Contents - BOOK CONTENTS -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

John Bunyan (1628–1688). The Pilgrim’s Progress.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

Paras. 300–399

The Pilgrim’s Progress, in the Similitude of a Dream; The Second Part

Matt.It is the Holy Word of God.

Prud.Is there nothing written therein but what you understand?

Matt.Yes a great deal.

Prud.What do you do when you meet with such places therein that you do not understand?

Matt.I think God is wiser than I. I pray also that he will please to let me know all therein that he knows will be for my good.

Prud.How believe you as touching the Resurrection of the Dead?

Matt.I believe they shall rise, the Same that was buried, the same in nature, tho’ not in corruption. And I believe this upon a double account. First, because God has promised it. Secondly, because he is able to perform it.

• Prudence’s conclusion upon the catechising of the boys

Then said Prudence to the Boys, You must still hearken to your Mother, for she can learn you more. You must also diligently give ear to what good talk you shall hear from others, for for your sakes do they speak good things. Observe also and that with carefulness, what the Heavens and the Earth do teach you; but especially be much in the meditation of that Book that was the cause of your Father’s becoming a Pilgrim. I for my part, my Children, will teach you what I can while you are here, and shall be glad if you will ask me Questions that tend to godly edifying.

• Mercy has a sweetheart

Now by that these Pilgrims had been at this place a week, Mercy had a visitor that pretended some good will unto her, and his name was Mr Brisk. A man of some breeding, and that pretended to Religion, but a man that stuck very close to the World. So he came once or twice or more to Mercy, and offered love unto her. Now Mercy was of fair countenance, and therefore the more alluring.

• Mercy’s temper

Her mind also was, to he always busying of herself in doing, for when she had nothing to do for herself, she would be making of Hose and Garments for others, and would bestow them upon them that had need. And Mr Brisk not knowing where or how she disposed of what she made, seemed to be greatly taken for that he found her never idle. I will warrant her a good house-wife, quoth he to himself.

• Mercy inquires of the maids concerning Mr Brisk

Mercy then revealed the business to the Maidens that were of the house, and enquired of them concerning him, for they did know him better than she. So they told her that he was a very busy young man, and one that pretended to Religion, but was as they feared, a stranger to the Power of that which was good.

Nay then, said Mercy, I will look no more on him, for I purpose never to have a clog to my soul.

Prudence then replied, That there needed no great matter of discouragement to be given to him, her continuing so as she had began to do for the poor, would quickly cool his courage.

• Talk betwixt Mercy and Mr Brisk
• He forsakes her, and why

So the next time he comes, he finds her at her old work, a making of things for the poor. Then said he, What, always at it? Yes, said she, either for myself or for others. And what canst thou earn a day? quoth he. I do these things, said she, that I may be rich in Good Works, laying up in store a good Foundation against the time to come, that I may lay hold on Eternal Life. Why prithee what dost thou with them? said he. Cloath the naked, said she. With that his countenance fell. So he forbore to come at her again. And when he was asked the reason why, he said that Mercy was a pretty lass, but troubled with ill conditions.

• Mercy in the practice of mercy rejected; while Mercy in the name of mercy is liked

When he had left her, Prudence said, Did I not tell thee, that Mr Brisk would soon forsake thee? yea, he will raise up an ill report of thee; for notwithstanding his pretence to and his love to Mercy, yet Mercy and he are of tempers so different, that I believe they will never come together.

Mercy.I might a had Husbands afore now, tho’ I spake not of it to any; but they were such as did not like my Conditions, though never did any of them find fault with my Person. So they and I could not agree.

Prud.Mercy in our days is little set by any further than as to its Name; the Practice, which is set forth by thy Conditions, there are but few that can abide.

