HOW VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH BORE HIMSELF. 290

Now, as they went on, because Mr. Great-heart was delighted in him (for he loved
one greatly that he found to be a man of his hands), and because there were in company
them that were feeble and weak, therefore he questioned with him about many things ;
as, first, what countryman he was.

Variant. Iam of Dark-land; for there I was born, and there my father and mother
are still.

Great. “Dark-land!” said the guide; “doth not that lie upon the same coast with
the City of Destruction?”

Vauiant. Yes, it doth. Now, that which caused me to come on pilgrimage was
this. We had one Mr. Tell-true come into our parts, and he told it about what
Christian had done, that went from the City of Destruction; namely, how he had for-
saken his wife and children, and had betaken himself to a pilgrim’s life. It was also
confidently reported, how he had killed a serpent that did come out to resist him in
his journey ; and how he got through to whither he intended. It was also told what
welcome he had at all his Lord’s lodgings, specially when he came to the gates of the
Celestial City ; “ For there,” said the man, “ he was received with sound of trumpet by
a company of Shining Ones.” THe told also how all the bells in the City did ring for
joy at his reception, and what golden garments he was clothed with; with many other
things that now I shall forbear to relate. In a word, that man so told the story of
Christian and his travels, that my heart fell into a burning haste to be gone after him;
nor could father or mother stay me. So I got from them, and am come thus far on
my way.

Great. You came in at the gate, did you not ?

Variant. Yes, yes; for the same man also told us, that all would be nothing if we
did not begin to enter this way at the gate.

Great. “Look you,” said the guide to Christiana, “the pilgrimage of your husband,
with what he has gotten thereby, is spread abroad far and near.”

Vatrant. Why, is this Christian’s wife?

Great. Yes, that it is, and these also are his four sons.

Vauiant. What! and going on pilgrimage too?

Great. Yes, verily, they are following after.

Varian. It glads me at heart. Good man, how joyful will he be when he shall sce
them that would not go with him, yet to enter after him in at the gates into the
City !

Great. Without doubt it will be a comfort to him; for, next to the joy of seeing
himself there, it will bé a joy to meet there his wife and children.