To study what those sayings should contain.
That speak to us in such a cloudy strain.
I also know a dark similitude
Will on the fancy more itself intrude,
And will stick faster, in the heart and head,
Than things from similes not borrowed.
Wherefore, my Book, let no discouragement
Hinder thy travels. Behold! thou art sent
To friends, not foes; to friends that will give place
To thee, thy Pilgrims and thy words embrace.
Besides, what my first Pilgrim left concealed,
Thou, my brave Second Pilgrim, hast revealed;
What Christian left locked up, and went his way,
Sweet Christiana opens with her key.
OBJECTION IV.
But some love not the method of your first:
Romance they count it; throw "O away dust.
If I should meet with such, what should I say?
Must I slight them as they slight me, or nay?
ANSWER.
My Christiana, if with such thou meet,
By all means, in all loving wise, them greet;
Render them net reviling for revile;
But, if they frown, I pr'ythee on them smile:
Perhaps 'tis nature, or some ill report,
Has made them thus despise or thus retort.
Some love no fish, some love no cheese, and some
Love not their friends, nor their own house or home;
Some start at pig, slight chicken, love not fowl
More than they lov'er a cuckoo or an owl.
