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 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 THE 
 
 PILGRIMS PROGRESS, 
 
 METRICALLY CONDENSED.
 
 BUNYAN'S 
 
 PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, 
 
 METRICALLY CONDENSED. 
 
 IN SIX CANTOS. 
 
 BY T. DIBDIN, 
 
 U'THOR OF THE "METRICAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND,' 
 
 "AUTOBIOGRAPHY," "this CABINET," 
 
 " LAST LAYS," &C. 
 
 LONDON: 
 HARDING AND KING, 24, CORNIIILL. 
 
 1834.
 
 .1. AND C. ADLARD, I'RI NTEI.S, 
 BARTHOLOMEW CLOSE.
 
 34* 
 
 
 CONTENTS, 
 
 
 ADVEnTISEMENT. 
 
 
 7 
 
 Canto i. 
 
 
 9 
 
 Canto ii. 
 
 
 25 
 
 Canto in. 
 
 
 43 
 
 Canto iv. 
 
 
 61 
 
 Canto v, 
 
 
 79 
 
 Canto vi. . 
 
 
 99 
 
 814
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 With a view to forming a Pocket Volume, 
 which might prove an acceptable Present to 
 juvenile branches of families, the Versifier of 
 Bunyan has ventured an attempt, in which the 
 characteristic plainness and simplicity of the 
 original has been as faithfully as possible adhered 
 to ; and, while long dialogues and disputations 
 only have been omitted, every interesting incident 
 has been scrupulously preserved, as well as a 
 rigid observance of every point of doctrine cal- 
 culated to enforce the certainty of the 
 
 ONLY ONE ROAD 
 
 TO 
 
 SAFETY AND SALVATION.
 
 CANTO I. 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 A Christian's struggle (in a dream pourtray'd) 
 To flee from sin, and bid its empire cease, 
 
 Through him who was for us an offering made, 
 That Satan's pow'r o'er mortals might decrease. 
 
 1 nto what snares the Pilgrim was betray'd, 
 
 And how delivered, by his promised aid 
 Who points the only path to endless peace.
 
 And though his wife, methought, with infants four, 
 Would fain arrest his course, he took no heed, 
 But stopp'd his ears, and with redoubled speed 
 Urg'd his half-frantic footsteps but the more ! 
 
 Stanza v.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 CANTO I. 
 
 i. 
 
 As through life's tangled wilderness I stray'd, 
 Weary of many a woe — with scarce one gleam 
 
 Of sunshine to illume the lengthen'd shade, 
 Where man man's enemy doth ever seem, — 
 
 I laid me down ; and in a cavern made 
 
 By nature in a sleep-inviting glade, 
 
 I dream 'd a solemn and instructive dream. 
 
 n. 
 
 Methought I saw a city dazzling bright, 
 
 Where all seem'd in pursuit of prospects fair — 
 
 Of wealth, and fame, and many a proud delight 
 That promised happiness, but led to care : 
 
 And smiles that spoke serenity, at sight, 
 
 Yet mask'd false heart, hypocrisy, and slight; 
 And vanity, and guile, and fraud, were there.
 
 14 the pilgrim's progress. 
 
 III. 
 
 And, hastening from that town, in pauper guise, 
 I saw a burthen 'd man , with face engraved 
 
 By furrows deep of care ; his tearful eyes 
 
 Fix'd on a Volume, whence methought he crave* 1 
 
 That counsel, which, how many fools despise ! 
 
 And sobb'd, with bitter and heart-rending cries, 
 "What shall I do, Oh tell me, to be saved ?" 
 
 IV. 
 
 The burthen under which his frame was bent 
 Seem'd weight of sin; the Volume in his hand 
 
 Contained that undervalued Testament, 
 The love of which none may misunderstand ; 
 
 Its consolations, to poor wanderers sent, 
 
 Half Satan's kingdom hath already rent, 
 Nor shall all Hell its final power withstand. 
 
 v. 
 
 Reading tins book, he ran, as he had need, 
 Maugre the ever-galling weight he bore, 
 
 (For 'tis a Volume he who runs may read ;) 
 
 And though his wife, methought, with infants four, 
 
 Would fain arrest his course, he took no heed, 
 
 But stopp'd his ears, and with redoubled speed 
 Urg'd his half-frantic footsteps but the more !
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 15 
 
 VI. 
 
 While thus proceeding, (as I dream'd,) a man 
 He met, of serious mien, who ask'd him " V\ hy, 
 
 " As one bereft of reason, thus he ran, 
 
 " With ever and anon that piercing cry V 
 
 To whom, in faultering accent, he began 
 
 To answer, " I'm condemn'd ! Say, if you can, 
 " What shall I do ? Oh save me, or I die !" 
 
 VII. 
 
 Evangelist, for so the sage was call'd, 
 
 A parchment gave, which did these words display, 
 
 Flee from the wrath to come! " Be not appaU'd," 
 He added, " for escape, there is a way, 
 
 " Through yon straight gate, to all who are enthrall 'd :'' 
 And pointed to a portal, close enwall'd, 
 But girt with glory, far surpassing day. 
 
 VIH. 
 
 The thankful sinner sought the haven, where 
 He hoped admission, that he might essay 
 
 The road to his release from worldly care, 
 
 When two o'erbusy neighbours cross'd his way, 
 
 In mind well suited to the names they bear, 
 
 Of Obstinate, and Pliable : this pair 
 Against him set themselves in pert array.
 
 16 Mil. PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 
 
 IX. 
 " Return with us," quoth Obstinate, "nor let 
 
 "Enthusiastic trash your mind mislead." 
 11 ( io on with me" the Pilgrim said, " while yet 
 
 " Tis time, — nor any earthly hindrance plead ; 
 " Hasten! Oh hasten ! ere the sun has set, 
 " To him whose love redeems your ev'ry debt, 
 
 " And asks but your concurrence to be freed." 
 
 " Tales told by idiots !" Obstinate replied : 
 " Come, neighbour, leave the maniac to prate !" 
 
 But Pliable imagined he espied 
 Some muckworm prospect of advantage great, 
 
 And answer'd, " Ere with prejudice decide, 
 
 " 1 will the pious Pilgrim's lot abide, 
 
 "And share, or good or ill, his future fate." 
 
 XI. 
 
 With grin sardonic, Obstinate went back, 
 While Pliable and Pilgrim, side by side, 
 
 Progress conversing; — Pilgrim, with no lack 
 Of sanguine confidence, the world defied 
 
 To turn his footsteps from their present track ; 
 
 Or, with successful sophistry, attack 
 
 Ilis hope, how e'er such hope they might deride.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 17 
 
 XII. 
 
 But "too secure" is not " too safe," I ween, 
 
 While hidden peril in our path may lie; 
 And so it proved : — a pitfall deep, unseen, 
 
 By treacherous weeds, impervious to the eye, 
 Deceiv'd the pair, as through its " mantle green" 
 They fell, with exclamation loud and keen, 
 
 Deep in the Slough of dark Despondency. 
 
 xiii. 
 
 Himself to free, first Pliable applied, 
 
 With many a plunge and struggle, till at last 
 
 He gained his homeward path, then loudly cried 
 Against his fellow, (still imbedded fast, 
 
 And deeper sinking,) and began deride 
 
 His journey's object, as with humbled pride 
 He quick retraced the road so lately pass'd. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 And retrograding through bye-path and lane, 
 
 Where best he observation might avoid, 
 For he was deeply soil'd by many a stain 
 
 From that black slough which much his pride annoy '<l ; 
 Yet tried to laugh, as heedless, but in vain, 
 Deriding neighbours cried "What! tum'd again! 
 
 "How soon some fools with too hot zeal are cloy 'd." 
 
 B
 
 18 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XV. 
 
 And Obstinate jeer'd Pliable the most, 
 While he the blame on Pilgrim tried to lay, 
 
 And "that he left him sinking," made his boast, 
 When, looking to himself, he ran away. 
 
 This swell'd his persecutors to an host, 
 
 (For good or bad scorn who deserts his post,) 
 And he was glad to shrink from face of day. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Return we now where, destitute of aid, 
 
 The fainting Pilgrim call'd on Man in vain, 
 
 Loathing his life, and yet of death afraid, 
 
 Each way he turn'd some footing to maintain ; 
 
 And much his heedless pride did he upbraid, 
 
 Till fervently for Heav'nly help he pray'd, — 
 Then help appear'd, and he was safe again. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 And when he had replaced him on the road, 
 Help chid the Pilgrim, that he did not find 
 
 Those steps (God's promises) which are bestow'd 
 Across that quagmire, where alone the blind 
 
 May miss their way : but Pilgrim's pond'rous load 
 
 Had plunged him deeper in that black abode, 
 Where he'd been lost but for that Helper kind.
 
 THF. PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 19 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Yet scarcely did that help depart, when lo ! 
 
 Another peril the poor soul beset, 
 One Worldly Wiseman, true conviction's foe, 
 
 Fast caught the Pilgrim in his treacherous net, 
 And with persuasives, that like milk did flow, 
 Won him that to Morality he'd go, 
 
 By legal means to pay his countless debt. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 For "Sooner," the deceiver said, "by far 
 
 "The burthen would be loos'd, and with more ease, 
 
 " By wise secession from a senseless war 
 
 "'Gainst rational enjoyments, framed to please 
 
 "The moral sense, and which could be no bar 
 
 "To Heaven's acceptance." Pilgrim's happier star 
 Grew dim, when he was won by words like these. 
 
 xx. 
 
 Then "If we dare imagine angels weep," 
 
 Their tears fell fast when, as his back he turn'd 
 
 On the straight way. Repentance seem'd to sleep, 
 As with new fangled, fickle hopes, he burn'd ; 
 
 And Worldly Wiseman's exultation deep 
 
 Hypocrisy had taught him close to keep 
 
 Within a breast that Gospel goodness spurn 'd.
 
 20 mi, pilgrim's procukss. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Near to a fearful hill their progress lay, 
 
 Sinai, famous in the Holy Land 
 For wonders those dread Chronicles pourtray 
 
 Which, haply, still were in the Pilgrim's hand. 
 And, as they urg'd their legal, lawless way, 
 From clouds that paralyzed the face of day 
 
 Came lightnings which no sinner might withstand. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 The moral tempter fled ! His victim too 
 Had fallen, but the sacred tome he bore 
 
 Sustain'd him; and he 'gan to feel anew 
 Conviction, prompted by its saving lore : 
 
 And while he, sighing, wist not what to do, 
 
 Close to his side he hail'd, with joyful view, 
 Evangelist, his friend so late before. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Yet sterner than of yore his awful brow, 
 As he the soul-struck renegade surveys, 
 
 And, with paternal auger, asks him how 
 
 He dared desert his hopes for flattering ways, 
 
 Which lead to wradi and danger, as but now ; 
 
 Then bade him teach his heart subdued to bow- 
 In humblest offering of prayer and praise.
 
 Tiir. pilgrim's progress; 21 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 " Morality," he added, "has no pow'r 
 
 " To ease thee of thy burthen, nor atone 
 " Thy sins — Still less has law. The happy hour 
 
 "For grace, is when true faith pervades alone 
 " Regenerated bosoms — 'Tis a tow'r 
 " High above legal fetters, which devour 
 
 " The victims who beneath their bondage groan." 
 
 kxv, 
 
 Tn confirmation of the truths he told, 
 
 Evangelist, endow'd with power, like those 
 
 Who prophesied, in Israel's day of old, 
 Against whoe'er did Heaven's hests oppose, 
 
 Adjured the mountain, when again behold ! 
 
 Fierce lurid flames its summit high enfold, 
 
 And earth seem'd bursting with convulsive throes. 
 
 xxvi. 
 Astounded ! terror-stricken ! bow'd with shame ! 
 The Pilgrim scarce dare ask, " May he resume 
 " His path forsaken." — Much was he to blame. 
 
 Just then a radiant smile seem'd to illume, 
 (As in my dream I thought,) the teacher's frame, 
 Who bade the pardon 'd turn to whence he came, 
 And hope's sweet flow'rets seem'd once more to bloom. 
 
 b2
 
 22 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 The kiss of peace receiv'd, the Pilgrim hied 
 More swiftly back than mortal might suppose, 
 
 Right sick and weary of mistaken pride, 
 And legal subtleties, and moral foes. 
 
 Now, with dear-bought experience for his guide, 
 
 He circumspectly watches far and wide, 
 As, joyful in humility, he goes. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 The light-press'd turf scarce touching, as methought, 
 
 He ran, or rather flew, till, at that gate 
 So lately swerved from, now sincerely sought, 
 
 He stood, and, trembling seem'd awhile to wait, 
 Fearing lest yet his hopes might come to nought, 
 Till, in his name whose blood salvation bought, 
 
 He boldly knocked, — impatient of his fate. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Yet no discouragement might well appear, 
 For, o'er the architrave, a sentence fair, 
 
 In bold relief, and with inscription clear, 
 Tins heavenly assurance seem'd to bear: 
 
 " Knock, and it shall be open'd," — framed to cheer 
 
 The lowliest in hope, and banish fear 
 
 From all who seek to gain admittance there.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 23 
 
 XXX. 
 
 But then, methought, a gloomy fortress, black 
 
 With age and perish'd ivy, stood anigh, 
 From whence fierce fiends were ready to attack 
 
 With poison 'd darts such pilgrim passers-by 
 As turn upon the wiles of hell their back; 
 And much of Christian armour doth it lack, 
 
 To shield poor souls where Satan's arrows fly 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 Yet these our Pilgrim saw not, for indeed 
 His faculties were all absorb'd, and bent 
 
 On seeking what he found — for in his need 
 The gate was open'd; and, with kind intent, 
 
 The porter pluck'd him forward, and, when he 
 
 Ask'd " Why that friendly violence might be ?" 
 The shut out castle told him what it meant. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 Past grief and present ecstasy o'ercame 
 
 The fainting Pilgrim, thankful most for this, 
 
 That, undeterr'd by worldly sense of shame, 
 He had attain'd the gate to future bliss. 
 
 " Inveni portum !'' might he well exclaim : 
 
 And when Goodwill, the porter, ask'd his name, 
 All fear, while answ'ring thus, did he dismiss :
 
 2 I i hi: pilgrim's progri 
 
 xxxiii. 
 " Till late, and justly, Graceless was I call'cl, 
 
 "The city of Destruction gave me birth, 
 " And ne'er was wretched culprit more enthrall'd 
 
 " By snares, most gilded when of meanest worth. 
 " I'm now named Christian ; and, I hope, enstall'd 
 " In Mercy's seat, no more to be appall'd, 
 
 "Or yetdeceiv'd by Satan's pow'r on earth." 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 And, as he spoke, a sweet seraphic strain 
 
 Of countless harps, harmonious, swell'd in air : 
 
 ('Twas but a dream, but yet to hear again 
 
 That heav'nly music, I, methought, could share 
 
 An age of this world's agony and pain, 
 
 But here, on earth, to hope it, were in vain ;) 
 
 While cherub choirs this burthen seem'd to bear : 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 Halleluja! the Pilgrim a welcome receives, 
 The portal to mercy he sought and obtains ; 
 
 His doubts are dispell'd, while he hopes and believes 
 Grace conquers the heart where a Saviour's love 
 reigns. 
 
 end or c \nto i.
 
 CANTO II. 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 The straight gate pass'd, the Christian bums to know 
 Where from his burthen he relief may find, 
 
 And (taught by one ordain'd those things to shew, 
 Which, well interpreted, exalt the mind 
 
 High o'er the poor pursuit of toys below,) 
 
 Attains that balm which only can bestow 
 Health on the sick, and eyesight to the blind.
 
 , ; 
 
 And now methought a furnace seem'd to blaze 
 Beyond each envious effort to subdue 
 
 Its force, by one who water's power essays, 
 
 By which opposed, that fire more ardent grew; 
 
 For, unobserv'd, a fostering hand conveys 
 
 Rich streamsof oil the sinking flame to raise, 
 And all its vital influence renew. 
 
 Stanza xi.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 CANTO II. 
 
 " An open door is set before thee now, 
 
 " A door no man may shut," the porter cried ; 
 
 "And, having put thine hand unto the plough, 
 " Turn thou not back, and God will be thy guide. 
 
 The gladsome Pilgrim answered, "Teach me how, 
 
 " Grateful within his holy courts to bow, 
 
 " Who, for my soul's sake, like a felon died." 
 
 ii. 
 
 And then did Christian, with o'erflowing heart, 
 To questions from the porter, make reply, 
 
 Attempting in faint idiom to impart 
 
 What fears induced him from his home to rly ; 
 
 While in his breast the deeply-rankling dart 
 
 Of Sin doth hourly cause increasing smart, 
 As with new weight his burthen seem'd to lie
 
 30 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 III. 
 
 And next, with retrospection clear and brief, 
 The dangers, just escaped from, he pourtray'd, 
 
 From deep despondency his late relief, 
 And Pliable's defection. IIow betray'd 
 
 By Worldly Wiseman into disbelief, 
 
 Dwelling, with vivid memory, in chief 
 
 On Sinai's lightnings and the Prophet's aid! 
 
 IV. 
 
 And when his hearer bade him persevere, 
 
 And keep the narrow path, the Pilgrim pray'd 
 
 Present relief from agony severe, 
 
 Caus'd by that load which on his conscience weigh'd. 
 
 " Pass on," the porter answered, " though not here 
 
 " Thy place of refuge, 'tis provided near : 
 "Go forward, firm in faith and undismay'd !" 
 
 Now Christian journey 'd on a space, methought, 
 Directed to a mansion, where my dream 
 
 Presented one who ev'ry pilgrim taught 
 How to interpret mysteries that seem 
 
 At first obscure. Those who his dwelling sought 
 
 Were entertained, and sweet instruction bought 
 
 For thanks, which past all price they well might deem."
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 31 
 
 VI. 
 
 Here once more question'd, and with joy receiv'd, 
 By Scripture light the Pilgrim first is shown 
 
 The effigy of one who disbeliev'd 
 
 His Master's mission, and was, whilom, known 
 
 Chief foe to Christ's disciples, whom he griev'd 
 
 With persecution fierce — himself deceiv'd 
 By Satan, who had mark'd him for his own. 
 
 VII. 
 
 Yet did his victim from the fiend get free ; — 
 For Paul, when most inflam'd with bigot rage 
 
 Against God's own, was by him call'd to be 
 
 The Christian's Champion, and, who late did wage 
 
 Fell war against the Cross, its servant see 
 
 That Cross to bear none more resolv'd than he, — 
 Christ's great Apostle in a ruthless age. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Next, led by the Interpreter, within 
 
 A long neglected hall, the Pilgrim saw 
 One sweep till dust obscured (that dust meant sin, 
 
 The heedless sweeper typified the law,) 
 And Gospel Grace was by her Lord call'd in, 
 Who that dense cloud to sprinkle did begin ; 
 
 Till when, the breath of life none there could draw.
 
 32 HIE pilgrim's progress. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Then, in my dream, I saw two children fair, 
 
 Passion and Patience call'd; the host untired, 
 
 When Christian ask'd what moral they might bear, 
 Bade him observe — The first named youth desired 
 
 Present possession of his fortune there ; 
 
 While Patience for the future felt more care, 
 Consenting to await a time required. 
 
 And Passion's wishes granted, he obtain'd 
 Instant supplies, which instantly he spent; 
 
 While Patience, by forbearing, prudence gain'd ; 
 Wealth much increas'd, and blest with sweet content; 
 
 When Passion, with distracted mien complain'd 
 
 That of his patrimony nought remain'd, 
 
 Which came too quickly, and as quickly went. 
 
 XI. 
 
 And now methought a furnace seem'd to blaze 
 
 Beyond each envious effort to subdue 
 Its force, by one who water's power essays, 
 
 By which opposed, that fire more ardent grew; 
 For, unobserv'd, a fostering hand conveys 
 Rich streams of oil the sinking flame to raise, 
 
 And all its vital influence renew.
 
 THE PfLORTM'S PROGRESS. 33 
 
 XII. 
 
 And this interpretation gave the host, — 
 
 The fire is love of God, the crafty foe 
 Who cast cold water is the Fiend, engross'd 
 
 In quenching Truth wherever it may glow ; 
 And he whose holy oil succeeded most 
 In keeping grace alive, may Christians boast 
 
 The friend of ev'ry wanderer here below. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 A gorgeous palace next arose, methought, 
 
 Whose meanest inmates walk'd in robes of gold, 
 
 There none admittance found but those who fought 
 The fight of faith with resolution bold ; 
 
 Their names recorded, and their victory bought 
 
 With persevering courage, we were taught, 
 Entitled them to happiness untold. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Dark grew the chamber, and an iron cage, 
 In which we saw, array'd in squalid guise, 
 
 Deform'd alternately by grief and rage, 
 A wretched, never dying captive rise. 
 
 With whom did Christian reason, to assuage 
 
 His careless agony in that last stage 
 Of misery too acute for mortal eyes ! 
 
 c
 
 34 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XV. 
 
 "All cherish hope," the anxious rilgrim said. 
 
 " All but the victims of despair, like me," 
 Replied the pris'ner; "here all hope is dead, 
 
 " And lost in terror of eternity ! 
 "To every vice, deceit, and folly wed, 
 " I've drawn a curse on this devoted head, 
 
 " From which I never, never can be free." 
 
 XVI. 
 
 " Your God I tempted, crucified his Son, — 
 " Despised, derided, curs'd his sacred name, — 
 
 " No limit marks the evil I have done, 
 
 " When, shame to man, I gloried in my shame; 
 
 " Harden'd in heart, my race was scarcely run, 
 
 " When by the powers of hell that heart was won, 
 " And willingly their victim I became !" 
 
 XVII. 
 
 " Is there no hope?" the trembling Pilgrim cried.; 
 
 " Is there no pardon left in Mercy's store 
 " For that man's guilt ?" The host with grief replied, 
 
 " Christ's blessed cross man's expiation bore; 
 " And he by whom that cross is once denied, 
 " Its virtue slander'd, and its God defied, 
 
 " May well fear mercy lives for him no more."
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 35 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Then Christian, in whose mind these warnings sank, 
 His burthen seem'd to feel with added weight; 
 
 And, as he feebly tried his host to thank, 
 He ask'd to go, lest he might come too late, 
 
 Where such as sought the cup of mercy, drank 
 
 Release from sin, and privilege to rank 
 
 With those whom Heaven's promised joys await. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 " Yet one more lesson, and in peace depart,'' 
 Rejoin'd the mild instructor of his guest : 
 
 " Behold that sleeper waking ; human art 
 
 " Ne'er painted man with fear so well express'd. 
 
 " And while strange meanings ftom each eyeball dart, 
 
 " You view the palpitation of a heart 
 " Which agitates his undulating vest." 
 
 xx. 
 