• Mercy’s resolution
• How Mercy’s sister was served by her husband

Mercy.Well, said Mercy, if nobody will have me, I will die a Maid, or my Conditions shall be to me as a Husband. For I cannot change my nature, and to have one that lies cross to me in this, that I purpose never to admit of as long as I live. I had a Sister named Bountiful, that was married to one of these churls; but he and she could never agree; but because my Sister was resolved to do as she had that is, to shew kindness to the poor, therefore her Husband first cried her down at the Cross, and then turned her out of his doors.

Prud.And yet he was a Professor, I warrant you.

Mercy.Yes, such a one as he was, and of such as he the world is now full: but I am for none of them at all.

• Matthew falls sick
• Gripes of conscience
• The physician’s judgment

Now Matthew the eldest Son of Christiana fell sick, and his sickness was sore upon him, for he was much pained in his Bowels, so that he was with it at times, pulled as ’twere both ends together. There dwelt also not far from thence, one Mr Skill, an antient and well-approved Physician. So Christiana desired it, and they sent for him, and he came. When he was entred the room, and had a little observed the Boy, he concluded that he was sick of the Gripes. Then he said to his Mother, What diet has Matthew of late fed upon? Diet, said Christiana, nothing but that which is wholesome. The Physician answered, This Boy has been tampering with something that lies in his maw undigested, and that will not away without means. And I tell you he must be purged, or else he will die.

• Samuel puts his mother in mind of the fruit his brother did eat

Sam.Then said Samuel, Mother, Mother, what was that which my Brother did gather up and eat, so soon as we were come from the Gate that is at the head of this way? You know that there was an Orchard on the left hand, on the other side of the wall, some of the trees hung over the wall, and my Brother did plash and did eat.

Chris.True my Child, said Christiana, he did take thereof and did eat, naughty Boy as he was. I did chide him, and yet he would eat thereof.

Skill.I knew he had eaten something that was not wholesome food, and that food, to wit, that Fruit, is even the most hurtful of all. It is the Fruit of Beelzebub’s Orchard. I do marvel that none did warn you of it; many have died thereof.

Chris.Then Christiana began to cry, and she said, O naughty Boy, and O careless Mother, what shall I do for my Son?

Skill.Come, do not be too much dejected; the Boy may do well again, but he must purge and vomit.

Chris.Pray Sir, try the utmost of your skill with him whatever it costs.

• Potion prepared
• The Latin I borrow
• The boy loath to take the physick
• The mother tastes it, and persuades him

Skill.Nay, I hope I shall be reasonable. So he made him a Purge, but it was too weak. ’Twas said it was made of the Blood of a Goat, the Ashes of a Heifer, and with some of the Juice of Hyssop, &c. When Mr Skill had seen that that Purge was too weak, he made him one to the purpose, ’twas made Ex Carne & Sanguine Christi. (You know Physicians give strange Medicines to their Patients.) And it was made up into Pills, with a Promise or two, and a proportionable quantity of Salt. Now he was to take them three at a time fasting, in half a quarter of a pint of the Tears of Repentance. When this Potion was prepared and brought to the Boy he was loth to take it, tho’ torn with the Gripes as if he should be pulled in pieces. Come, come, said the Physician, you must take it. It goes against my stomach, said the Boy. I must have you take it, said his Mother. I shall vomit it up again, said the Boy. Pray Sir, said Christiana to Mr Skill, how does it taste? It has no ill taste, said the Doctor, and with that she touched one of the Pills with the tip of her tongue. Oh Matthew, said she, this Potion is sweeter than Hony. If thou lovest thy Mother, if thou lovest thy Brothers, if thou lovest Mercy, if thou lovest thy Life, take it. So with much ado, after a short prayer for the blessing of God upon it, he took it, and it wrought kindly with him. It caused him to purge, it caused him to sleep and rest quietly, it put him into a fine heat and breathing sweat, and did quite rid him of his Gripes.

• A word of God in the hand of his faith

So in little time he got up and walked about with a staff, and would go from room to room, and talk with Prudence Piety and Charity of his Distemper, and how he was healed.

So when the Boy was healed, Christiana asked Mr Skill, saying Sir, what will content you for your pains and care to and of my Child? And he said, You must pay the Master of the College of Physicians, according to rules made in that case and provided.

