nd disport. It was hither that the
wounded knight rode as fast as his horse might run, to tell Sir
Lancelot of the misuse and capture of Sir Palamedes; and hence
Lancelot often issued forth, to rescue those that were oppressed, and
to do knightly deeds.

It was true that Lancelot afterwards named it _Dolorous Gard_, but
that was because he had used it unworthily, and was cast out from it;
but it recovered its old name again when they conveyed his body
thither, after he had purged his fault by death. It was on the
morning of the day when they set out, that the Bishop who had been
with him when he died, and had given him all the rites that a
Christian man ought to have, was displeased when they woke him out of
his sleep, because, as he said, he was so merry and well at ease. And
when they inquired the reason of his mirth, the Bishop said, "Here was
Lancelot with me, with more angels than ever I saw men upon one day."
So it was well with that great knight at the last!

I have called this book of mine by the name of _Joyous Gard_, because
it speaks of a stronghold that we can win with our own hands, where we
can abide in great content, so long as we are not careful to linger
there in sloth and idleness, but are ready to ride abroad at the call
for help. The only time in his life when Lancelot was deaf to that
call, was when he shut himself up in the castle to enjoy the love that
was his single sin. And it was that sin that cost him so dear, and
lost the Castle its old and beautiful name. But when the angels made
glad over the sinner who repented, as it is their constant use to do,
and when it was only remembered of Lancelot that he had been a
peerless knight, the name came back to the Castle; and that name is
doubtless hidden now under some name of commoner use, whatever and
wherever it may be.

In the _Pilgrim's Progress_ we read how willing Mr. Interpreter was,
in the House that was full of so many devices and surprises, to
explain to the pilgrims the meaning of all the fantastic emblems and
comfortable sights that he showed them. And I do not think it spoils a
parable, but rather improves it, that it should have its secret
meaning made plain.

The Castle of _Joyous Gard_ then, which each of us can use, if we
desire it, is the fortress of beauty and joy. We cannot walk into it
by right, but must win it; and in a world like this, where there is
much that is anxious and troublesome, we ought, if we can, to gain
such a