 " What is thy dread, and why that pallid hue, 
 
 "Those trembling limbs, and that keen, haggard eye?" 
 
 Demanded Christian. "Is it, is it true, 
 " Or fancy all ?" The dreamer made reply : 
 
 " Methought I went where all receive their due, 
 
 " The judgment-seat of God was in my view, 
 " Nor could I from his awful presence fly.
 
 36 THE PILGRIM'S progress. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 " I heard the final trumpet's dreadful blast, 
 " Beheld an eye all-searching ! — still I see, 
 
 " Though turn'd to each around, from first to last, 
 "How all its energies seem'd fix'd on me ! 
 
 "Gather the wheat into my garner! Cast," 
 
 " A voice proclaim 'd," the chaff and tares bound fast 
 "Into the burning lake! 'tis God's decree.'' 
 
 xxn. 
 " And myriads of immortals, Oh how fair ! 
 
 " On wings of flame, by far outstript the wind, 
 " And bore the righteous upward — what despair 
 
 " Seiz'd on this heart when I was left behind ; 
 " If but a vision, all my future care 
 " Shall be, through faith, past error to repair, 
 
 " And keep that eye for ever in my mind." 
 
 xxni. 
 
 " And so will I," thought Christian, who at last 
 Exchanged farewells, and hasten'd, that he might 
 
 While on his road, revolve instructions past, 
 
 And, by their guidance, make his burthen light; 
 
 For heavier it seem'd, and bound more fast, 
 
 Till nearly sinking, and with pain aghast, 
 His startled eve beheld a fearful sight.
 
 the pilgrim's progress. 37 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 A cross, which waken 'd in the Pilgrim's mind 
 
 The memory of all his Master's pain, — 
 A sepulchre, where those who ask, may find 
 
 A refuge from the ills of Satan's reign. 
 This Christian found, through him whose mercies kind 
 His burthen to that sepulchre consign'd, 
 
 And bade exstatic joy succeed to pain! 
 
 XXV. 
 
 Moment of glory! where's the sceptred king 
 In battle's triumph, or the brighter hour 
 
 Of bidding subjects' hearts with rapture sing, 
 By mingling mercy with the sweets of power ? 
 
 What were all pomp prosperity can bring, 
 
 Or what the smiles of any earthly thing 
 
 To tears that down that pilgrim's cheek did shower ? 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 lie saw the load of wretchedness that long 
 Had threaten'd fearful, everlasting doom, 
 
 Pride, envy, avarice, and every wrong 
 
 That rose in judgment, now were in the tomb ! 
 
 Like incense upward rose the grateful song, 
 
 Like Sampson's bold enigma, sweet yet strong, 
 Soft and ascending as the eaglet's plume. 
 
 c 2
 
 38 THE pilgrim's progress. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 Ye self-dubb'd Deists, and ye Atheist tribe, 
 Whose " march of intellect," with fell pretence 
 
 Would mock Omnipotence, and dare prescribe 
 Your limit to his wisdom, get ye hence ! 
 
 That plastic youth no longer may imbibe 
 
 The damning doctrines ye would fain inscribe 
 On hearts just opening to the joys of sense. 
 
 xxvur. 
 
 Though before men ye rave, yet at his nod 
 
 Who sees in secret, ye in secret quail, 
 If " wit's a feather, and a fool a rod," 
 
 What's he whose arrogance presumes to rail ; 
 And, worse than fool, whose wit derides his God : 
 Oh ! when in death such view the path they've trod, 
 
 How then will impious sophistry avail ? 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Though feeling not the burthen they now bear 
 Of sin against the light, yet may that grace 
 
 They would be thought to scoff at, lead them where, 
 Like Christian, they may find God's word replace 
 
 Their weight of error with conviction fair 
 
 Of heav'nly mercy, and a Saviour's care, 
 While they his love unparallel'd embrace.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 39 
 
 XXX. 
 
 So thankfully felt heart-whole Christian when 
 
 lie lightly left the evil he had borne, 
 So gratefully he praised his Saviour then, 
 
 (The only comforter of souls forlorn ;) 
 Most happy he among the sons of men ; 
 And Truth must picture with an angel's pen 
 
 His joy to paint, who did so lately mourn. 
 
 xxxi. 
 
 And now in robes of "silver dipp'd in light" 
 Three forms seraphic hail'd him : who shall tell 
 
 The adoration, blinded with delight, 
 
 That fill'd his soul but now redeem'd from hell. 
 
 Like suns unclouded now his prospects bright, 
 
 And while their smiles celestial glad his sight, 
 Before those angel forms the Pilgrim fell. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 "Peace to thee, Christian'-" they exclaim'd, " thou' it 
 blest 
 
 " In having listen'd to the small still voice : 
 " Thy sins are all forg iven ! Be at rest ! 
 
 "This robe of righteousness, thy wisdom's choice, 
 " Be thine! — No more in Satan's liv'ry drest; 
 " And with this seal thy forehead be imprest; 
 
 Peace to thee, Christian ! in thy lot rejoice.
 
 40 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 And then, methought, a golden lettered roll 
 They gave, and on its surface was engraved 
 
 The catalogue of sin to which his soul, 
 
 Now free as ambient air, was late enslaved, 
 
 With heaven's pardon added. When the whole 
 
 He had perused, he kissed the welcome scroll, 
 And o'er his head his hand triumphant waved. 
 
 xxxiv. 
 
 Now forward boldly with repeated song, 
 
 And feathery foot, and happy heart, his way 
 
 To Zion-ward he took— I look'd, and long 
 Methought the cherub trio seem'd to pray ; 
 
 Then in a hymn (while some serial throng 
 
 Of minstrels loudly joined the sacred song,) 
 With heavenly accent they attuned this lay : 
 
 xxxiv. 
 " Yes ! yes ! in heav'n there is more joy ! 
 
 " More loudly to Jehovah's name we sing, 
 " When one poor soul whom Satan would destroy, 
 
 " Is rescued to the glory of our King !
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 41 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 " More tears of holy rapture then are shed, 
 "More chords of adoration thrill the lyre, 
 
 " For one no longer to his Saviour dead, 
 
 "Than ninety-nine unsinning souls inspire. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 " Father, I've sinn'd !" the Prodigal exclaim'd, 
 " No longer worthy to be call'd thy son !" 
 
 Heav'n smiles ! the Saviour's fiat is proclaim'd, 
 
 And gain'd through Christ ! the sought for prize is won. 
 
 CELESTIAL CHORUS. 
 
 And then in Heav'n there is more joy, 
 More loudly to Jehovah's name we sing, 
 
 When one poor soul whom Satan would destroy, 
 Is rescued by the mercy of our King ! 
 
 KND OF CANTO If.
 
 CANTO III. 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Pilgrim's Progress still, from want of heed, 
 
 Is liable to error; sleepers, thieves, 
 With hills of difficulty, cheek its speed ; 
 
 And Christian many a lesson sharp receives. 
 The Palace Beautiful, in hour of need, 
 Protects him, and, from by-gone terrors freed, 
 
 Armour of light assists him to proceed.
 
 If thus the weeping Pilgrim mourned his fate, 
 And sank, despairing, on that arbour-seat 
 
 Where his first duty slighting, as of late 
 The conqueror of self-sustain'd defeat, 
 
 Who shall the contrast of his joy relate, 
 
 Or paint his frantically happy state, 
 
 When that prized sckoll again his sight did greet ? 
 
 Stanza xx.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 CANTO III. 
 
 i. 
 Free from the past, the Christian's future care 
 
 Is how to shun improvident neglect, 
 Guarding his progress so as to beware 
 
 Of losing his blest place with Heaven's elect ; 
 For even the " chosen few" find many a snare, 
 Which, to escape, ask watch, and fervent prayer 
 
 To Him, who only can their steps protect. 
 
 ii. 
 With more than former caution, then, he goes 
 
 Fearing unnumber'd, unforeseen mishaps, 
 Which hourly may surround him, for he knows 
 
 No danger to the soul is like Relapse; 
 And, sad experience tells the countless woes, 
 The bitter, vain regrets, and griefs of those 
 
 Whom, once escaped, the Fiend again entraps.
 
 48 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 III. 
 
 A little onward, in a sombre glen, 
 
 Three fetter'd fools he saw enwrapp'd in sleep, 
 Presumption, Sloth, and Simple, call'd, these men 
 
 Good Christian fain would waken, but too deep 
 Their slumbers — to remonstrance, now and then, 
 They, dreaming, answer'd, turn'd, and slept again, 
 
 Powerless their leaden lids alive to keep. 
 
 IV. 
 
 He left them, grieving inwardly with shame, 
 That man should be of indolence the prey 
 
 So much as to incur the sinful blame 
 Of turning into night the glorious day ; 
 
 When, o'er a wall, two interlopers came, 
 
 Hypocrisy and Formalist, by name, 
 With bold intrusion on that sacred way. 
 
 v. 
 
 To whom thus Christian, "Are ye not aware 
 " That ' He who cometh in not by the gate, 
 
 " But climbeth fences as marauders dare, 
 
 " Must as a thief be counted V " They, elate 
 
 With easy entrance, answer'd, "Little care 
 
 "Have we, but that we're here; and custom fair 
 " Supports us, which for years on years we date."
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 49 
 
 VI. 
 
 "To plead such custom will no favour gain 
 
 "Where this road ends," the Pilgrim firm replied. 
 
 But all essay of argument was vain ; 
 
 Himself, and robe celestial, they deride: 
 
 But little by such scorn did they obtain, 
 
 He forward pass'd, untouch'd by their disdain, 
 Or threats, or ridicule, which he despised. 
 
 VII. 
 
 And, shutting out all meaner objects then, 
 His pardon, late inscribed, he oft perused, 
 
 Unmindful of those poor besotted men, 
 Who, following, ferociously abused 
 
 All "saintly hypocrites;" and rail'd till when 
 
 They found two paths : this led to danger's den, 
 That to destruction, — both too often used ! 
 
 VIII. 
 
 The narrow way they left, wound up a hill 
 Call'd " difficult,'' which Christian wisely chose ; 
 
 The others took each path to certain ill, 
 
 And perish'd both ! The Pilgrim slowly rose 
 
 From obstacle to obstacle, until 
 
 He found an arbour, near a murmuring rill, 
 Which lull'd his weary senses to repose. 
 
 D
 
 50 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Here had he careless slept till the last rays 
 Of day had left him, but a voice said " Rise ! 
 
 " Go to the ant, thou sluggard ! mark her ways, 
 " And learn by her example to be wise '." 
 
 No second warning needs he : in amaze, 
 
 He instant, to atone for past delays, 
 
 And gain the summit, all his power applies. 
 
 x. 
 
 Upward he toils, the pinnacle at last 
 
 Surmounting, joyfully he looks around : 
 
 When fearing each to be in speed surpast, 
 A breathless pair scarce seem'd to touch the ground ; 
 
 No coward caitiffs ere were more aghast, 
 
 Or from imagined danger ran as fast, 
 
 As they, who cried « Back ! back !" with look astound. 
 
 XI. 
 
 Mistrust and Timorous the trembling two 
 
 Were designated; Christian mark'd their flight, 
 
 And ask'd " Why they return d, when they might rue 
 "Their retrograding thus in causeless fright?" 
 
 " They meant," they said, " no longer to pursue 
 
 " A path where danger ever is in view :'' 
 
 And Christian thus they urged to share their flight:
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, 51 
 
 XII. 
 
