274 THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS.

death did usually once a day knock at my door, I thought I should never be well at
home: so I betook myself to a pilgrim’s life, and have travelled hither from the town
of Uncertain, where I and my father were born. Iam aman of no strength at all of
body, nor yet of mind, but would, if I could, though I can but crawl, spend my life in
the pilgrims’ way. When I came at the gate that is at the head of the way, the Lord
of that place did entertain me freely; neither objected He against my weakly looks,
nor against my feeble mind, but gave me such things as were necessary for my journey,
and bid me hope to theend. When I came to the house of the Interpreter, I received
much kindness there; and because the Hill Difficulty was judged too hard for me, I
was carried up that by one of his servants. Indeed, I have found much relief from
pilgrims: though none were willing to go so softly as Iam forced to do, yet still as
they came on they bid me be of good cheer, and said that it was the will of their Lord
that comfort should be given to the feeble-minded,® and so went on their own pace.
When I was come to Assault Lane, then this giant met with me, and bid me prepare
for an encounter. But, alas! feeble one that I was, I had more need of a cordial; go
he came up and took me. TI conceited he should not kill me. Also when he got me
into his den, since I went not with him willingly, I believed I should come out alive
again; for I have heard that not any pilgrim that is taken captive by violent hands,
if he keeps heart-whole towards his Master, is, by the laws of Providence, to die by the
hands of the enemy. Robbed I looked to be, and robbed to be sure I am; but I have,
as you see, escaped with life, for the which I thank my King as author, and you
as the means. Other brunts I also look for ; but this I have resolved on—to wit, to
run when I can, to go when I cannot run, and to creep when I cannot go. As to the
main, I thank Him that loves me, [am fixed: my way is before me, my mind is
beyond the river that has no bridge, though I am, as you see, but of a feeble mind.”

Hoy. Then said old Mr. Honest, “Have not you some time ago been acquainted
with one Mr. Fearing, a pilgrim?”

Ferrie. Acquainted with him! yes; he came from the town of Stupidity, which
lies four degrees northward of the City of Destruction, and as many off of where I
was born; yet we were well acquainted, for indeed he was my uncle, my father’s
brother. He and I have been much of a temper: he was a little shorter than I, but
yet we were much of a complexion.

Hon. I perceive you know him, and I am apt to believe also that you are related
one to another; for you have his whitely look, a cast like his with your eye, and your’
speech is much alike.