Mer. Neighbour, I did indeed come with you to see Christiana this morning; and since she is, as you see, a-taking her last farewell of the country, I think to walk, this sunshiny morning, a little way with her, to help her on her way. But she told her not of her second reason, but kept it to herself.
Tim. Well, I see you have a mind to go a-fooling too; but take heed in time, and be wise. While we are out of danger, we are out; but when we are in, we are in.
So Mrs. Timorous returned to her house, and Christiana betook herself to her journey. But when Timorous was got home to her house, she sends for some of her neighbours, to wit, Mrs. Bat's-eyes, Mrs. Inconsiderate, Mrs. Light-mind, and Mrs. Know-nothing. So when they were come to her house, she falls to telling of the story of Christiana, and of her intended journey. And thus she began her tale:—
Tim. Neighbours, having had little to do this morning, I went to give Christiana a visit; and when I came at the door, I knocked, as you know it is our custom. And she answered, If you come in God's name, some in. So in I went, thinking all was well; but when I came in, I found her preparing herself to depart the town, she and also her children. So I asked her what was her meaning by that; and she told me, in short, that she was now of a mind to go on pilgrimage, as did her husband. She told me also a dream that she had, and how the King of the country where her husband was had sent her an inviting letter to come thither.
Then said Mrs. Know-nothing, And what! do you think she will go?
Tim. Ay, go she will, whatever comes on't; and methinks I know it by this: for that which was my great argument to persuade her to stay at home (to wit, the troubles she was like to meet with on the way) is one great argument with her to put her forward on her journey. For she told me in so many words, "The bitter goes before the sweet; yea, and forasmuch as it so doth, it makes the sweet sweeter."
