foot of a great mountain; and, going up that mountain, I found it very
hard getting up, and began to consider my large bundle of clothes and
garments, and that several of them were of no use for a traveller as I
was, that did not know how far I should go, nor whether I should want
them, if ever I was so happy as to attain what I aimed at; nor whether
the fashions would suit the place I was going to. So I threw away
some, and anon other some, till none was left but what I wore.

[Illustration: Going up that mountain, I found it very hard getting
up.]

Thus, following my guide, I at last got up to the top of this
mountain, where I saw another yet higher; I also saw a man that asked
me whither I was going? I told him I could not well tell, but would
tell whither I desired to go. He asked, whither? I said, to the house
of God. He told me it was the way; but he thought I should never
get there. I asked him, why? "Why," quoth he, "there are in yonder
mountain so many vipers, adders, and serpents, and such venomous
beasts, that they devour many people that are going that way. For my
part," he said, "I also was going, but was so affrighted with those
venomous serpents, that I was forced to turn back, and so would have
you." I answered him, friend, I have for a pretty while taken yonder
light to be my guide, and it hath directed me along this way, and I
see it doth not leave me; look, dost thou see it there before me? He
answered, "Yes, I see it." Well, said I, I have heard by travellers,
that if a man have fire or light, the venomous beasts cannot hurt him;
and I intend to quicken my pace a little, and keep as close to the
light as I can. Come, go along with me and venture it. He said it was
true, he had heard that fire would preserve from them, but he thought
light would not; however, for his part he would not venture his sweet