 " Passing but now yon angle of the rock, 
 "We saw a palace brilliant as the day, — 
 
 " Approach'd it; and, as if our hopes to mock, 
 "Across the threshold two fierce lions lay : 
 
 " Haply of such there may remain a flock 
 
 " Our further passage on that road to block, 
 
 " And henceforth those who chuse such dangers may I" 
 
 XIII. 
 
 " Unless fears magnify," the Pilgrim said, 
 
 " You may, from what you've seen, your progress stay; 
 " But I, whate'er may be the cause for dread, 
 
 " Will to no earthly obstacle give way : 
 " Should I, where could I hide my recreant head, 
 " Or hope in heav'n to break of life the bread, 
 
 " If I our Master's cause could so betray ? 
 
 XIV. 
 
 " My home I fled from, lest the wrath to come 
 " Should, after life, my dreadful portion be ; 
 
 " If I return, I court the awful doom 
 " Which has so lately been remitted me I 
 
 " Lions, or flames, or sword, may to the tomb 
 
 " Conduct, but then above there 's ample room 
 
 " For all who only would through Christ be free."
 
 52 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XV. 
 
 The couple heard not, but adown the hill 
 
 They fled amain, and Christian with a smile 
 
 Then thought that to suspend all thoughts of ill, 
 And make the future, present cares beguile, 
 
 He'd once more read his pardon; and I still 
 
 Remember how all hope it seem'd to kill, 
 
 When he that pardon found not! Woe the while f 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Before his God whose gift he should have kept, 
 By which alone his journey could avail, 
 
 He mourn'd his ingrate heedlessness and wept, 
 Retraced his steps with fruitless woe and wail, 
 
 Till he regain'd that arbour where he'd slept ; 
 
 Still praying that his Saviour would accept 
 The deep contrition of a heart so frail. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 " I who condemned the sleepers in the dell, 
 " The beam belield not in my own weak sight, 
 
 " Too blind, while judging others, to foretell 
 " The deeper guilt I should incur ere night. 
 
 " A treasure which for worlds I would not sell 
 
 " Was mine, and I was told to guard it well — 
 " 'Tis gone ! and with it all of hope takes flight.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 u That jewel, far above all price to win, 
 " Wife, infants, roof, and ev'ry tie on earth 
 
 ** I left; for what to me were friends or kin 
 " To such a gem of true celestial worth ? 
 
 "A charm to banish every ill within, 
 
 " My great physician for each mortal sin, 1 
 " My soul's certificate of second birth ! 
 
 XIX. 
 
 " Arm'd with that talisman, there's not a foe 
 " Could bar my way, or cause one serious gn 
 
 " Now spiritless, defenceless, must I go, 
 " And tremble at the shaking of a leaf: 
 
 " Then from my Judge will come the final blow, 
 
 <l Commencing my hereafter endless woe — 
 " Cast out! condemned ! rejected as a thief!" 
 
 xx. 
 
 If thus the weeping Pilgrim mourned his fate, 
 And sank, despairing, on that arbour-seat 
 
 Where his first duty slighting, as of late 
 The conqueror of self-sustain'd defeat, 
 
 Who shall the contrast of his joy relate, 
 
 Or paint his frantically happy state, 
 
 When that prized scroll again his sight did greet? 
 
 d 2
 
 54 THE pilgrim's progress. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Imagine captive monarchs from their chains 
 By sudden justice to their state restored ; 
 
 A lover whose fond suit his love disdains, 
 At once accepted by the maid adored ; 
 
 Or husband weeping o'er the pale remains 
 
 Of her who by some miracle regains 
 
 Life, health, and love, to bless her happy lord. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Imagine these, and greater joys combined, 
 
 And Christian's transports far exceeded all ;- 
 
 All earthly bliss was in that scroll entwined, 
 And more beyond this little transient ball : 
 
 The arbour now again he leaves behind, 
 
 With bursting heart, and humbly happier mind 
 Than e'er did yet his pilgrimage befal. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Thrice happy Christian, in one moment tost 
 On Passion's wave, the next to be at peace ; 
 
 His fault retrieving at but little cost, 
 
 So soon he found his recent anguish cease. 
 
 Well are we taught, that never till 'tis lost 
 
 We estimate a blessing ! Winter's frost 
 To memory of the rose gives large increase.
 
 the pilgrim's progress. 55 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 And now, when shades of night on ev'ry side 
 
 Curtain'd the horizon till scarce a spark 
 Of light cheer 'd Christian o'er that mountain wide, 
 
 Through paths of peril, dreary, cold, and dark ; 
 Yet did he persevere till he descried 
 That palace which, with hospitable pride, 
 
 Blazed, as on ocean shines the seaman's mark. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 This he approach'd with animated pace, 
 For, nearinghome, exhaustion we forget; 
 
 Refreshed by hope, of fear he show'd no trace, 
 When one more trial seem'd to wait him yet : 
 
 On either side with fierce colossal grace 
 
 A lordly lion seem'd to guard a place 
 
 Where none with life might entrance hope to get. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 lie now to memory recall'd the flight 
 
 Of those seceders, Timorous and Mistrust, 
 
 And then resolved, come danger as it might, 
 Where duty pointed,— "On !'' obey he must ; 
 
 Displaying then the scroll, his heart grew light, 
 
 Fearless (like Paul at Ephesus) to fight 
 With lions in his cause who aids the just !
 
 56 THE pilgrim's progress. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 During the pause this brief reflection made, 
 
 A portal of the palace fair and wide 
 Was open'd ; and aloud, " Be not afraid, 
 
 " Come boldly on !" a kind domestic cried ; 
 " Nor be at those, our lion-guards, dismay'd ; 
 " Placed only that your faith may be essay 'd ; 
 
 " Pass midway, and their threats may be defied." 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 Midway he pass'd, and, nearer, saw the pair 
 
 Were safe encircled by a massy chain, 
 Each to its limit march'd, with savage stare, 
 
 And with fell roar they threaten'd, but in vain : 
 Christian went on, divested of all care, 
 But gratitude to him who brought him there, 
 
 After a day of so much anxious pain. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Safe at the portal, Christian there repeats, 
 
 To questions ask'd him, Whence ? and Why he came 
 
 So late for shelter? — Tells of his defeats, 
 
 Triumphs, and troubles, nor conceals his shame 
 
 For sleeping on his watch. — His frankness meets 
 
 Deserv'd reward : a lovely damsel greets 
 
 His entrance next, — Discretion was her name.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 XXX. 
 
 To her she call'd, each than herself more fair, 
 Three other maidens, — Prudence, tho' reserved 
 
 And tranquil, soft as summer dew, was there : 
 Next Piety, whose bosom never swerv'd 
 
 From sweet sincerity of praise and prayer : 
 
 But, in my dream, methought, heyond compare, 
 Smiled Charity, who well the palm deserv'd. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 These (while his weary spirit to recruit, 
 
 Others the table hospitably spread 
 With needful food, and generous wine and fruit, 
 
 Or smooth'd a pillow for the Pilgrim's head,) 
 Join'd in such converse as such hearts may suit, 
 With Freedom and Good-nature ; neither mute 
 
 On subjects which to kind Instruction led. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 And while he supp'd they ask'd of Christian why 
 He left his partner, and her offspring dear, 
 
 Preferring, though it was for life, to fly 
 A solitary Pilgrim? With a tear 
 
 But ill suppress'd, and many a struggling sigh, 
 
 " For them," he said, " alas! with joy I'd die, 
 My soul's salvation only is more dear!"
 
 58 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 " Who could her infants from a mother take? — 
 " And she, though I besought her by all love 
 
 "To fly destruction, for those children's sake, 
 " For mine, for her's, for His who rules above : 
 
 " I tried in vain her feelings to awake, 
 
 " No argument her wilfulness could shake, 
 " But only mockery and scorn could move." 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 " God, in his time, her purposes may change ;" 
 The Sisters answer'd — To amuse his woe. 
 
 They promised, on the morrow, all of strange 
 
 And high import, that house contain'd, to show ; 
 
 That night he rested, yet his thoughts would range 
 
 From heav'n to home, — a home he'd but exchange 
 For that new world to which he look'd to go. 
 
 xxxv. 
 
 Two days the Pilgrim they detain'd, and ere 
 He journey'd on, their promise they redeem'd, 
 
 By exhibition of all rich, or rare, 
 
 Or sacred, by the wise and good were deemed 
 
 Among their treasure: — from a terrace fair 
 
 He saw the road he yet must travel, where 
 If peril threatened, much of mercy beam'd.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 59 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 He saw the sword Philistia's champion drew ; 
 
 The humble scrip where Israel's future king 
 That missile carried which Goliah slew; 
 
 The herdsman's mantle and unerring sling ; 
 The legislator's rod next met his view, 
 With which, in time of thirst, the Hebrew drew 
 
 From rocks, relief no power but heav'n's could bring. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 The simple weapon Sampson chanced to wield, 
 Which Pagan foes most fatally annoy'd, 
 
 The oxen's goad, which, when he took the field 
 Shamgar, with equal bravery employ'd ; 
 
 The fatal nail from which no pow'r could shield 
 
 Proud Sisera, to woman doom'd to yield, 
 
 And Gideon's arms which Midia's sons destroy 'd. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 But most of all elated was their guest, 
 When from the armoury desired to take 
 
 Whate'er he would select from all the rest, 
 And arm himself to battle for His sake, 
 
 Who bids us " fight the fight ;" to which behest, 
 
 Bowing, in panoply of proof now drest, 
 He burns in arms his first essay to make.
 
 60 THE PILGKIM S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 When Christian at the wicket-gate went in, 
 The choir celestial tuned their harps on high, 
 
 When, at the cross he left his weight of sin, 
 Again they joined in grateful harmony ; 
 
 And now once move I heard the strain begin, 
 
 " The Christian soldier arms, for God to win, 
 " Or wear in death the palm of victory 1" 
 
 END 01' CANTO III.
 
 CANTO IV. 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 Discretion, Prudence, Piety, attend 
 The Pilgrim's steps, and put him on his way ; 
 
 And Charity, of all mankind the friend, 
 Imparts her kindness. A most glorious day 
 
 Awaits the Soldier, eager to defend 
 
 His Master's cause. A dreadful combat's end 
 Proves Christian victor, to the Fiend's dismay.
 
 His sword the Pilgrim drew, 
 Which, as across the Monster's sight it flamed, 
 Stagger'd his sense. 
 
 Stanza xxvii.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 CANTO IV. 
 
 "Dreams are but interludes which fancy makes," 
 A bard once sang : and yet we may not deem 
 
 That fancy errs, in ev'ry road she takes, 
 Or every vision but a baseless dream : 
 
 When Bunyan slumbers, then he best awakes 
 
 Conviction in the faithless, for whose sakes 
 
 Plain truths he tells, howe'er they fictions seem. 
 
 ir. 
 
 Homely his idiom, which, more homely, I 
 Have haply render'd in my humble verse ; 
 
 Yet hope, if given with fidelity, 
 
 The matter for the manner not made worse. 
 
 Certes, a Muse beyond all praise should fly 
 
 On such a theme as man's felicity, 
 
 Secured by cancelling the Serpent's curse. 
 
 £
 
 66 THF. PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 
 
 III. 
 
 A little pearl, as fables tell us, erst 
 
 Down in the bosom of " the vasty deep" 
 
 Unnoticed lay for many an age immers'd, 
 
 And shed a pearly tear, (for pearls could weep 
 
 When trees and flowers with beasts and birds convers'd, 
 
 As, whilom in my youth, I've heard rehears'd,) 
 To think so long it should neglected sleep. 
 
