310 THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS.

to see her take her journey. But, behold, all the banks beyond the river were full of
horses and chariots, which were come down from above to accompany her to the City
gate. So she came forth and entered the river, with a beckon of farewell to those that
followed her to the river-side. The last words that she was heard to say were, “I come,
Lord, to be with Thee, and bless Thee!”

So her children and friends returned to their place, for that those that waited for
Christiana had carried her out of their sight. So she went and called, and entered in
at the gate with all the ceremonies of joy that her husband Christian had done before
her. At her departure her children wept. But Mr. Great-heart and Mr. Valiant
played upon the well-tuned cymbal and harp for joy. So all departed to their respec-
tive places.

In process of time, there came a post to the town again, and his business was with
Mr. Ready-to-halt. So he inquired him out, and said to him, “Iam come to thee
from Elim whom thou hast loved and followed, though upon crutches; and my message
is to tell thee, that He expects thee at His table to sup with Him in His kingdom, the
next day after Easter; wherefore prepare thyself for this journey.” Then he also gave
him a token that he was a true messenger, saying, “I have broken thy golden bowl,
and loosed thy silver cord.” ™

After this Mr. Ready-to-halt called for his fellow-pilgrims, and told them, saying,
“Tam sent for, and God shall surely visit you also.” So he desired Mr. Valiant to
make his will. And because he had nothing to bequeath to them that should survive
him but his crutches and his good wishes, therefore thus he said: “These crutches I
bequeath to my son that shall tread in my steps, with a hundred warm wishes that
he may prove better than I have done.” Then he thanked Mr. Great-heart for his
conduct and kindness, and so addressed himself to his journey. When he came to the
brink of the river, he said, “ Now I shall have no more need of these crutches, since
yonder are chariots and horses for me to ride on.” The last words he was heard to
say were, “ Welcome life!” So he went his way.

After this, Mr. Feeble-mind had tidings brought him, that the post sounded his
horn at his chamber-door. Then he came in, and told him, saying, “I am come to tell
thee that thy Master has need of thee, and that in a very little time thou must behold
His face in brightness. And take this as a token of the truth of my message: ‘Those
that look out at the windows shall be darkened’”” Then Mr. Feeble-mind called
for his friends, and told them what errand had been brought unto him, and what token
he had received of the truth of the message. Then he said, “Since I have nothing to
bequeath to any, to what purpose should I make a will? As for my feeble mind, that