Chris.But Sir, said she, what is this Pill good for else?

• This pill an universal remedy

Skill.It is a universal Pill, it is good against all the diseases that Pilgrims are incident to, and when it is well prepared, it will keep good time out of mind.

Chris.Pray Sir, make me up twelve boxes of them, for if I can get these, I will never take other Physick.

• In a glass of the tears of repentance

Skill.These Pills are good to prevent diseases, as well as to cure when one is sick. Yea, I dare say it, and stand to it, that if a man will but use this Physick as he should, it will make him live for ever. But good Christiana, thou must give these Pills no other way but as I have prescribed, for if you do, they will do no good. So he gave unto Christiana Physick for herself and her Boys and for Mercy, and bid Matthew take heed how he eat any more green Plums, and kissed them and went his way.

It was told you before that Prudence bid the Boys, that if at any time they would, they should ask her some Questions that might be profitable, and she would say something to them.

• Of physick

Matt.Then Matthew who had been sick, asked her, Why for the most part Physick should be bitter to our palates?

Prud.To shew how unwelcome the Word of God and the effects thereof are to a Carnal Heart.

• Of the effects of physick

Matt.Why does Physick, if it does good, purge, and cause that we vomit?

Prud.To shew that the Word, when it works effectually, cleanseth the Heart and Mind. For look, what the one doth to the Body the other doth to the Soul.

• Of fire and of the sun

Matt.What should we learn by seeing the Flame of our Fire go upwards? and by seeing the Beams and sweet Influences of the Sun strike downwards?

Prud.By the going up of the Fire we are taught to ascend to Heaven by fervent and hot desires; and by the Sun his sending his Heat Beams and sweet Influences downwards, we are taught that the Saviour of the world, tho’ high, reaches down with his Grace and Love to us below.

• Of the clouds

Matt.Where have the Clouds their water?

Prud.Out of the Sea.

Matt.What may we learn from that?

Prud.That Ministers should fetch their Doctrine from God.

Matt.Why do they empty themselves upon the Earth?

Prud.To shew that Ministers should give out what they know of God to the World.

• Of the rainbow

Matt.Why is the Rainbow caused by the Sun?

Prud.To shew that the covenant of God’s Grace is confirmed to us in Christ.

Matt. Why do the Springs come from the Sea to us through the Earth?

Prud.To shew that the Grace of God comes to us through the Body of Christ.

• Of the springs

Matt.Why do some of the Springs rise out of the tops of high Hills?

Prud.To shew that the Spirit of Grace shall spring up in some that are Great and Mighty, as well as in many that are Poor and Low.

• Of the candle

Matt.Why doth the Fire fasten upon the Candlewick?

Prud.To shew that unless Grace doth kindle upon the Heart, there will he no true Light of Life in us.

Matt.Why is the Wick and Tallow and all, spent to maintain the light of the Candle?

Prud.To shew that Body and Soul and all, should be at the service of, and spend themselves to maintain in good condition, that Grace of God that is in us.

• Of the pelican

Matt.Why doth the Pelican pierce her own Breast with her Bill?

Prud.To nourish her young ones with her Blood, and thereby to shew that Christ the blessed so loved his young, his people, as to save them from Death by his Blood.

• Of the cock

Matt.What may one learn by hearing the Cock to crow?

Prud.Learn to remember Peter’s sin, and Peter’s repentance. The Cock’s crowing shews also that Day is coming on; let then the crowing of the Cock put thee in mind of that last and terrible Day of Judgment.

• The weak may sometimes call the strong to prayers

Now about this time their month was out, wherefore they signified to those of the house that ’twas convenient for them to up and be going. Then said Joseph to his Mother, It is convenient that you forget not to send to the house of Mr Interpreter, to pray him to grant that Mr Great-heart should be sent unto us, that he may be our Conductor the rest of our way. Good Boy, said she, I had almost forgot. So she drew up a Petition, and prayed Mr Watchful the Porter to send it by some fit man to her good Friend Mr Interpreter: who when it was come, and he had seen the contents of the Petition, said to the Messenger, Go tell them that I will send him.