 IV. 
 
 By change, like many on this earth, we know 
 Which folly can set up, and virtue down, 
 
 Abase the highest, and exalt the low, 
 And o'er a monarch elevate a crown ; 
 
 The meanest to magnificence may grow, 
 
 The humble acorn to an oak, and so 
 That pearl arose to decorate a ci-own. 
 
 So, lowly Christian, who, small space gone by, 
 Was plunged in black despondency and care, 
 
 Weigh'd down by sin, small hope of rescue by, 
 Pardon'd — that pardon lost, and worse despair 
 
 The terrible result, — now ranking high 
 
 As champion of the cross, for which to die 
 Elects him to a crowx of glory heir!
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 67 
 
 VI. 
 
 Yet, though in heart elate when forth he went, 
 (A heart more gentle, corslet ne'er did hide,) 
 
 Glittering in arms, but still on peace intent, 
 And all he might witli honour, to abide, 
 
 Sooner than discord sow or discontent, 
 
 Or raise an arm on strife or slaughter bent, 
 Unless by foeman to his God defied. 
 
 vir. 
 
 And much did it behove him so to feel : 
 
 Tho' difficulty he had left behind, 
 The vale below, to him (though cased in steel) 
 
 Was fraught with peril of superior kind, 
 And one to arms admitting small appeal ; 
 Humiliation set on all her seal 
 
 Who, there descending, were to danger blind. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 To guard him much as in their province lay, 
 
 Discretion, link'd with Prudence, went before, 
 
 And Piety, too, brought him on his way, 
 With Charity, herself of good a store; 
 
 'Twas by their Lord's divine commandment they, 
 
 Who at the palace had beguil'd his stay, 
 His parting lighten'd with of kindness more. 
 
 e2
 
 68 the pilgrim's PROGRESS. 
 
 IX. 
 
 And, ere they reach'd the bottom of that hill, 
 Discretion taught him less to seek than shun 
 
 Dissension ; Prudence how to meet each ill; 
 And Piety, save God, to trust to none! 
 
 "While Charity, with swimming eye, yet still 
 
 By smiles accompanied, inclined his will 
 All foes to pardon when in fight he won. 
 
 Some parting token for her sake to bear 
 Each offer'd ere she left: Discretion gave 
 
 The glass of foresight to prevent much care 
 
 In tracing out his road ; while Prudence grave 
 
 A purse presented with advice to spare ; 
 
 Fair Piety, a book of precious pray'r 
 In golden text, with illustration brave. 
 
 XI. 
 
 And Charity, as if of good ashamed, 
 
 A mantle gave, (wishing her deeds unknown,) 
 
 She form'd to hide, so wonderfully framed, 
 Deformity in others as our own ; 
 
 And in that cloak a treasure, but not named 
 
 For Christian, and for all his aid who claim'd, 
 His gifts to whom would many a sin atone.
 
 the pilgrim's progress. 69 
 
 XII. 
 
 And never felt that Pilgrim so alone 
 
 As when those maidens left him in the vale : 
 
 Methought a tear, which fain he would disown, 
 Roll'd down his manly cheek, and told a tale 
 
 Of thoughts gone back to home! Much dearer grown 
 
 From dangers disbeliev'd, or scarcely known, 
 By those dear friends they might too soon assail ! 
 
 XIII. 
 
 But little time had he for grief, 1 wot, 
 For, as his downcast eye he rais'd again, 
 
 He wist not what he saw, for it was not 
 
 " A gentle knyghte came pricking o'er the plain," 
 
 Fiendlike in form, and with defiance hot, 
 
 While Christian seem'd all spell-bound to the spot, 
 As Jehu, like his foe, came on amain ! 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Ye veterans in war, who when but young, 
 Felt and remember, in your maiden fight, 
 
 Something in nerves approaching to " unstrung,'' 
 As your first enemy came close in sight — 
 
 Ye will not blame the hero we have sung, 
 
 Whose foe appear'd a nondescript, which tongue 
 Could never yet describe, or paint aright.
 
 70 HIE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS 
 
 \\ . 
 
 The arms of your opponents you admired, 
 Their banners designated whence they came, 
 
 Their gallant bearing emulation fired, 
 
 Youjear'd not, but applauded — little blame 
 
 To Christian, if, when foeman strange, attired 
 
 As his appear'd, some moments it required 
 To warm his courage with religion's flame. 
 
 XV T. 
 
 A human outline, dark and undefined, 
 
 With mouth of lion, issuing wreaths of flame, 
 
 And scales like fell Leviathan — no kind 
 Of animal resembled him ; his name 
 
 Apollyon ! dragon's pinions were assign'd 
 
 His shapeless shoulders; feet that seem'd inclined 
 To imitate a bear's — and on he came! 
 
 XVII. 
 
 In either hand he brandish'd darts of fire, 
 Which ever and anon he whirl'd around, 
 
 Or toss'd above his head with hell-born ire, 
 As if he meant the pilgrim to astound. 
 
 But Christian nor advanced, nor would retire, 
 
 Until the enemy, with threatenings dire, 
 
 Sprang to his prey with one infuriate bound.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 71 
 
 XVIIJ. 
 
 That awful moment in the balance weigh 'd, 
 
 Seem'd Christian's fate — resolv'd at first to try 
 
 The fight, he faulter'd, till reflection stay'd 
 Such want of resolution — should he fly, 
 
 His back, with steel unguarded, were betray'd 
 
 To the fiend's archery ; himself, too, made 
 A victim to his imbecility. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 His wav'ring eye, now glancing o'er his shield, 
 Beheld a powerful word thereon engraved, 
 
 'Twas faith, by which, when just about to yield, 
 The nearly sinking Christian soul was saved. 
 
 His fears had from the fiend been ill conceal'd, 
 
 Who, in a voice which scorn and hate reveal'd, 
 And look disdainful, spoke, or rather raved : 
 
 xx. 
 
 " Whence com'st thou, caitiff? whither dost thou speed?' 
 To whom the Pilgrim, reassured, replied, 
 
 " The city of Destruction, in my need 
 " Of pardon for past sins, I left, and tried 
 
 "To find a path to Zion, where, indeed, 
 
 " I hope to rest; and, should that hope succeed, 
 " Earth's empire would 1 with no soul divide.''
 
 72 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 "The city of Destruction owns my sway, 
 "I am its sovereign prince, Apollyon said, 
 
 " And thou my subject, and a traitor ! say, 
 " Hast thou of punishment condign no dread, 
 
 " Thou who hast dared without our grant, to stray, 
 
 " Detected renegade ! retrace thy way, 
 " Or by my diadem I strike thee dead !'' 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Quoth Christian, "In your dangerous domain 
 " That I was born, I cannot well deny, 
 
 " Too long the slave of thy despotic reign, 
 " I here renounce it, Fiend, and utterly ! 
 
 " Thy wages are but death, thy favour, bane, 
 
 "The antidote to which I've found, and vain 
 " Wouldst thou again my lost allegiance buy." 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 " Nay, since 'tis interest sways thee," with a sneer 
 Of bitterest contempt, the demon cried, 
 
 " No price to save a subject were too dear, 
 
 " Thou shalt command my treasures — on my side 
 
 " Rank kings, and powers, and conquerors, nor fear 
 
 " Thou with the highest shalt command, if here 
 "Thou to my throne wilt swear to be allied."
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 73 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 " That I'm another's soldier thou mayst see 
 " By these my arms, nor million-fold the worth 
 
 "Of all thy wealth would make me faithless be!" 
 The warrior elect retorted. — " Earth," 
 
 Rejoin'd the Fiend, " Holds not a thing by me, 
 
 " Double deserter ! so despised as thee, 
 
 "And thou shalt curse the hour that gave thee birth." 
 
 xxv. 
 
 " Not in his service,'' Christian boldly said, 
 
 " My lot in thine I'd cause to curse, but'' — " Hold !'' 
 
 " The Prince of Darkness bellow'd, " Hast forgot 
 " How oft thy second master thou hast sold ? 
 
 " Desponding, sleeping, boasting, didst thou not 
 
 " Disgrace the very arms thou now hast got, 
 
 " When me, thy proper lord, with fear thou didst behold ?'' 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 "All this," said Christian, "is too true, but I 
 " Am on my master's bus'ness, take good care 
 
 " How you impede his officer, for high 
 " And sacred is the character I bear." 
 
 Apollyon answer'd, " In thine office die ! 
 
 " Thy going hence with life, no living eye 
 "Shall see, by my infernal den, I swear!
 
 74 MIK pilgrim's progress. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 With maniac rage a fire-tipp'd dart he threw, 
 Which Christian's shield flung back on him who 
 aim'd 
 
 Its mischief; then his sword the Pilgrim drew, 
 Which, as across the Monster's sight it flamed, 
 
 Stagger'd his sense, as when all Israel blew 
 
 Their trumpets, crash'd their lamps, and Midian knew 
 'The sword of heav'n and Gideon,' victory claimed. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 Like sinners flying in conviction's face, 
 
 The son of Belial to the cbarge came back, 
 
 His darts flew thick as hail, and not a place 
 
 In Christian's armour that some mark did lack 
 
 Of their fell force, which deeply one might trace 
 
 For ages after ; (wounds are no disgrace :) 
 Yet dear the Fiend abided each attack . 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Thrice 'twas the struggling Pilgrim's lot to feel, 
 As the fierce fight was pictured in my dream, 
 
 The biting keenness of his foeman's steel ; 
 
 In head, hand, foot, meaning, as it should seem, 
 
 (I speak but what my vision did reveal, 
 
 And but to its instruction can appeal,) 
 
 His understanding, converse, faith, I deem.
 
 hie pilgrim's progress. 75 
 
 XXX. 
 
 The day half spent, and Christian nearly too, 
 
 (So long, methought, the contest was maintain'd, 
 
 While neither yet the other could subdue,) 
 While each satanic nerve Apollyon strain'd, 
 
 His darts expended, and impetuous threw 
 
 The Pilgrim on the earth, nor much to do 
 For his destruction now, I wist, remain'd. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 Then with fell grasp poor Christian's throat he press'd, 
 Who, desperate, firmly grasp'd his shortened blade, 
 
 And ardently, in mental pray'r, address 'd 
 
 The power by whom alone are conquerors made; 
 
 'Twas brief and needfully, howe'er exprest, 
 
 For the fierce foe no time allow'd to rest, 
 And still less chance appeared of mortal aid. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 Exulting o'er his victim in the dust, 
 Apollyon paus'd, with horrible delight, 
 
 When Christian, with one sudden deadly thrust, 
 Changed, instant, the complexion of the fight ; 
 
 And, as he dealt the blow, " thus ever must 
 
 " They conquer," he exclaim'd, " in God who trust, 
 " As they must fall who hold his mercies light?"
 
 76 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 The Fiend, astounded, stagger'd, and had fled ; 
 
 But, as like lightning he pursued his blow, 
 " Rejoice not over me,'' the Pilgrim said, 
 
 "For when I fall I shall arise !" and lo ! 
 His dazzling steel whirl 'd round Apollyon's head, 
 Who in dismay his bat-like pinions spread, 
 
 And, howling, sped to the abodes of woe. 
 
 xxxiv. 
 
 " Nay then," pleas'd Christian cried, " in all these things 
 « \y e » re m ore than conquerors, through him whose love 
 
 " Protects us !" and his praise the Pilgrim sings, 
 Who " sought," is " found," and will for ever prove 
 
 His seeker's refuge ; who from evil brings 
 
 Good, and, from whose assistance, slaves and kings 
 fiave equal privilege in pray'r to move. 
 
 xxxv. 
 
