Pliable. Glad am I to hear of these things. Come on let us mend our pace.
Now I saw in my dream, that they drew nigh to a slough that was in the midst of the plain, (it was called Despond) and being heedless, they both suddenly fell in. “Ah, neighbour, said Pliable, where are we now?” Truly, said Christian, I do not know. At this Pliable was much offended, and said, “Is this the happiness you talked of all this while? If we have such ill speed at setting out, what may we not expect before our journey’s end? If I get out hence with my life, you shall have the brave country alone for me.” And with that he gave a desperate struggle or two and got out of the mire on the side next his own house. So away he went, and Christian saw him no more.
Wherefore Christian was left in the slough alone; but still he struggled toward that side which was farthest from his own house, yet could not get out, because of his burthen. But I beheld a man come to him, whose name was Help, and asked, “What he did there.”
Christian. Sir, I was directed to go by this way to yonder gate; and as I went, I fell in here.
Then said he, “Give me thy hand.” So he gave him his hand, and he drew him out, and set him on firm ground.
But Christian had not gone far, before one met him, who was crossing over the plain. The gentleman’s name was Worldly Wiseman. Having some knowledge of Christian by report, (for his leaving the city of Destruction was noised far and near) he began thus:
World. How now good fellow, whither away?
Christian. Sir, I am going to yonder little gate.
World. Wilt thou hearken to me, if I give thee counsel?
Christian. Yea, if it be good, I will.