• They provide to be gone on their way
• Eve’s apple
• A sight of sin is amazing

When the Family where Christiana was, saw that they had a purpose to go forward, they called the whole house together, to give thanks to their King for sending of them such profitable Guests as these. Which done, they said to Christiana, And shall we not shew thee something, according as our custom is to do to Pilgrims, on which thou mayest meditate when thou art upon the way? So they took Christiana her Children and Mercy, into the closet, and shewed them one of the Apples that Eve did eat of and that she also did give to her Husband, and that for the eating of which they both were turned out of Paradise, and asked her what she thought that was? Then Christiana said, ’Tis Food or Poison, I know not which. So they opened the matter to her, and she held up her hands and wondered.

• Jacob’s ladder
• A sight of Christ is taking
• Golden anchor
• Of Abraham offering up Isaac
• Prudence’s virginals

Then they had her to a place, and shewed her Jacob’s Ladder. Now at that time there were some Angels ascending upon it. So Christiana looked and looked, to see the Angels go up, and so did the rest of the Company. Then they were going in to another place to shew them something else, but James said to his Mother, Pray bid them stay here a little longer, for this is a curious sight. So they turned again, and stood feeding their eyes with this so pleasant a prospect. After this they had them into a place where did hang up a Golden Anchor, so they bid Christiana take it down, For, said they, you shall have it with you, for ’tis of absolute necessity that you should, that you may lay hold of that within the vail, and stand steadfast, in case you should meet with turbulent weather. So they were glad thereof. Then they took them, and had them to the Mount upon which Abraham our Father had offered up Isaac his Son, and shewed them the Altar, the Wood, the Fire, and the Knife, for they remain to be seen to this very day. When they had seen it, they held up their hands and blest themselves, and said, Oh what a man for love to his Master, and for denial to himself was Abraham. After they had shewed them all these things, Prudence took them into the Dining-room, where stood a pair of excellent Virginals, so she played upon them, and turned what she had shewed them into this excellent song, saying,

• Eve’s Apple we have shew’d you,
• Of that be you aware;
• You have seen Jacob’s Ladder too,
• Upon which Angels are.
• An Anchor you received have,
• But let not these suffice,
• Until with Abr’am you have gave
• Your best a Sacrifice.

• Mr Great-heart come again

Now about this time, one knocked at the door; so the Porter opened, and behold Mr Great-heart was there; but when he was come in, what joy was there? For it came now fresh again into their minds, how but a while ago he had slain old Grim Bloody-man the Giant, and delivered them from the Lions.

• He brings a token from his Lord with him

Then said Mr Great-heart to Christiana and to Mercy, My Lord has sent each of you a Bottle of Wine, and also some parched Corn, together with a couple of Pomgranates. He has also sent the Boys some Figs and Raisins to refresh you on your way.

• Robbery

Then they addressed themselves to their Journey, and Prudence and Piety went along with them. When they came at the gate, Christiana asked the Porter if any of late went by? He said, No, only one some time since, who also told me that of late there had been a great robbery committed on the King’s Highway, as you go; but he saith the thieves are taken, and will shortly be tried for their lives. Then Christiana and Mercy were afraid, but Matthew said, Mother fear nothing, as long as Mr Great-heart is to go with us and to be our Conductor.

• Christiana takes her leave of the Porter
• The Porter’s blessing

Then said Christiana to the Porter, Sir, I am much obliged to you for all the kindnesses that you have shewed me since I came hither, and also for that you have been so loving and kind to my Children. I know not how to gratify your kindness. Wherefore pray as a token of my respects to you, accept of this small mite. So she put a gold Angel in his hand, and he made her a low obeisance, and said, Let thy Garments be always white, and let thy Head want no Ointment. Let Mercy live and not die, and let not her works be few. And to the Boys he said, Do you fly youthful lusts, and follow after Godliness with them that are grave and wise, so shall you put gladness into your Mother’s heart, and obtain praise of all that are sober-minded. So they thanked the Porter and departed.

