of thorns.” Yea, they will rather choose to walk upon a snare than go up this hill,
and the rest of this way to the City.

Then they set forward, and began to go up the hill; and up the hill they went.
But, before they got to the top, Christiana began to pant, and said, “I dare gay this
is a breathing hill: no marvel if they that love their ease more than their souls choose
to themselves a smoother way.” Then said Mercy, “I must sit down;” also the least
of the children began to cry. ‘‘ Come, come,” said Great-heart, “sit not down here, for
a little above is the Prince’s arbor.’ Then took he the little boy by the hand, and led
him up thereto.

When they were come to the arbor, they were very willing to sit down, for they
were all in a pelting heat. Then said Mercy, “‘ How sweet is rest to them that labor,”
and how good is the Prince of pilgrims to provide such resting-places for them! Of
this arbor I have heard much, but I never saw it before. But here let us beware of
sleeping ; for, as I have heard, for that it cost poor Christian dear.”

Then said Mr. Great-heart to the little ones, “Come, my pretty boys, how do you
do? what think you now of going on pilgrimage?”’

“Sir,” said the least, “I was almost beat out of heart; but I thank you for lending