294 THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS.

see, some of the marks of their valor, and have also carried away with them some of
mine. They are but just now gone: I suppose they might, as the saying is, hear your
horse dash, and so they betook them to flight.”

GREAT. But here was great odds, three against one.

Vatiant, “Tis true; but little or more are nothing to him that has the truth on his
side. “Though an host should encamp against me,” said one,” “my heart shall not
fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” Besides,” said
he, “I have read in some records that one man has fought an army; and how many
did Samson slay with the jaw-bone of an ass?”

Great. Then said the guide, “ Why did
you not cry out, that some might have come
in for your succor?”

Vaurant. So I did, to my King, who, I
knew, could hear me, and afford invisible
help; and that was sufficient for me.

Great. Then said Great-heart to Mr.
Valiant-for-truth, “Thou hast worthily be-
haved thyself. Let me see thy sword.” So
he showed it him. When he had taken it in
his hand, and looked thereon a while, he said,
“Ha! it is a right Jerusalem blade.” ™

Vattant. It isso. Let a man have one of
these blades, with a hand to wield it and skill

 

to use it, and he may venture upon an angel
with it. He need not fear its holding, if he
can but tell how to lay on. Its edges will
never blunt. It will cut flesh and bones, and
soul and spirit, and all."

 

 

Wild-head.

Great. But you fought a great while. I wonder you were not weary.

Vatrant. I fought till my sword did cleave to my hand; and when they were
joined together, as if a sword grew out of my arm, and when the blood ran through
my fingers, then I fought with most courage.

Great. Thou hast done well; thou hast resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Thou shalt abide by us, come in and go out with us, for we are thy companions.

Then they took him, washed his wounds, and gave him of what they had, to refresh
him; and so they went on together.