 And then a hand appear'd, like that of yore, 
 
 The Persian's fate that pencill'd on the wall — 
 
 Leaves, gather'd from the tree of life, it bore, 
 The Pilgrim's wounds to heal; nor was this all 
 
 Of wonder, for, seraphic, as before 
 
 The minstrel corps celestial sung once more 
 In angel triumph o'er a Demon's fall !
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 77 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 While Christian, who, by Charity's kind care, 
 With wine restorative had been supplied, 
 
 And rich confections, nutritive and rare, 
 
 To present need the welcome stores applied ; 
 
 But first craved blessing in right thankful pray'r, 
 
 And (while he humbly doth his laurels bear) 
 The choristers of Zion thus replied: 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 " Thy pray'rs have been heard, and thy valour recorded, 
 " The battle is ne'er to the strongest decreed ; 
 
 " Like thee, who confide, will as sure be rewarded, 
 " As foes of Jehova h to fell are decreed. 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 " The race to the swift is not always conceded, 
 
 " But he who in weakness asks strength from above, 
 
 " Will find that the cause of the lowly is pleaded, 
 " And won by a Saviour whose essence is love.
 
 78 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 " Thy shield, the shield of faith, hath saved thee, 
 " When foes of him who loves thee braved thee ; 
 " When pow'rs of darkness had enslaved thee, 
 
 " But in thy Master's sight, 
 " The darts of evil boldly facing, 
 " Thy proud profession not disgracing, 
 " Thy trust on him who made thee placing, 
 
 "Thou'rt victor in the fight! 
 
 "Thus thy pray'rs have been heard, and thy valour re- 
 corded, 
 
 " The battle is not to the strongest decreed ; 
 "And, like thee, who confides will as sure be rewarded, 
 
 "As foes of Jehovah to fall are decreed !" 
 
 in i) of < a vro iv.
 
 CANTO V. 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 Triumphant, while new triumphs he obtains, 
 To darker scenes the onward Pilgrim hies : 
 
 The Valley of Death's shadow, where there reigns 
 "Darkness that's felt," and fire that never dies. 
 
 A brother Pilgrim's company he gains, 
 
 Whose crown of martyrdom dissolves those chains 
 Which keep true Christians from their native skies.
 
 legions of sheeted ghosts passed gibbering by, 
 Hydras, and hooded serpents - - 
 
 Stanza xiit.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 CANTO V. 
 
 i. 
 'Twere vain to wish for better poet's pens, 
 
 But "better poets," was a lapse, — I'd say 
 'Twere vain to wish for what is other men's, — 
 
 I mean the talent Terror to pourtray, 
 As Milton or as Dan.te, the dire dens 
 Of Pandemonium, or the pitchy fens 
 
 Of Erebus, which they so well display. 
 
 ii. 
 
 The road to Heav'n from Earth, we're but too sure, 
 Is thorny, full of ravines, pits, and snares, 
 
 Where, hoping much, much more we must endure, 
 Ere reap the wheat among so many tares ; 
 
 Censured when rich, or haply crush'd if poor, 
 
 " Another, and a better world," the cure, 
 And only cure for wayworn pilgrims' cares. 
 
 i' 2
 
 .".4 Mil PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 m. 
 Seeking that better world, our Pilgrim's pace 
 
 He quicken 'd, on his setting once more forth ; 
 Pleas'd, void of pride, his sword without disgrace 
 
 He'd drawn, and proved his armour's genuine worth ; 
 Anxious to shun, yet fearing not to face 
 New dangers, he began his nerves to brace 
 
 'Gainst any chances which from time have birth. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Then, as Mistrust and Timouous before 
 Essay 'd to turn him from his proper way, 
 
 With agitation pale, two cowards more 
 
 Cross'd him, as though his progress they would stay; 
 
 And, speech when they could find, at every pore 
 
 Exuding abject terror, they implore 
 
 Of Christian to return, while yet ho may. 
 
 v. 
 
 He ask'd "The danger?" "There! beyond the heath, 
 " Unseen, no mortal would believe the tale, 
 
 " A fearful hollow lies — the Vale of Death ! 
 " Where witchcraft, flames, and sorcery prevail : 
 
 " Serpents infect the air with poison'd breath, 
 
 " Fiends fly above, and scorpions crawl beneath, 
 " And sulph'rous heat is mix'd with scalding hail !
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 85 
 
 VI. 
 
 " And fire-eyed dragons in that noisome dell, 
 " And victims, bound in burning chains, abide, 
 
 " Whose every respiration is a yell 
 
 " Of such despair as would even God deride; 
 
 " While the hoarse clanging of a ceaseless knell, 
 
 "Which calls all inmates to their native hell, 
 " Distracts the ear, and ev'ry sense beside !" 
 
   
 
 VII. 
 
 To whom thus Christian : "Should the way indeed 
 " Prove all your fears describe, I hold it still 
 
 " (Or were it worse) my duty to proceed, 
 
 "And, by protecting help of Heav'n I will !" 
 
 "Take thy way, fool!" they ansvver'd, "'tis decreed 
 
 " That thou must perish, and wilt vainly plead 
 "For grace, when thou of peril hast thy fill." 
 
 VIII. 
 
 The Pilgrim drew his sword, and firmly bent 
 His footsteps to the path denounced, and then 
 
 Discover'd (whatsoe'er was their intent,) 
 Much reason for the caution of those men ; 
 
 And soon at every step, though on he went, 
 
 Felt much inclined his rashness to repent, 
 And, like his tempters, to return again.
 
 86 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 IX. 
 
 The devious path was rugged ; on each side 
 Methought a deep and filthy ditch was seen, 
 
 Error and Sin their names. Each surface wide 
 Was thickly mantled with deceptive green ; 
 
 Most wretched he whoe'er such surface tried, 
 
 'Mid shoals mephitic, destined to abide 
 
 With snakes, efts, newts, and reptiles most obscene! 
 
 And, halfway through this melancholy dell, 
 Where ev'ry soil was sown with horrors new, 
 
 Wide gaped, insatiable, the jaws of Hell! 
 And danger upon danger darker grew : 
 
 And sight and hearing, feeling, taste, and smell, 
 
 So at each turn distress'd, no man could tell 
 
 How he, with life, that valley might pass through. 
 
 xr. 
 And flame, that gave no light, succeeded smoke ; 
 
 And lava sported round the Pilgrim's feet ; 
 As, tottering, he stepp'd. Dead silence (broke 
 
 At intervals by shrieks, that sore did greet 
 The ear,) prevail'd, or, haply, something spoke, 
 Or seem'd to speak, blaspheming ; or avvoke 
 
 Strange thoughts rebellious, and for man unmeet.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. H7 
 
 XII. 
 
 That sword so formidable, lately felt 
 
 By fierce Apollyon, caus'd nor fear nor care, 
 
 Circled by Hell as it had been a belt, 
 
 Christian no weapon found avail but prayer ; 
 
 'Mid fires, might boldest resolution melt, 
 
 And fears and fancies so profusely dealt, 
 
 That all a morbid mind e'er magnified seem'd there. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Legions of sheeted ghosts pass'd gibbering by, 
 Hydras, and hooded serpents hissing flew 
 
 Close to his vision, or appear'd so nigh 
 
 That, even arm'd with pray'r, he backward drew! 
 
 And one dread vampyre, with terrific eye, 
 
 And threatening arm, seem'd Heav'n to defy 
 With laughter, echoed by the spectral crew. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Then Christian lifted up his voice, and loud, 
 
 (As one whom some new impulse did inspire,) 
 Pronounced that Name to which we all have bow'd ; 
 
 And instant saw Hell's denizens retire: 
 No longer of their transient triumph proud 
 With groans terrific the satanic crowd 
 
 Flunged, self-impell'd, in lakes of liquid fire!
 
 88 nil. PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 \v. 
 " In the Lord's strength I'll walk!" the Pilgrim sang, 
 
 As light seem'd dawning o'er the fading scene, 
 When, suddenly, the space before him rang 
 
 With accents welcome to his ear, I ween, 
 So late polluted with discordant clang 
 Of chains, and cries, and curses from the gang 
 
 Of that sad region he but now had seen. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 And, still at distance, did they seem to fly, 
 And faintly flicker in the lambent flame, 
 
 While forms and fires retiring seem'd to die, 
 
 As heav'n's bright beams with soft gradation came 
 
 In blushing tints, that warm'd the morning sky ; 
 
 Then with what rapture did the Pilgrim's eye 
 Contrast them with the glare of Sin and Shame ! 
 
 XVII. 
 
 Again the voice before him (so methought) 
 Sang loud and cheerful as the matin bird, 
 
 And Christian with delight those accents caught, 
 His heart responsive to the strains he heard : 
 
 " Through Death's dark valley, by thy precepts taught, 
 
 " I walk rejoicing, unsubdued by aught, 
 " Supported ever by thy saving word !"
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 89 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 IN'ow Christian's voice, as well as feelings, tried 
 
 To answer his precursor, and this lay, 
 Which memory from sacred text supplied, 
 
 Greeted the beauteous birth of opening day ! 
 " The shades of death he hath with morning's pride 
 " Replaced, and shadows which his power defied, 
 
 " Have changed to beams that light me on my way !" 
 
 XIX. 
 
 " His radiant day-star shineth o'er my head," 
 (Job's gratitude the prototype supplies,) 
 
 "And through the murky veil of darkness spread, 
 " His wisdom proves a lantern to mine eyes !" 
 
 The former voice the thankful theme that led 
 
 Was silent, and the Pilgrim left to " thread 
 The thicket," he approach 'd in lonely wise. 
 
 xx. 
 
 That thicket's inlet, to the startled view, 
 Disclosed a cave, near which in sad display 
 
 The mangled forms of men, whom giants two 
 (Now little dreaded) once had slaughter'd, lay ; 
 
 Pagan and Pope the miscreants were — but few 
 
 Their influence now own, and those who do, 
 Few converts find their doctrines to obey.
 
 90 TIIL PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Of these, one at the cave's mouth Christian saw, 
 But, all depress'd with age, he helpless lay ; 
 
 Incapable to those to give the law 
 
 Who deem'd infallible a thing of clay ; 
 
 The Pilgrim passing safe, beheld him gnaw 
 
 His nails for spite, with paralytic jaw, 
 
 And heedless of each menace, went his way. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 A hill surmounted, from its height his view 
 Encounter'd, but a little way before, 
 
 The singer he had listen'd to, and who, 
 
 Like Christian, burthen'd with offences sore. 
 
 Had ask'd, as lie did, what were best to do ; 
 
 And, freed from sin, his course did now pursue 
 Toward that home where grief exists no more ! 
 
 xxiii. 
 Christian a townsman saw in him, of old, 
 
 Who in his own predicament was placed ; 
 Faithful by name and second nature, bold 
 
 In the good cause, so eager in his haste, 
 That when desired to stop, he Christian told, 
 He in a race for Heav'n had been enroll'd, 
 
 Nor dare he one important moment waste.
 
