STAND-FAST REPULSES MADAM BUBBLE. 380?

“Tf you thought not amiss,” said Stand-fast, “how happy am I! But, if I be not
as I should, I alone must bear it.”

“That is true,” said the other; “but your fear doth further confirm me that things
are right betwixt the Prince of pilgrims and your soul; for He saith, ‘ Blessed is the
man that feareth always.’” ™

Vatsranr. Well, but, brother, I pray thee, tell us what was it that was the cause of
thy being upon thy knees even now: was it for that some special mercy laid obliga-
tions upon thee, or how?

Sranp. Why, we are, as you see, upon the Enchanted Ground; and as I was com-
ing along, I was musing with myself of what a dengerous road the road in this place

_was, and how many that had come even thus far on pilgrimage, had here been stopped
and been destroyed. I thought also of the manner of the death with which this place
destroyeth men. Those that die here die of no violent distemper: the death which
such die is not grievous to them. For he that goeth away in such a sleep, begins that
journey with desire and pleasure. Yea, such acquiesce in the will of that disease.

Hoy. Then Mr. Honest, interrupting of him, said, “ Did you see the two men asleep
in the arbor?”

Sranp. Ay, ay, I saw Heedless and Too-bold there; and, for aught I know, there
they will lie till they rot.” But let me go on in my tale. As I was thus musing, as
T said, there was one in very pleasant attire, but old, who presented herself to me, and
offered me three things; to wit, her bedy, her purse, and her bed. Now, the truth is,
I was both aweary and sleepy; I am also as poor as an owlet, and that, perhaps, the
witch knew. Well, I repulsed her once or twice; but she put by my repulses, and
smiled. Then I began to be angry; but she mattered that nothing at all. Then she
made offers again, and said, if I would be ruled by her, she would make me great and
happy. “For,” said she, “I am the mistress of the world, and men are made happy
by me.” Then I asked her name, and she told me it was Madam Bubble. This set
me further from her; but she still followed me with enticements. Then I betook me,
as you saw, to my knees; and, with hands lift up, and cries, I prayed to Him that had
said He would help. So, just as you came up, the gentlewoman went her way. Then
I continued to give thanks for this my great deliverance ; for I verily believe she
intended no good, but rather sought to make stop of me in my journey.

Hox. Without doubt her designs were bad. But stay: now you talk of her, me-
thinks I either have seen her, or have read some story of her.

Sranp. Perhaps you have done both.