230 THE PILGRIM’S PRO GRESS.

So she went in, and they followed her that were her children and her companions.
Now, when they were gone in, they were had into a very large room, where they were
bidden to sit down. So they sat down, and the chief of the house were called to see
and welcome the guests. Then they came in, and understanding who they were, did
salute each other with a kiss, and said, “ Welcome, ye vessels of the grace of God;
welcome to us, your friends!”

Now, because it was somewhat late, and because the pilgrims were weary with their
journey, and also made faint with the sight of the fight, and of the terrible lions,
therefore they desired, as soon as might be, to prepare to go to rest. “ Nay,” said
those of the family, “refresh yourselves first with a morsel of meat;” for they had
prepared for them a lamb, with the accustomed sauce belonging thereto,” for the Porter
had heard before of their coming, and had told it to them within. So, when they had
supped, and ended their prayer with a psalm, they desired they might go to rest.

“ But let us,” said Christiana, “if we may be so bold as to choose, be in that chamber
that was my husband’s when he was here.”

So they had them up thither, and they lay all in a room. When they were at rest,
Christiana and Mercy entered into discourse about things that were convenient.

Cur. Little did I think once, when my husband went on pilgrimage, that I should
ever have followed.

Mex. And you as little thought of lying in his bed, and in his chamber to rest, as
you do now.

Cur. And much less did I ever think of seeing his face with comfort, and of wor-
shipping the Lord the King with him; and yet now I believe I shall.

Mer. Hark! don’t you hear a noise?

Cur. Yes, it is, as I believe, a noise of music, for joy that we are here.

Mer. Wonderful! Music in the house, music in the heart, and music also in heaven,
for joy that we are here!

Thus they talked a while, and then betook themselves to sleep. So in the morning,
when they were awake, Christiana said to Mercy, ‘ What was the matter, that you did
laugh in your sleep to-night? I suppose you were in a dream.”

Mer. So I was, and a sweet dream it was; but are you sure I laughed?

Cur. Yes, you laughed heartily; but, prithee, Mercy, tell me thy dream.

Mer. I was dreaming that I sat all alone in a solitary place, and was bemoaning of
the hardness of my heart. Now, I had not sat there long, but methought many were
gathered about me to see me, and to hear what it was that I said. So they hearkened,
and I went on bemoaning the hardness of my heart. At this, some of them laughed