 HIE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 91 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 In emulation of his honest zeal 
 
 Methought that Christian tried to overtake 
 And pass his brother pilgrim, when his heel 
 
 Entangled in an intervening brake, 
 Threw him a fall, and much he seem'd to feel 
 That check, as to his conscience an appeal 
 
 'Gainst sinful striving for Vain Glory's sake. 
 
 xxv. 
 And Faithful, (as all brother pilgrims should,) 
 
 To "raise up them that fall," assistance gave, 
 And now they march'd together, and 'twas good 
 
 To hear them with expression warm, but grave, 
 Exchange experiences, for either could 
 Tell of temptations conquering, or withstood, 
 
 Thro' His assistance who but came to save. 
 
 xxv I. 
 
 Faithful, like Christian, had in Law put trust, 
 And Wanton, with her wiles had him assail'd, 
 
 And Faithful fell, as fall all mortals must; 
 And much that wicked lapse had he bewail'd : 
 
 Old Adam he at length put off, as dust 
 
 His works accounting ; till among the just 
 
 Admitted by new birth when Grace prevail'd.
 
 92 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 Now, while in converse kind, it chanced, they pass'd 
 One Talkative, who boasted much and long 
 
 Of his regeneration, and so fast 
 
 He spoke whole volumes about right and wrong, 
 
 All in the mould of affectation cast, 
 
 That, tired, they left his rapid tongue at last 
 To other list'ners to repeat its song. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 Yet not so happily had they been quit 
 Of such associate, but while talking, he 
 
 Beheld Evangelist approach. Unfit 
 
 For such companion conscious he must be, 
 
 He by retreat evinced unusual wit; 
 
 Meantime, with features by true pleasure lit, 
 Their welcome friend the joyful pilgrims see. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 With cordial salutation did they greet : 
 And, after much of kind enquiry made, 
 
 Evangelist prepared their minds to meet 
 More than of peril they had yet essay'd; 
 
 For, sacrificed to perjury, deceit, 
 
 And hate of wicked men, imprison'd, beat 
 To death, they one or both would be betray 'd.
 
 THE Pir.GRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Exhorting them in future trials, then, 
 
 To think whose soldiers and whose servants they 
 Had been appointed ; and to play the men, 
 
 And testimony for the truth display ; 
 And joys beyond all sublunary ken, 
 Imagination, Painting, power of pen, 
 
 Would crown their zeal in God's last judgment-day. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 A city near at hand would prove the scene, 
 He said, of their oppression ; and its name 
 
 Was Vanity, where all delights terrene 
 Of riches, rank, prosperity, and fame, 
 
 Were bought and sold ; and where a fair had been 
 
 For ages held — all nations there were seen, 
 And princes, peers, and poor adventurers came, 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 Ere the kind sage departed, at their pray'r 
 His counsels he repeated, and when gone, 
 
 The Pilgrims cherish'd the proud hope to bear 
 The cross and crown of martyrdom, each one 
 
 Aspired to be selected — at the fair 
 
 They soon arrived, and what they saw when there 
 Included all by which weak hearts are won.
 
 94 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 Their strange apparel and their sober speecli 
 
 Astonish'd many, and offended more. 
 When ask'd, what would they buy? they answer'd each, 
 
 " We buy the truth :" — a thing ne'er heard before 
 In that proud city, where they only teach 
 To cheat, to cozen, and to overreach, 
 
 As they do, will&o, and did heretofore. 
 
 xxxrv. 
 
 " Strangers, and not in fashion '."furnish'd cause 
 
 To constitute a difference, and those 
 Who could not by discussion gain applause, 
 
 Instead of argument appeal'd to blows. 
 For, causing in their merriment a pause, 
 The pilgrims were arrested, and the laws 
 
 Twisted to meet the wishes of their foes. 
 
 xxxv. 
 
 Examined, oft remanded, and, in fine, 
 
 Committed for high treason 'gainst the fair; 
 
 A jury pack'd, the pilgrims they consign 
 
 To trial, where all miscreants who could swear 
 
 That right was wrong, or black was white, combine ; 
 
 Judge frowning, jury nodding; and, in fine, 
 The verdict, guilty! as some verdicts are.
 
 the pilgrim's progress 95 
 
 xxxv r. 
 
 And instant execution was decreed 
 
 On Faithful first, because he had denied 
 
 That city's lord to worship — Christian, freed 
 For present policy, though much he tried, 
 
 With truths unanswer'd, for his friend to plead — 
 
 Offer'd his life, and earnestly indeed 
 
 Wish'd to save Faithful, he, instead, had died. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 Without one instant's respite, to the stake 
 
 Faithful was dragg'd, what tortures he sustain'd 
 
 Here we attempt not to describe, for sake 
 
 Of hearts that by such blazon would be pain'd; 
 
 Suffice to say, whatever a heart might break 
 
 Of insult, or to agony could wake 
 
 The frame, was by their cruel laws ordain'd. 
 
 xxxvnr. 
 
 Nought could their fell malignity exceed, 
 
 Unless their victim's constancy to bear 
 Their torments, and with firmness intercede 
 
 For his fierce enemies in parting prayer ; 
 And when at every pore he seem'd to bleed, 
 And, flame-encircled, could no longer plead, 
 
 Then seem'd the heavens his triumph to declare.
 
 <J(j THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 A car, too dazzling for a waking eye, 
 Did in my dream with majesty descend, 
 
 And, as Elijah erst was call'd on high, 
 So did an host of seraphim attend 
 
 The conqueror Faithful : Christian, with a sigh, 
 
 And arms extended, seem'd as he would try 
 To catch the mantle of his martyr'd friend. 
 
 XL. 
 
 If heretofore, the music of the spheres 
 Accompanied each pageant I beheld, 
 
 How indescribably to earthly ears 
 
 The present burst of joy my awe impell'd : 
 
 So vast, so overpow'ring yet appears 
 
 Its memory, that but for timely tears 
 'Twould burst the bosom its expression swells. 
 
 XLI. 
 
 No mortal words can picture what my dream 
 Of song presented; softly now it roll'd 
 
 Like zephyrs o'er iEolian strings ; then bold 
 
 As lately pent-up thunder, did it seem. 
 
 And, could I tell the theme, 'twould thus be told :
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 97 
 
 iERIAL CHORUS. 
 
 " He rises, the victim of fortune and death, 
 "The army of martyrs a martyr attend, 
 
 "A prayer for his foes graced his agonized breath 
 " When dying, who rises to life without end !" 
 
 END OF CANTO V.
 
 CANTO VI. 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 Christian, from far, beholds the heav'nly rest, 
 Where long his wishes and his heart had lain ; 
 
 Yet ere attain'd, that home for the distrest, 
 His wanderings more correction must sustain, 
 
 'Till Error conquer'd, and Despair supprest, 
 
 And Death subdued, his place among the blest 
 We see, at length, the happy Pilgrim gain !
 
 The Wife of Christian, and her children four, 
 
 In Heaven's good time convinced 
 
 Stanza xliit.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 CANTO VI. 
 
 That Christian should a death so dire behold 
 As that which Faithful firmly underwent, 
 
 Was but anticipation, he was told, 
 
 Of pangs more cruel for his portion meant; 
 
 But threats of death, or promises of gold, 
 
 He scorn'd, who neither would be bought or sold, 
 And, for his faith, to suffer was content. 
 
 ii. 
 And Faithful's firmness in his trying hour 
 
 Had countless converts to religion made ; 
 Of whom too many, by the hand of power, 
 
 Where Christian languish'd, were in durance laid : 
 Of these, one Hopeful, from that dismal tower 
 Escap'd foes " seeking whom they might devour," 
 
 And Christian, too, found freedom through his aid.
 
 104 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRF^ 
 
 III. 
 
 Like Paul and Silas, hand in hand they went, 
 As with light step the city gates they pass'd; 
 
 And great, I scarce need say, was their content 
 When that land's barriers they o'erstepp'd at last; 
 
 But most was Christian happy — with intent 
 
 To cheer his path it seem'd as tho' Heav'n sent, 
 In Faithful's stead, a friend as firm and fast! 
 
 IV. 
 
 There wanted not (with such the world o'erflows) 
 Seductive tongues to turn their steps aside : 
 
 By-ends from Fair-speech city, one of those 
 
 Who pious seem for profit, vainly tried, 
 Tho' hot and cold with the same breath he blows,) 
 
 And Demas a whole mine of silver shows, — 
 But Christian bribes and flattery defied. 
 
 v. 
 To yield to Demas, Hopeful felt inclined, 
 
 But Christian kept him from so great default; 
 That ill averted, in their path they find 
 
 A female, figured in a rock of salt ! 
 Lot's Wife ! Now sorrowing Hopeful call'd to mind 
 He'd have gone back, not look'd — the friendship kind 
 
 That saved him, ne'er could he too high exalt !
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 105 
 
 VI. 
 
 Now by a river broad their progress lay, 
 
 Which by Saint John was named of life the stream ; 
 And on its banks they journey 'd many a day, 
 
 Where fruits to growspontaneously did seem ; 
 Fruits that preserv'd from sickness and decay, 
 And free to all who pass'd that pleasant way : 
 
 Too pleasant to be match'd but in a dream ! 
 
 VII. 
 
 Sad were the Pilgrims when that pathway ceas'd, 
 For soon the road unequal grew, and dry 
 
 As Arab deserts, as the heat increas'd, 
 With no oasis to relieve the eye; 
 
 Until a shadowy lane, a very feast 
 
 To sunburnt traveller, or wayworn beast, 
 They gladly saw, as in my dream did I. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 " To By-path Meadow" did a board direct, 
 
 And Christian blithely would that route essay, 
 
 But Hopeful, in his turn, would fain protect 
 
 His friend from wand'ring from the King's highway : 
 
 Wisely his own fault did he recollect, 
 
 Foreboding by-ways might be incorrect, 
 And tempt them into dangers dark to stray.
 
 106 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 IX. 
 
 But Christian pointed out, that side by side 
 With the straight road it went, or seem'd to go, 
 
 And then a man before them they espied, 
 
 Vain Confidence his name, and sought to know 
 
 From him if safely might that path be tried. 
 
 " 'Tis the best road," the traveller replied, 
 
 "To prove it, I'll precede, the way to show." 
 
 x. 
 
 Forward he went ; they followed : brief the space 
 Of time 'ere darkness, like a withering cloud, 
 
 Obscured all objects : nothing could they trace, 
 
 Save when blue lightnings glared on tall trees bow'd 
 
 By gusts terrific ; and their leader's face 
 
 Grew pale with dread of peril and disgrace, 
 
 'Till headlong falling, shriek 'd the wretch aloud ! 
 
 XI. 
 
 A pitfall had receiv'd the treacherous guide : 
 
 Vain Confidence was now no more! and Truth 
 
 Began o'er Christian's senses to preside, 
 Who own'd his error to the trembling youth 
 
 He had persuaded, in the fancied pride 
 
 Of eldership, with him to turn aside : 
 
 And dreadful was the consequence, in sooth !
 
 the pilgrim's progress; 107 
 
 XII. 
 
 In vain they struggled to regain the track 
 By which they left a rough but safer ground ; 
 
 But " Gradus revocare," to go back 
 Was not so easy as to err, they found : 
 
 Daylight and courage now they both did lack, 
 
 And fear'd all nameless ills that might attack, 
 From beast or bandit prowling there around. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 And thrice, or more, did they attempt, in vain, 
 
 To find the boundary so madly crost : 
 The roaring waters drove them back again, 
 
 And nearly, like their guide, had they been lost ; 
 Till worn with fear, anxiety, and pain, 
 Fruitless alike to struggle or complain, 
 
 Sleep, overpow'ring, seiz'd them, to their cost ! 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Now near that spot, for such a dwelling fit, 
 
 A hideous Giant's castellated den 
 Frown 'd o'er the landscape drear; where snare or pit 
 
 Were in each path to catch unthinking men, 
 Who, like our pilgrims, had so little wit 
 As a safe road's security to quit 
 
 For mire, morass, and fog, and filthy fen!
 
 108 
 
 THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS. 
 
 XV. 
 
 The Giant of that castle was Despair, 
 
 (Grandson of Discontent, Sin's favorite child, 
 
 Wedded to Diffidence, allied to Care,) 
 Who ever murmur'd, and who never smiled ; 
 
 And forth he every morning did repair 
 
 His man-traps to inspect, if haply there 
 Some victim to his toils might be beguil'd. 
 
 xvi. 
 But, though he never smiled, a ghastly grin 
 
 His fearful face made more ferocious still, 
 Whene'er a captive, caught in net or gin, 
 
 His deep-dug dungeons might be doom'd to fill ; 
 And when he found our pilgrims slept within 
 His web, thus arrogant, did he begin 
 
 To triumph o'er the game he meant to kill. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 " Awake ! half-witted wanderers, arise ! 
 
 " Full dearly for this trespass shall ye pay, 
 "To Doubting Castle's lord no common prize, 
 
 "Despair shall revel in your hearts to-day !" 
 Then drove them forward, with reproachful cries, 
 Distorted mouth, and rage-inflated eyes, 
 
 A brutal joy delighting to display !
 
 the pilgrim's PROGRESS. 109 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 He urged them on, till in his castle's keep, 
 Where neither light nor comfort he bestows, 
 
 Plung'd by despair in cavern dark and deep, 
 With water stagnant, blackest bread, and blows; 
 
 And when subdued by cruelty to weep, 
 
 Despair advised them they in endless sleep 
 Should seek oblivion of their cureless woes. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 This counsel, oft repeated, undermined 
 
 By slow degrees, first Christian, then his friend; 
 Hopeful, though last to own it, felt inclined 
 
 By self-destruction self-caus'd cares to end ; 
 The Giant's helpmate, Diffidence, combined 
 With her dark lord, Despair, each captive mind 
 
 To suicide, Hell's blackest crime, to bend. 
 
 xx. 
 
 Celestial mercy ! attribute most fair 
 
 Of Him whose goodness lends thy ray on earth, 
 To gild the black recesses of Despair, 
 
 And from his banishment to Hope give birth ; 
 Thine influence was felt by Christian, where 
 Inhumed within the lowest pit of Care, 
 
 His woes were made the sport of wreckless mirth !
 
 110 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 And Hopeful, sinking, heard a sudden cry 
 From Christian, crazed with joy who seem'd to be ; 
 
 " Fool that I am ! imprison'd thus to lie, 
 " When I the means possess of being free ! 
 
 " The key of promise in my reach doth lie 
 " Forgotten ! — Thrice ungrateful wretch, that I 
 " Should thus neglect such mercy shewn to me !" 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Yet Hopeful deem'd his comrade did but mock. 
 
 " Not so," quoth Christian, since 'tis Heav'n's decree: 
 " In Doubting Castle there is not a lock 
 
 " The key of promise will not open : See \" 
 This said, their fetters first he loos'd, the block 
 That form'd their dungeon-door of solid rock, 
 
 Next, — all the rest obey'd that wond'rous key ! 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Despair was lull'd to sleep while forth they sped 
 With breathings quick, but noiseless; yet their fate 
 
 Hung on a hair. The Giant left his bed 
 And follow'd furiously, but too late. 
 
 So swift for life the panting pilgrims fled, 
 
 They reach'd the spot from whence they were misled, 
 And who shall then describe their bliss how great ?
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 1 I 1 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 To Him who hears the sinner from the deep, 
 Their gratitude they pour, and then erect 
 
 A warning there, that none again may sleep, 
 
 Or quit the bounds which the right way protect ; 
 
 That fell Despair no future souls should keep 
 
 In darkness, anguish, and dismay to weep 
 Their erring idly from the road direct. 
 
 xxv. 
 With haste, that did permit no looks behind, 
 
 And hearts which ev'ry grateful feeling thrills, 
 The pilgrim pair ascend where shepherds kind 
 
 Cancell'd the memory of by-gone ills : 
 Those mountains, call'd Delectable, remind 
 Christian of Charity, and Sisters kind, 
 
 Who from their house-top shew'd those lofty hills. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere, 
 The shepherd chiefs were named, and they, methought, 
 
 From lofty hills their future road made clear, 
 And gave such lessons, as the pilgrims taught 
 
 To be upon the watch, and, (not $ev ere, 
 
 But just by way of hint, they) made appear 
 
 The spot where Christian and his friend were caught.
 
 112 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 To crown the prospect, far and far away, 
 Appear'd the city where the just abide; 
 
 Bright, and far brighter than the solar ray, 
 
 More dazzling than all dreams of earthly pride ; 
 
 And, dreadfully opposed, a devious way 
 
 Bedeck'd with ev'ry flowret sweet and gay, 
 Led to Hell's postern on a mountain's side. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 The shepherds gave them of the road a plan, 
 With this advice engraved thereon around : 
 
 " Avoid all flatterers, and let each man 
 
 " Beware of sleeping on enchanted ground ;" 
 
 The Pilgrims seem'd each other's thoughts to scan, 
 
 When they replied, " A risk we lately ran, 
 
 " Insures we ne'er shall be so heedless found." 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Among the crosses by our Pilgrims met, 
 
 On leaving the good shepherds, there was one, 
 
 (A stumbling-block, which has been, and is yet, 
 To the best meaning who life's race may run ;) 
 
 'Twas Ignorance, his mind bound in a net, 
 
 Despising all of knowledge he might get, 
 Proud of possessing little more than none !
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 113 
 
 XXX. 
 
 He came not by the first gate, but had pass'd 
 Through broken fences, which, when he was told 
 
 Would bar his hoped-for entrance at the last, 
 Gave great offence ; and he, in accent bold, 
 
 " Regretted with such fools his lot was cast, 
 
 " And wonder'd people's tongues should run so fast, 
 On one who for such schooling was too old !'' 
 
 xxxi. 
 " Besides," quoth he, " I pay each man his own, 
 
 "Tythes, and church-dues, give alms, and fast, and pray ; 
 " Nor e'er with others' business was known 
 
 " To make or meddle — therefore, my own way 
 " I chuse, and all unask'd advice disown; 
 " Follow your systems, and let mine alone !" 
 
 And off he tripp'd, most lamentably gay. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 In bonds Apostacy they next behold, 
 
 By seven devils borne to that hill-side, 
 Where lately, by the shepherds they were told, 
 
 A postern-gate of hell might be descried; 
 And, further, though forewarn'd not to be sold 
 To flatterers, they once more, as of old, 
 
 Were caught by one, their weakness who espied. 
 
 ii
 
 114 tiik pilgrim's progress. 
 
 xxxiii. 
 A white-rob'd demon, withmask'd face, was he, 
 
 Who, with soft words, which hardest heart did hide, 
 When ask'd if ZioN-ward that road might be? 
 
 Dazzled their sense, and turn'd their steps aside. 
 O man ! that in experience' spite, we see, 
 So hourly blinded ; when wilt thou be free 
 
 From Satan's spells, by which thou art so tied ? 
 
 xxxiv. 
 
 With fascination dire he led them where 
 By nets they were entangled ; then, in tone 
 
 Of deep derision, laughing, left them there, 
 Helpless, to mourn and moralize alone, 
 
 In dread and terror, lest the fiend Despair, 
 
 Again should seize them ; when a form as fair 
 As Fancy's brightest outline on them shone. 
 
 xxxv. 
 Frail as Arachne's web, their bondage fell 
 
 On either side, and now their friend sincere 
 Scarce had dissolv'd the sable flatterer's spell, 
 
 Which, but for him, had haply cost them clear, 
 When, with a scourge they merited full well, 
 (" He chasteneth whom he loveth," Scriptures tell,) 
 
 Their fault he visited with arm severe.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 115 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 With new instruction (and reproof, that they 
 The shepherd's guide-book had so soon forgot, 
 
 And all their other cautions, yet could stray, 
 And hazard for a smile their future lot ;) 
 
 He set them right again — eventful day 
 
 Of mercy! let no verse presume to say, 
 How oft accorded when man heeds it not ? 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 In speechless gratitude they pass'd along, 
 When, — on the " heavenly city'' turning back, 
 
 They met with Atheist, told him he was wrong, 
 But he, who all belief in Truth did lack, 
 
 Scoff'd at their doctrine as a gone-by song, 
 
 Opposing light with obstinacy strong, 
 And left them, other pilgrims to attack. 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 At length they enter'd that enchanted field, 
 
 Of which the shepherds bade them take good heed, 
 
 For, should they to its magic influence yield, 
 
 Soft, stealing, sleep their progress would impede ; 
 
 And finally their doom might then be seal'd ; 
 
 But pious converse they, by way of shield, 
 
 Sustained, which saved them in no common need.
 
 116 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 Victorious from that trial, now anew 
 
 They forward press, and from a lovely vale, 
 
 The "land of Beulah" call'd, their 'raptured view 
 Beholds their promised home ! no fears assail 
 
 Their happy minds, their dearest hopes proved true, 
 
 Forgotten ev'ry sorrow late gone through, 
 Transporting certainties of Heaven prevail! 
 
 XL. 
 
 Dazzling, and every step more dazzling still, 
 
 The glorious, indescribable abode 
 So soon to be their own, the Pilgrims fill 
 
 With happiness scarce hoped for on their road ; 
 And " shining" inmates from that heav'nly hill 
 Announce that, by. their Royal Master's will, 
 
 Their "great reward" will there be soon bestow'd. 
 
 XLI. 
 
 A rapid river, sombre, wide, and deep, 
 
 Between them and their long-hoped haven lay, 
 
 Through which, if firmly they their footing keep, 
 The depths of darkness lead to endless day. 
 
 That river was call'd " Death ;'' and friends might weep 
 
 For those who struggle with eternal sleep, 
 
 Yet wake to joy, — what joy no tongue can say.
 
 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 117 
 
 XLII. 
 
 The theme too powerful for description grows, — 
 Each by the other comforted, they pass'd 
 
 The final trial, and my dream must close, 
 
 Where op'ning Heav'n receives the pair at last. 
 
 Earth's inspiration the most daring, knows 
 
 Not even a thought to point at bliss which those 
 Enjoy, whose blessed lot is in that region cast. 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 The wife of Christian, and her children four, 
 
 In Heaven's good time convinced, like him, that grace 
 
 Alone can save, with earnestness implore 
 Their intercessor, and with zeal embrace 
 
 The Pilgrim's life, until they reach'd the shore 
 
 Of the black stream, which pass'd, they meet once more, 
 Illumed by glory from a Saviour's face. 
 
 XL1V. 
 
 And now those choristers who ceaseless raise 
 Before the throne of Him, the First and Last, 
 
 The Alpha and Omega ! songs of praise 
 For blessings present, and to come, and past, 
 
 With energy immortal to each string 
 
 Of million millions harps and psaltries sing, 
 Iu celebration of each sinner saved, 
 And mercies that on hearts should be engraved.
 
 118 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 
 
 XLV. 
 
 Were Niagara's thunder sweet as loud, 
 
 Or both combined, a whisper would they prove 
 
 To all conjecture what that choral crowd 
 
 Sung, in my dream, of mercy, truth, and love ! 
 
 fin is.
 
 J. and C. Adlard, Printers, Bartholomew Close.
 
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