FEEBLE-MIND FINDS A SUITABLE COMPANION. 277

Then Gaius took his leave of them all, and his children, and particularly of Mr.
Feeble-mind. He also gave him something to drink by the way.

Now, Mr. Feeble-mind, when they were going out of the door, made as if he
intended to linger. The which when Mr. Great-heart espied, he said, “Come, Mr.
Feeble-mind, pray do you go along with us: I will be your conductor, and you shall
fare as the rest.”

Freeste. Alas! I want a suitable companion. You are all lusty and strong, but T,
as you see, am weak; I choose, therefore, rather to come behind, lest, by reason of
my many infirmities, I should be both a burden to myself and to you. J am, as IT said,
aman of a weak and feeble mind, and shall be offended and made weak at that which
others can bear. I shall like no laughing; I shall like no gay attire; I shall like no
unprofitable questions. Nay, I am so weak a man as to be offended with that which
others have a liberty to do. I do not yet know all the truth; I am a very ignorant
Christian man. Sometimes, if I hear any rejoice in the Lord, it troubles me, because
I cannot do so too. It is with me as it is with a weak man among the strong, or as
with a sick man among the healthy, or as a lamp despised. “ He that is ready to slip
with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease; so that T
know not what to do.

Great. “But, brother,” said Mr. Great-heart, “I have it in commission to comfort
the feeble-minded and to support the weak. You must needs go along with us: we
will wait for you; we will lend you our help; we will deny ourselves of some things
both opinionative and practical, for your sake; we will not enter into doubtful disputa-
tions before you! we will be made all things to you, rather than you shall be left
behind.” ”

Now, all this while they were at Gaius’s door, and, behold, as they were thus in the
heat of their discourse, Mr. Ready-to-halt came by, with his crutches in his hands;
and he also was going on pilgrimage.

Frese. Then said Mr. Feeble-mind to him, “ How camest thou hither? I was
but now complaining that I had not a suitable companion, but thou art according to
my wish. Welcome, weleome, good Mr. Ready-to-halt; I hope thou and I may be
some help.”

Reapy. “I shall be glad of thy company,” said the other ; “and, good Mr. Feeble-
mind, rather than we will part, since we are thus happily met, I will lend thee one of
my crutches.”

Fersue. “ Nay,” said he, “though I thank thee for thy good-will, I am not inclined