VALIANT. Yes, it doth. Now, that which caused me to come on pilgrimage was this. We had one Mr. Tell-true come into our parts, and he told it about what Christian had done, that went from the City of Destruction; namely, how he had forsaken his wife and children, and had betaken himself to a pilgrim's life. It was also reported, and believed, how he had killed a serpent that did come out to resist him in his journey; and how he got through to whither he intended. It was also told what welcome he had at all his Lord's lodgings, specially when he came to the gates of the Celestial City; "For there," said the man, "he was received with sound of trumpet by a company of Shining Ones." He told also how all the bells in the City did ring for joy at his entering in, and what golden garments he was clothed with; with many other things that now I shall forbear to relate. In a word, that man so told the story of Christian and his travels, that my heart fell into a burning haste to be gone after him; nor could father or mother stay me. So I got from them, and am come thus far on my way. GREAT. You came in at the gate, did you not? VALIANT. Yes, yes; for the same man also told us, that all would be nothing if we did not begin to enter this way at the gate. GREAT. "Look you," said the guide to Christiana, "the pilgrimage of your husband, with what he has gotten thereby, is spread abroad far and near." VALIANT. Why, is this Christian's wife? GREAT. Yes, that it is, and these also are his four sons. VALIANT. What! and going on pilgrimage too? GREAT. Yes, verily, they are following after. VALIANT. It glads me at heart. Good man, how joyful will he be when he shall see them that would not go with him, yet to enter after him in at the gates into the City! GREAT. Without doubt it will be a comfort to him; for, next to the joy of seeing himself there, it will be a joy to meet there his wife and children. VALIANT. But, now you are upon that, pray let me hear your opinion about it. Some make a question whether we shall know one another when we are there. [Sidenote: VALIANT'S OBSTACLES] GREAT. Do they think they shall know themselves, then? or that they shall rejoice to see themselves in that happiness? And if they think they shall know and do this, why not know others, and rejoice in their welfare also? Again, since relations are our second self, though that state will cease there, yet why may it not be wisely concluded that we shall be more glad to see them there than to see they are wanting? VALIANT. Well, I perceive whereabouts you are as to this. Have you any more things to ask me about my beginning to come on pilgrimage? GREAT. Yes. Were your father and mother willing that you should become a pilgrim? VALIANT. Oh, no; they used all means imaginable to persuade me to stay at home. GREAT. Why, what could they say against it?