Page:The Pilgrims Progress (1890).djvu/147

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
103

bid them beware of the Flatterer. The third bid them take heed that they slept not upon the Enchanted Ground. And the fourth bid them God speed. So I awoke from my dream.


THE NINTH STAGE

And I slept and dreamed again, and saw the same two pilgrims going down the mountains along the highway towards the city. Now, a little below these mountains, on the left hand, lieth the country of Conceit, from which country there comes into the way in which the pilgrims walked a little crooked lane. Here, therefore, they met with a very brisk lad that came out of that country, and his name was Ignorance. So Christian asked him from what parts he came, and whither he was going.

Ignor. Sir, I was born in the country that lieth off there, a little on the left hand, and I am going to the Celestial City.

Chr. But how do you think to get in at the gate, for you may find some difficulty there?

Ignor. As other good people do, said he.

Chr. But what have you to show at that gate, that the gate should be opened to you?

Ignor. I know my Lord’s will, and have been a good liver; I pay every man his own; I pray, fast, support the church, and give alms, and have left my country for whither I am going.

Chr. But thou earnest not in at the wicket-gate, that is, at the head of this way; thou earnest in hither