The next day they took him into the armory, where they shewed him all manner of furniture, provided for pilgrims; swords, shields, helmets, breast-plates, and shoes that would never wear out. And there was here enough of these to arm as many men as there are stars in heaven for multitude.
They then armed him from head to foot, lest he should meet with assaults by the way. And when he set out, Piety, Charity, and Discretion accompanied him to the foot of the hill. Then said Christian, “As it was difficult coming up this hill, so I see it is dangerous going down.” “It is so,” said Charity, “for it is a hard thing for a man to go down into the valley of humiliation, and catch no slip by the way.” When they were come to the bottom, they gave him a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, and a cluster of raisins; and then he went on his way.
He had gone but a little way in the valley, before he espied a foul fiend coming to meet him; his name was Apollyon. Then did he cast in his mind, whether to go back, or stand his ground. But he considered he had no armour for his back, and therefore resolved to stand. So he went on, and Apollyon met with him. Now the monster was hideous to behold. He was cloathed with scales; he had wings like a dragon; out of his belly came fire and smoak, and his mouth was as the mouth of a lion. He beheld Christian with a disdainful look, and began to question him thus:
Apollyon. Whence comest thou? And whether dost thou go?
Christian. I came from the city of Destruction and am going to mount Zion.
Apollyon. Thou art one of my subjects. All that country is mine. I am the prince and god of it. How is it that thou art fled from thy king.
Christian. I was your subject; but your service was hard, and I could endure it no longer.
Apollyon. Since thou complainest of my service, go back with me; and whatever our country affords, I will give thee.
Christian. But I have hired myself to another, even the King of Kings. How then can I go back?
Apollyon. It is common for those that have professed themselves his servants, after a while to return to me. Do thou so, and all shall be well.