CHR. I come from the City of _Destruction_, but am going to Mount _Zion_, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come. I would therefore, Sir, since I am informed that by this Gate is the way thither, know if you are willing to let me in. GOOD-WILL. I am willing with all my heart, said he; and with that he opened the Gate. But how is it that you came alone? CHR. Because none of my Neighbors saw their danger, as I saw mine. GOOD-WILL. Did any of them know of your coming? CHR. Yes, my Wife and Children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn again; also some of my Neighbors stood crying and calling after me to return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way. GOOD-WILL. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back? CHR. Yes, both _Obstinate_ and _Pliable_; but when they saw that they could not prevail, _Obstinate_ went railing back, but _Pliable_ came with me a little way. GOOD-WILL. But why did he not come through? CHR. We indeed came both together, until we came to the Slough of _Dispond_, into the which we also suddenly fell. And then was my Neighbor Pliable discouraged, and would not adventure further. Wherefore getting out again on that side next to his own house, he told me I should possess the brave country alone for him; so he went _his_ way, and I came _mine_: he after _Obstinate_, and I to this Gate. _Christian_ began to gird up his loins, and to address himself to his Journey. So the other told him, that some distance from the Gate, he would come to the house of the _Interpreter_, at whose door he should knock, and he would shew him excellent things. Then _Christian_ took his leave of his Friend, and he again bid him God speed. THE INTERPRETER SHOWS CHRISTIAN MANY EXCELLENT THINGS By John Bunyan Christian went on till he came to the house of the _Interpreter_, where he knocked over and over; at last one came to the door, and asked Who was there? CHR. Sir, here is a Traveller, who was bid by an acquaintance of the good man of this house to call here for my profit; I would therefore speak with the Master of the house. So he called for the Master of the house, who after a little time came to _Christian_, and asked him what he would have? CHR. Sir, said Christian, I am a man that am come from the City of _Destruction_, and am going to the Mount _Zion_; and I was told by the Man that stands at the Gate at the head of this way, that if I called here, you would shew me excellent things, such as would be a help to me in my Journey. INTER. Then said the Interpreter, Come in, I will shew thee that which will be profitable to thee.