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 come thus far on my way.
Great-heart. You came in at the gate, did you not?
Valiant. 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-heart. Look you, said the guide to Christiana, the pilgrimage of your husband, and what he has gotten thereby, is spread abroad far and near.
Valiant. Why, is this Christian's wife?
Great-heart. Yes, that it is; and these are also her four sons.
Valiant. What! and going on pilgrimage too?
Great-heart. Yes, verily; they are following after.
Valiant. It gladdens me at heart. Good man! how joyful will he be when he shall see them that would not go with him, yet to enter after him in at the gates into the city.
Great-heart. Without doubt it will be a comfort to him; for, next to the joy of seeing himself there, it will be a joy to meet there his wife and children.
Valiant. But, now you are upon that, pray let me hear your opinion about it. Some make a question, Whether we shall know one another when we are there.
Great-heart. Do they think they shall know themselves then, or that they shall rejoice to see themselves in that bliss? and if they think they shall know and do these, why not know others, and rejoice in their welfare also?
Again, since relations are our second self, though that state will be dissolved there; yet why may it not be rationally concluded, that we shall be more glad to see them there, than to see they are wanting?
Valiant. Well, I perceive whereabouts you are as to this. Have you any more things to ask me about my beginning to come on pilgrimage?
Great-heart. Yes. Was your father and mother willing that you should become a pilgrim?
Valiant. Oh no! They used all means imaginable to persuade me to stay at home.
Great-heart. What could they say against it?
Valiant. They said it was an idle life: and if I myself were not inclined to sloth and laziness, I would never countenance a pilgrim's condition.
Great-heart. And what did they say else?
Valiant. Why, they told me that it was a dangerous way; yea, the most dangerous way in the world, said they, is that which the pilgrims go.
Great-heart. Did they shew wherein this way is so dangerous?
Valiant. Yes; and that in many particulars.