Christiana, and of her intended journey. And thus she began her tale:

Tim. Neighbours, having but little to do this morning, I went to give Christiana a visit; and when I came at the door, I knocked, as you know it is our custom and she answered, "If you come in God's name, come in." So in I went, thinking all was well; but when I came in, I found her preparing herself to depart the town, she, and also her children. So I asked her what was her meaning by that? And she told me in short, That she was now of a mind to go on pilgrimage, as did her husband. She told me also a dream that she had, and how the King of the country, where her husband was, had sent her an inviting letter to come thither.

Then said Mrs. Know-nothing. And what do think she will go?

you

Tim. Ay, go she will, whatever comes on't: and methinks I know it by this; for that which was my great argument to persuade her to stay at home (to wit, the troubles she was like to meet with in the way) is one great argument with her, to put her forward on her journey. For she told me in so many words, The bitter goes before the sweet: yea, and forasmuch as it doth, it makes the sweet the sweeter.

Mrs. Bat's-Eyes. Oh, this blind and foolish woman, said she; and will she not take warning by her husband's afflictions? For my part, I see, if he were here again, he would rest him content in a whole skin, and never run so many hazards for nothing.

Mrs. Inconsiderate also replied, saying, Away with such fantastical fools from the town; a good riddance, for my part, I say, of her; should she stay where she dwells, and retain this mind, who could live quietly by her? for she will either be dumpish or unneighbourly, to talk of such matters as no wise body can abide; wherefore, for my part, I shall never be sorry for her departure; let her go, and let better come in her room; it was never a good world since these whimsical fools dwelt in it.

Mr Timorous relating Christiana's departure to her neighbours, M. Batis-eyes, Mr Inconsiderate, Mrs Light;mind, and Mr Know-nothing.

Published as the Act directs by JMawman, 22, Poultry, March 1 1805

Then Mrs. Light-mind added as followeth: Come, put this kind of talk away. I was yes erday at Madam Wanton's, where we were as inerry as the maids. (See Part I. p. 80.) For who do you think should be there but I, and Mrs. Love-the-flesh, and three or four more, with Mrs. Lechery, Mrs. Filth, and some others: so there we had music, and dancing, and what else was meet to fill up the pleasure. And I dare say, my lady herself is an admirable well-bred gentlewoman, and Mr. Lechery is as pretty a fellow,

By this time Christiana was got on her way, and Mercy went along with her: so as they went, her children being there also, Christiana began to ciscourse: And Mercy, said Christiana, I take this as an unexpected favour, that thou shouldest set foot out of doors with me, to accompany me a ltte in my way.

Mercy. Then said young Mercy, (for she was but young), If I thought it would be to purpose to go with you, I would never go near the town.

Chrift. Well, Mercy, said Christiana, cast in the lot with me, I well know, what will be the end of our pilgrimage; my husband is where he would not but be for all the gold in the Spanish mines. Nor shalt thou be rejected, though thou goest but uponmy invitation. The King, who hath sent for me and children, is one that delighteth in mercy. Besides, if thou wilt, I will hire thee, and thon's alt along with me as my servant. Yet we will have 11 things in common betwixt thee and me, only go along with me.

Mercy. But how shall I be ascertained that I also should be entertained? Had this hope from one that can tell, I would make no stick at all, but would go, being helped by him that can help, though the way was never so tedious.

Chrift. Well, loving Mercy, I will tell thee what thou shalt do; go with me to the Wicket-gate, and there I will further inquire for thee; and if there

thou shalt not meet with encouragement, I will be content that thou return to thy place; I also will pay thee for thy kindness which thou showest to me and my c ildren, in the accompanying of us in our way as thou dost.

Mercy. Then will I go thither, and will take what shall follow; and the Lord grant that my lot may the e fall, even as the King of Heaven shall have his heat upon me.

Christiana was then glad at her heart, not only that she had a companion, but also for that she had prevailed with this poor maid to fall in love with her own salvation. So they went on together, and Mercy began to weep. Then said Christiana, Wherefore weepeth my sister so?

Mercy. Alas! said she, who can but I ment, that shall but rightly consider, what a state and condition my poor relation s are in, that yet remain in our sinful town: and that which makes my grief the more, is because they have no instruction, nor any to tell them what is to come.

Chrift. Bowels become pilgrims: and thou dost for thy friends, as my good Chris iau did for me. when he left me; he mourned for that I would not heed nor regard him, but his Lord and ours did gather up his tears, and put them into his bottle, and now both I and thou, and these my sweet babes, are reaping the fruit and benefit of them. I hope, Mercy, that these tears of thine will not be lost; for the truth hath said, "That they that sow in tears, shall reap in joy and singing. And he that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, hill doubtless come again with rejoicing, bring. ng his sheaves with him," Psalm exxvi. 5, 6.

Then said Mercy;

Let the most Blessed be my guide,

If't be his blessed will,

Unto his gate, into his fold,

Up to his holy hill: