was to come home, and some that he was a fool to have gone.
Some, too, were found to mock him, who said--Well, had I set out, I
would not have been so base as to come back for a slough in the road. So
Pliable was left to sneak off; but at last he got more heart, and then
all were heard to turn their taunts, and laugh at poor Christian. Thus
much for Pliable.

Now as Christian went on his way he saw a man come through the field to
meet him, whose name was Mr. Worldly Wiseman, and he dwelt in the town
of Carnal Policy, which was near that whence Christian came. He
had heard some news of Christian; for his flight from The City of
Destruction had made much noise, and was now the talk far and near. So
he said, How now, good Sir, where do you go with such a load on your
back?

Christian.--In truth, it is a load; and if you ask me where I go, I must
tell you, Sir, I must go the The Wicket Gate in front of me, for there I
shall be put in a way to get quit of my load.

Worldly Wiseman.--Have you not a wife and babes?

Christian.--Yes, but with this load I do not seem to care for them as I
did; and, in truth, I feel as if I had none.

Worldly Wiseman.--Will you hear me if I speak my mind to you?

Christian.--If what you say be good, I will, for I stand much in need of
help.

Worldly Wiseman.--I would urge you then, with all speed, to get rid of
your load; for you will not be at rest till then.

Christian.--That is just what I seek to do. But there is no man in our
land who can take if off me.

Worldly Wiseman.--Who bade you go this way to be rid of it?

Christian.--One that I took to be a great and true man; his name is
Evangelist.

Worldly Wiseman.--Hark at what I say: there is no worse way in the world
than that which he has sent you, and that you will find if you take him
for your guide. In this short time you have met with bad luck, for I see
the mud of the Slough of Despond is on your coat. Hear me, for I have
seen more of the world than you; in the way you go, you will meet with
pain, woe, thirst, the sword too,--in a word, death! Take no heed of
what Evangelist tells you.

Christian.--Why, Sir, this load on my back is worse to me than all those
things which you speak of; nay, I care not what I meet with in the way,
if I can but get rid of my load.

Worldly Wiseman.--How did you come by it at first?

Christian.--Why, I read this book.

Worldly Wiseman.--Like more weak men I know, who aim at things too hig