Now I saw in my Dream that they went forward until they were come to the brow of the Hill, where Piety bethinking herself, cried out, Alas! I have forgot what I intended to bestow upon Christiana and her Companions, I will go back and fetch it. So she ran and fetched it. While she was gone, Christiana thought she heard in a Grove a little way off on the right hand, a most curious, melodious note, with words much like these,

• Through all my Life thy Favour is
• So frankly shew’d to me,
• That in thy House for evermore
• My dwelling-place shall be.

And listening still she thought she heard another answer it, saying,

• For why? The Lord our God is good,
• His Mercy is for ever sure;
• His Truth at all times firmly stood,
• And shall from age to age endure.

So Christiana asked Prudence what ’twas that made those curious notes? They are, said she, our Country Birds; they sing these notes but seldom, except it be at the Spring, when the Flowers appear, and the Sun shines warm, and then you may hear them all day long. I often, said she, go out to hear them, we also oft-times keep them tame in our house. They are very fine company for us when we are melancholy, also they make the Woods and Groves and Solitary places, places desirous to be in.

• Piety bestowesth something on them at parting

By this time Piety was come again; so she said to Christiana, Look here, I have brought thee a scheme of all those things that thou hast seen at our house, upon which thou mayest look when thou findest thyself forgetful, and call those things again to remembrance for thy edification and comfort.

• First Part, p. 60

Now they began to go down the Hill into the Valley of Humiliation. It was a steep Hill, and the way was slippery; but they were very careful, so they got down pretty well. When they were down in the Valley, Piety said to Christiana, This is the place where Christian your Husband met with that foul Fiend Apollyon, and where they had that Fight that they had; I know you cannot but have heard thereof. But be of good courage; as long you have here Mr Great-heart to be your Guide and Conductor, we hope you will fare the better. So when these two had committed the Pilgrims unto the conduct of their Guide, he went forward and they went after.

• Mr Great-heart at the Valley of Humiliation
• First Part, p. 60

Great-heart.Then said Mr Great-heart, we need not to be so afraid of this Valley, for here is nothing to hurt us unless we procure it to ourselves. ’Tis true, Christian did here meet with Apollyon, with whom he also had a sore Combat; but that fray was the fruit of those slips that he got in his going down the Hill; for they that get slips there, must look for combats here. And hence it is that this Valley has got so hard a name; for the common people when they hear that some frightful thing has befallen such a one in such a place, are of an opinion that that place is haunted with some foul Fiend or evil Spirit; when alas it is for the fruit of their doing, that such things do befall them there.

• The reason why Christian was so beset here

This Valley of Humiliation is of itself as fruitful a place as any the Crow flies over; and I am persuaded if we could hit upon it, we might find somewhere hereabouts, something that might give us an account why Christian was so hardly beset in this place.

• A pillar with an inscription on it

Then James said to his Mother, Lo, yonder stands a Pillar, and it looks as if something was written thereon, let us go and see what it is. So they went, and found there written, Let Christian’s slips before he came hither, and the Battles that he met with in this place, be a warning to those that come after. Lo, said their Guide, did not I tell you that there was something hereabouts that would give intimation of the reason why Christian was so hard beset in this place? Then turning himself to Christiana, he said, No disparagement to Christian more than to many others whose hap and lot his was; for ’tis easier going up than down this Hill, and that can be said but of few Hills in all these parts of the world. But we will leave the good man, he is at rest, he also had a brave Victory over his Enemy, let him grant that dwelleth above, that we fare no worse when we come to be tried than he.

