I beheld then that he went on rejoicing, till he came to the foot of the hill _difficulty_. At the bottom of this was a spring, of which he drank, and was refreshed, and then he began to go up the hill. Sometimes he ran; then walked; then climbed on his hands and knees, because of the steepness of the place. Now, about the midway to the top of the hill, was a pleasant arbour, planted by the Lord of the hill, for the relief of weary travellers. Here therefore he sat down to rest, and pulled his roll out of his bosom, to read therein, and comfort himself. He also began to survey his new raiment, till he fell into a slumber, and thence into a fast sleep, which held him till it was almost night: and, in his sleep, his roll fell out of his hand. Then came one to him and said, _Go to the Ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise_. On this he started up, and went apace till he came to the top of the hill. He now felt in his bosom for his roll, that he might read therein, and be comforted: but he found it not. Then was he much perplexed, and knew not what to do. At last he bethought himself, that he had slept in the arbour on the side of the hill; and falling down, he asked God forgiveness for his folly, and then went back to look for his roll. But all the way he went, who can tell the sorrow of his heart? Sometimes he sighed, sometimes he wept; mean while, looking carefully on each side, if in any wise he might find it. He went thus till he came in sight of the arbour, where he had sat and slept. But that sight renewed his grief, till he broke out, “O wretched man that I am! That I should sleep in the midst of difficulty! That I should use that rest for ease to my flesh, which was intended only for the relief of the spirits of weary pilgrims! How far might I have been on my way by this! And now also the day is far spent.” By this time he was come to the arbour again; where, looking under the seat he espied his roll; with trembling and haste he caught it up. But who can tell how joyful he was? For this roll was _the assurance_ of his life and acceptance at the desired haven. He laid it up in his bosom, gave God thanks, and with tears of joy betook himself again to his journey. He got up the hill just as the sun went down; when, lifting up his eyes, he beheld a stately palace before him, which stood by the high-way side. So he made haste and went forward, that if possible he might get lodging there. But before he had gone far, he entered into a narrow passage, about a furlong from the porter’s lodge: when, looking carefully before him as he went, he espied two lions in the way. Then he was afraid, and thought to go back; but the porter perceiving him to make a halt, cried out, “Is thy strength so small? Fear them not. They are chained; and are placed there for the trial of thy faith, keep in the midst of the path, and no hurt shall come unto thee.”