Some things are of that nature, as to make Will on the fancy more itself intrude, Wherefore, my Book, let no discouragement Besides, what my First Pilgrim left conceal'd, Thou, my brave Second Pilgrim, hast reveal'd; What Christian left lock'd up, and went his way, Sweet Christiana opens with her key. FOURTH OBJECTION. But some love not the method of your first : Romance they count it; throw't away as dust. If I should meet with such, what should I say? Must I slight them as they slight me, or nay? ANSWER. My Christiana, if with such thou meet, Has made them thus despise; or thus retort. Some love no fish, some love no cheese, and some Love not their friends, nor their own house or home; Some start at pig, slight chicken, love not fowl, More than they love a cuckow, or an owl. Leave such, my Christiana, to their choice, And seek those who to find thee will rejoice: By no means strive, but, in most humble wise, Present thee to them in thy Pilgrim's guise. Go then, my little Book, and shew to all That entertain, and bid thee Welcome shall, What thou shalt keep close shut up from the rest; And wish what thou shalt shew them, may be blest To them for good, may make them choose to be Pilgrims better by far than thee or me. Go then, I say, tell all men who thou art; Say, I am Christiana; and my part Is now, with my four sons, to tell you what It is for men to take a Pilgrim's lot. Go, also, tell them who and what they be Next tell them of old Honest, whom you found, In solitariness, with fears and cries; And how, at last, he won the joyful prize. He was a good man, though much down in spirit ; He is a good man, and doth life inherit. Tell them of Master Feeble-mind also, Who not before, but still behind would go. Shew them also, how he had like been slain, And how one Great-heart did his life regain. This man was true of heart, though weak in grace; One might true godliness read in his face. Then tell them of Master Ready-to-halt, A man with crutches, but much without fault. And let all know, though weakness was their chance, Overlook not Master Despondency, Nor Much-afraid his daughter, though they lie They'll make a Cripple dance, a Giant quake. Those riddles that lie couch'd within thy breast, Of thy mysterious lines, let them remain And may its buyer have no cause to say, Is the hearty prayer of the Author, JOHN BUNYAN. OME time since, to tell you my dream that I had of Christian the Pilgrim, and of his dangerous journey toward the Celestial Country, was pleasant to me, and profitable to you. I told you then also what I saw concerning his Wife and Children, and how unwilling they were to go with him on Pilgrimage; insomuch that he was Q |