• This valley a brave place
• Men thrive in the Valley of Humiliation

But we will come again to this Valley of Humiliation. It is the best and most fruitful piece of ground in all those parts. It is fat ground, and as you see, consisteth much in meadows; and if a man was to come here in the Summer-time, as we do now, if he knew not anything before thereof, and if he also delighted himself in the sight of his eyes, he might see that would be delightful to him. Behold how green this Valley is, also how beautified with Lillies. I have also known many labouring men that have got good estates in this Valley of Humiliation (for God resisteth the Proud, but gives more Grace to the Humble) for indeed it is a very fruitful soil, and doth bring forth by handfuls. Some also have wished that the next way to their Father’s house were here, that they might be troubled no more with either Hills or Mountains, to go over; but the way is the way, and there’s an end.

• Phil. iv. 12, 13
• Heb. xiii. 5

Now as they were going along and talking, they espied a Boy feeding his Father’s Sheep. The Boy was in very mean cloaths, but of a very fresh and well-favoured countenance, and as he sate by himself, he sung. Hark, said Mr Great-heart, to what the Shepherd’s Boy saith. So they hearkened, and he said,

• He that is down needs fear no fall,
• He that is low no pride;
• He that is humble, ever shall
• Have God to be his Guide.
• I am content with what I have,
• Little be it, or much:
• And Lord, contentment still I crave,
• Because thou savest such.
• Fulness to such a burden is
• That go on Pilgrimage;
• Here little, and hereafter Bliss,
• Is best from age to age.

Then said their Guide, Do you hear him? I will dare to say, that this Boy lives a merrier life, and wears more of that Herb called Heart’s-ease in his bosom, than he that is clad in Silk and Velvet; but we will proceed in our discourse.

• Christ, when in the flesh, had his country-house in the Valley of Humiliation

In this Valley our Lord formerly had his Country-house; he loved much to be here; he loved also to walk these Meadows, for he found the air was pleasant. Besides here a man shall be free from the noise, and from the hurryings of this life. All states are full of Noise and Confusion, only the Valley of Humiliation is that empty and solitary place. Here a man shall not be so let and hindred in his Contemplation, as in other places he is apt to be. This is a Valley that nobody walks in, but those that love a Pilgrim’s life. And tho’ Christian had the hard hap to meet here with Apollyon, and to enter with him a brisk encounter, yet I must tell you, that in former times men have met with Angels here, have found Pearls here, and have in this place found the words of Life.

Did I say our Lord had here in former days his Country-house, and that he loved here to walk? I will add, in this place, and to the people that live and trace these Grounds, he has left a yearly revenue to be faithfully payed them at certain seasons, for their maintenance by the way, and for their further encouragement to go on in their Pilgrimage.

Samuel.Now as they went on, Samuel said to Mr. Great-heart, Sir, I perceive that in this Valley my Father and Apollyon had their Battle, but whereabout was the Fight, for I perceive this Valley is large?

• Forgetful Green

Great-heart.Your Father had that Battle with Apollyon at a place yonder before us, in a narrow passage just beyond Forgetful Green. And indeed that place is the most dangerous place in all these parts. For if at any time the Pilgrims meet with any brunt, it is when they forget what favours they have received, and how unworthy they are of them. This is the place also where others have been hard put to it; but more of the place when we are come to it; for I persuade myself that to this day there remains either some sign of the Battle, or some Monument to testify that such a Battle there was fought.

• Humility a sweet grace

Mercy.Then said Mercy, I think I am as well in this Valley as I have been anywhere else in all our Journey, the place methinks suits with my spirit. I love to be in such places where there is no rattling with Coaches, nor rumbling with Wheels. Methinks here one may without much molestation, be thinking what he is, whence he came, what he has done, and to what the King has called him. Here one may think, and break at heart, and melt in one’s spirit, until one’s eyes become like the Fishpools of Heshbon. They that go rightly through this Valley of Baca make it a Well, the Rain that God sends down from Heaven upon them that are here also filleth the Pools. This Valley is that from whence also the King will give to their vineyards, and they that go through it shall sing, as Christian did for all he met with Apollyon.

• An experiment of it

Great-heart. ’Tis true, said their Guide, I have gone through this Valley many a time, and never was better than when here.

I have also been a Conduct to several Pilgrims, and they have confessed the same, To this man will I look, saith the King, even to him that is Poor, and of a Contrite Spirit, and that trembles at my Word.

• The place where Christian and the fiend did fight
• Some signs of the battle remain

Now they were come to the place where the afore mentioned Battle was fought. Then said the Guide to Christiana her Children and Mercy, This is the place, on this ground Christian stood, and up there came Apollyon against him. And look, did not I tell you? Here is some of your Husband’s Blood upon these stones to this day; behold also how here and there are yet to be seen upon the place some of the shivers of Apollyon’s broken Darts. See also how they did beat the ground with their feet as they fought, to make good their places against each other, how also with their by-blows they did split the very stones in pieces. Verily Christian did here play the man, and shewed himself as stout, as could, had he been there, even Hercules himself. When Apollyon was beat, he made his retreat to the next Valley, that is called the Valley of the Shadow of Death, unto which we shall come anon.

• A monument of the battle
• A monument of Christian’s victory

Lo yonder also stands a Monument, on which is engraven this Battle, and Christian’s Victory, to his fame throughout all ages. So because it stood just on the wayside before them, they stept to it and read the writing, which word for word was this.

• Hard by here was a Battle fought,
• Most strange, and yet most true;
• Christian and Apollyon sought
• Each other to subdue.
• The Man so bravely play’d the Man,
• He made the Fiend to fly;
• Of which a Monument I stand,
• The same to testify.

• First Part, p. 65

When they had passed by this place, they came upon the borders of the Shadow of Death; and this Valley was longer than the other; a place also most strangely haunted with evil things, as many are able to testify. But these Women and Children went the better through it because they had day-light, and because Mr Great-heart was their Conductor.

• Groanings heard

When they were entred upon this Valley, they thought that they heard a groaning as of dead men, a very great groaning. They thought also they did hear words of Lamentation spoken, as of some in extreme Torment. These things made the Boys to quake, the Women also looked pale and wan; but their Guide bid them be of good comfort.

• The ground shakes

So they went on a little further, and they thought that they felt the ground begin to shake under them, as if some hollow place was there; they heard also a kind of hissing as of Serpents, but nothing as yet appeared. Then said the Boys, Are we not yet at the end of this doleful place? But the Guide also bid them be of good courage, and look well to their feet, lest haply, said he, you be taken in some Snare.

• James sick with fear
• The fiend appears
• The Pilgrims are afraid

Now James began to be sick, but I think the cause thereof was fear; so his Mother gave him some of that glass of Spirits that she had given her at the Interpreter’s house, and three of the Pills that Mr Skill had prepared, and the Boy began to revive. Thus they went on till they came to about the middle of the Valley, and then Christiana said, Methinks I see something yonder upon the road before us, a thing of such a shape such as I have not seen. Then said Joseph, Mother, what is it? An ugly thing, Child, an ugly thing, said she. But Mother, what is it like? said he. ’Tis like I cannot tell what, said she. And now it was but a little way off. Then said she, It is nigh.

• Great-heart encourages them

Well, well, said Mr Great-heart, Let them that are most afraid keep close to me. So the Fiend came on, and the Conductor met it; but when it was just come to him, it vanished to all their sights. Then remembered they what had been said some time ago, Resist the Devil, and he will fly from you.

• A lion

They went therefore on, as being a little refreshed; but they had not gone far, before Mercy looking behind her, saw, as she thought, something most like a Lion, and it came a great padding pace after; and it had a hollow Voice of Roaring, and at every Roar that it gave it made all the Valley echo, and their hearts to ake, save the heart of him that was their Guide. So it came up, and Mr Great-heart went behind, and put the Pilgrims all before him. The Lion also came on apace, and Mr Great-heart addressed himself to give him Battle. But when he saw that it was determined that resistance should be made, he also drew back and came no further.

