in what part of this vale it was that Apollyon
came to fight Christian?

Great-heart:--The fight took place at that part of the plain which has
the name of Forgetful Green. And if those who go on their way, meet with
a shock, it is when they lose sight of the good which they have at the
hand of Him who dwells on high.

Mercy:--I think I feel as well in this place as I have done in all the
rest of our way. This vale has a sweet grace, and just suits my mind;
for I love to be in such a spot as this, where there are no coach wheels
to make a din. Here one may think a while what he is, whence he came,
and for what the King has made him; here one may muse and pray.

Just then they thought that the ground they trod on shook. But the guide
bade them be of good cheer, and look well to their feet, lest by chance
they should meet with some snare.

Then James felt sick, but I think the cause of it was fear, and
Christiana gave him some of the wine which Mr. Interpreter had put in
her hands, and three of the pills which Mr. Skill had made up, and the
boy soon got well.

They then went on a while, and Christiana said, What is that thing on
the road? A thing of such a shape I have not seen in all my life!

Joseph said, What is it?

A vile thing, child, a vile thing! said she.

Joseph:--But what is it like?

Christiana:--It is like--I can't tell what. Just then it was far off,
now it is nigh.

Great-heart:--Well, let them that have the most fear keep close to me.

Then it went out of sight of all of them.

But they had not gone far when Mercy cast a look back, and saw a great
beast come fast up to them with a loud roar.

This noise made them all quail with fright save their guide, who fell
back and put the rest in front of him. But when the brute saw that
Great-heart meant to fight him, he drew back and was seen no more.

Now they had not left the spot long when a great mist fell on them, so
that they could not see.

What shall we do? said they.

Their guide told them not to fear, but to stand still, and see what an
end he would put to this too.

Then said Christiana to Mercy: Now I see what my poor dear Christian
went through; I have heard much of this place. Poor man, he went here
in the dead of the night, and no one with him; but who can tell what the
Valley of the Shadow of Death should mean, till they come to see it? To
be here fills my breast with awe!

Great-heart: It seems now as if the earth and its bar