In this fair; only our English nation, with some others, have taken a

dislike thereat.

Now, as I said, the way to the Celestial City lies just through this

town, where this lusty fair is kept; and he that will go to the city,

and yet not go through this town, "must needs go out of the world."

The Prince of princes himself, when here, went through this

town to his own country, and that upon a fair-day too; yea, and, as I

think, it was Beelzebub, the chief lord of this fair, that invited him

to buy of his vanities, yea, would have made him lord of the fair,

would he but have done him reverence as he went through the town. Yea,

because he was such a person of honor, Beelzebub had him from street to

street, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a little time,

that he might, if possible, allure that blessed One to cheapen and buy

some of his vanities; but he had no mind to the merchandise, and

therefore left the town, without laying out so much as one farthing

upon these vanities.

THE TENTH STAGE

Now I saw in my dream, that by this time the pilgrims were got over the

Enchanted Ground, and entering into the country, whose air

was very sweet and pleasant, the way

lying directly through it, they solaced themselves there for a season.

Yea, here they heard continually the singing of birds, and saw every

day the flowers appear in the earth, and heard the voice of the turtle

In the land.

Here they were within sight of the city they were

going to; also here met them some of the inhabitants thereof; for in

this land the shining ones commonly walked, because it was upon the

borders of heaven.

Now, as they walked in this land, they had more rejoicing than in parts

more remote from the kingdom to which they were bound; and drawing near

to the city, they had yet a more perfect view thereof: It was builded

of pearls and precious stones, also the streets thereof were paved with

gold; so that, by reason of the natural glory of the city, and the

reflection of the sunbeams upon it, Christian with desire fell sick;

Hopeful also had a fit or two of the same disease: wherefore here they

lay by it a while, crying out because of their pangs, "If you see my

Beloved, tell him that I am sick of love."

But, being a little strengthened, and better able to bear their

sickness, they walked on their way, and came yet nearer and nearer,

where were orchards, vineyards, and gardens, and their gates opened

into the highway. Now, as they came up to these places, behold the

gardener stood in the way; to whom the pilgrims said, Whose goodly

vineyards and gardens are these? He answered, they are the King's, and

are planted here for his own delight, and also for the solace of

pilgrims. So the gardener had them into the vineyards, and bid them

refresh themselves with the dainties, he also showed them

there the King's walks and arbors where he delighted to be: And here

they tarried and slept.

So I saw in my dream, that they went on together

till they came in sight of the gate.

Now I further saw, that betwixt them and the gate was a river; but

there was no bridge to go over, and the river was very deep. At the

sight, therefore, of this river the pilgrims were much stunned; but the

men that went with them said, You must go through, or you cannot come

at the gate.

The pilgrims then, especially Christian, began to despond in their

mind, and looked this way and that, but no way could be found by them

by which they might escape the river. Then they asked the men if the

waters were all of a depth. They said, No; yet they could not help them