• A pit and darkness
• Christiana now knows what her husband felt

Then they went on again, and their Conductor did go before them, till they came at a place where was cast up a Pit the whole breadth of the way, and before they could be prepared to go over that, a great Mist and a Darkness fell upon them, so that they could not see. Then said the Pilgrims, Alas! now what shall we do? But their Guide made answer, Fear not stand still and see what an end will be put to this also. So they stayed there because their path was marr’d. They then also thought that they did hear more apparently the noise and rushing of the Enemies, the fire also and the smoke of the Pit was much easier to be discerned. Then said Christiana to Mercy, Now I see what my poor Husband went through, I have heard much of this place, but I never wash here afore now. Poor man, he went here all alone in the night; he had night almost quite through the way; also these Fiends were busy about him as if they would have torn him in pieces. Many have spoke of it, but none can tell what the Valley of the Shadow of Death should mean, until they come in it themselves. The heart knows its own Bitterness, and a stranger intermeddleth not with its Joy. To be here is a fearful thing.

• Great-heart’s reply

Great-heart.This is like doing business in great Waters, or like going down into the deep; this is like being in the heart of the Sea, and like going down to the bottoms of the Mountains; now it seems as if the Earth with its bars were about us for ever. But let them that walk in Darkness and have no Light, trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon their God. For my part, as I have told you already, I have gone often through this Valley, and have been much harder put to it than now I am, and yet you see I am alive. I would not boast, for that I am not mine own saviour, but I trust we shall have a good Deliverance. Come let us pray for Light to him that can lighten our Darkness, and that can rebuke not only these, but all the Satans in Hell.

• They pray

So they cried and prayed, and God sent Light and Deliverance, for there was now no let in their way, no not there where but now they were stopt with a Pit. Yet they were not got through the Valley; so they went on still, and behold great stinks and loathsome smells, to the great annoyance of them. Then said Mercy to Christiana, There is not such pleasant being here as at the Gate, or at the Interpreter’s, or at the house where we lay last.

• One of the boys’ reply

Oh but, said one of the Boys, it is not so bad to go through here as it is to abide here always, and for ought I know, one reason why we must go this way to the house prepared for us, is, that our home might be made the sweeter to us.

Well said Samuel, quoth the Guide, thou hast now spoke like a man. Why, if ever I get out here again, said the Boy, I think I shall prize light and good way better than ever I did in all my life. Then said the Guide, We shall be out by and by.

• Heedless is slain, and Take-heed preserved
• First Part, p. 69
• Maul, a giant
• He quarrels with Great-heart

So on they went, and Joseph said, Cannot we see to the end of this Valley as yet? Then said the Guide, Look to your feet, for you shall presently be among the Snares. So they looked to their feet and went on, but they were troubled much with the Snares. Now when they were come among the Snares, they espied a man cast into the Ditch on the left hand, with his flesh all rent and torn. Then said the Guide, That is one Heedless, that was a going this way, he has lain there a great while. There was one Take-heed with him when he was taken and slain, but he escaped their hands. You cannot imagine how many are killed hereabouts, and yet men are so foolishly venturous, as to set out lightly on Pilgrimage, and to come without a Guide. Poor Christian, it was a wonder that he here escaped; but he was beloved of his God, also he had a good heart of his own, or else he could never a done it. Now they drew towards the end of the way, and just there where Christian had seen the Cave when he went by, out thence came forth Maul a Giant. This Maul did use to spoil young Pilgrims with Sophistry; and he called Great-heart by his name, and said unto him, How many times have you been forbidden to do these things? Then said Mr Great-heart, What things? What things? quoth the Giant, you know what things, but I will put an end to your trade. But pray, said Mr Great-heart, before we fall to it, let us understand wherefore we must fight. Now the Women and Children stood trembling, and knew not what to do. Quoth the Giant, You rob the Country, and rob it with the worst of thefts. These are but generals, said Mr Great-heart, come to particulars, man.