ont of him, the name of
which was Beautiful, and it stood just by the side of the high road. So
he made haste and went on in the hope that he could rest there a while.
The name of the man who kept the lodge of that house was Watchful, and
when he saw that Christian made a halt as if he would go back, he came
out to him and said: Is thy strength so small? Fear not the two wild
beasts, for they are bound by chains, and are put here to try the faith
of those that have it, and to find out those that have none. Keep in the
midst of the path and no harm shall come to thee.
Then I saw, in my dream, that still he went on in great dread of the
wild beasts; he heard them roar, yet they did him no harm; but when he
had gone by them he went on with joy, till he came and stood in front of
the lodge where Watchful dwelt.
Christian.--Sir, what house is this? May I rest here to night?
Watchful.--This house was built by the Lord of the Hill to give aid to
those who climb up it for the good cause. Tell me, whence come you?
Christian.--I am come from the Town of Destruction, and am on my way to
Mount Zion; but the day is far spent, and I would, with your leave, pass
the night here.
Watchful.--What is your name?
Christian.--My name is now Christian, but at first it was Graceless.
Watchful.--How is it you came so late? The sun is set.
Christian then told him why it was.
Watchful.--Well, I will call one that lives here, who, if she like your
talk, will let you come in, for these are the rules of the house.
So he rang a bell, at the sound of which there came out at the door a
grave and fair maid, whose name was Discretion. When Watchful told her
why Christian had come there, she said: What is your name?
It is Christian, said he, and I much wish to rest here to night, and
the more so for I see this place was build by the Lord of the Hill, to
screen those from harm who come to it.
So she gave a smile, but the tears stood in her eyes; and in a short
time she said: I will call forth two or three more of our house, and
then she ran to the door and brought in Prudence, Piety, and Charity,
who met him and said: Come in, thou blest of the Lord; this house was
built by the King of the Hill for such as you. Then Christian bent down
his head, and went with them to the house.
Piety.--Come, good Christian, since our love prompts us to take you in
to rest, let us talk with you of all that you have seen on your way.
Christian.-
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