"Here, in my bosom, lies a curious key—*
"Twill open any lock-come, let us see!"
He tries the dungeon-open flies the door-
And out they sallied to return no more;
Then, tried the gate next to the Castle-yard—
That open'd too, but open'd very hard:
The outward iron-door alone remains,
And this they open'd, but with mighty pains.
It creak'd aloud-the noise the giant wakes,
And speedily towards the gate he makes;
His fits return-he falls upon the ground,
While o'er the fields the happy pilgrims bound.
The King's highway regain'd, to God they raise
The holy tribute of their heart-felt praise.
'And be it now,' said they, 'our pious care,
'That other pilgrims may avoid the snare.'
A pillar then they raise, and there engrave
These lines, the heedless traveller to save—

Pilgrim, beware! nor leave the King's highway;
This private road will turn your feet astray:
It leads to Doubting-castle; O beware!
Or you become the prey of black Despair.

* The wonderful usefulness of the precious promises of God in his word, is here most happily represented, under the figure of A KEY-a key that would open any lock in Doubting-castle. Thus prayer and faith prevailed.

THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.

THE NINTH BOOK.

THE PILGRIMS DELIGHTFULLY ENTERTAINED BY

THE SHEPHERDS ON THE DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS; WHENCE THEY OBTAIN A PROSPECT OF THE CELES

TIAL CITY.

PROCEEDING Sweetly tow'rds their journey's end, The Mount Delectable they now ascend: Orchards and vineyards deck the fruitful ground, And cooling fountains ev'ry where abound. Here, safely feeding, num'rous flocks appear, And skilful Shepherds guard their fleecy care, Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere, The shepherds' names, to every pilgrim dear.

6

Pilgrims,' say they, 'you're welcome to this place, 'Here stop, refresh, and then proceed in peace.' They to the shepherds' tents with joy repair, And meet with pleasant entertainment there.

* By the Delectable Mountains, we may understand the holy delight which Christians, in an advanced state of experience, enjoy, when they get above the world, and by faith behold the glories of the heavenly state; particularly when they are assisted by the ministry of able and faithful pastors, such as are here described.

Refresh'd they rise; abroad they early walk; The pious shepherds join in friendly talk: The morn was beautiful, the sky was clear, And charming prospects all around appear. 'But now,' said they, 'to help your growth in grace, 'We'll show you all the wonders of the place.' To view the hill of Error first they go;

The further side was steep and far below.

Dead bodies mangled lay unburied there,
Objects of horror to the traveller.

'These men,' the shepherds said, ' once tower'd high In curious speculations to the sky:

'The danger of their pride and error view,
And let it prove a warning, Sirs, to you.'
Mount Caution next, another hill they rise;
A curious object then attracts their eyes:
Wand'ring among the tombs, were many men
As blind as moles; and ev'ry now and then
One and another falls-all try to gain

Deliv'rance thence their efforts all in vain!
Christian affected, asks, "Pray who are these?"
'We'll tell you,' said the shepherds, ' if you please:
'Did you observe in coming here, there stood
'A stile, upon the left hand by the road?
'From thence, o'er By-path Meadow, turns away,
In which those men, once pilgrims, went astray: