Christian then took his leave of Goodwill, and climbed up the narrow way till he came to a place upon which stood a cross.  And I saw in my dream that as Christian came to the cross, his burden fell from off his back, and he became glad and lightsome.  He gave three leaps for joy, and went on his way singing, and at nightfall he came to a very stately palace, the name of which was Beautiful.  Four grave and lovely damsels, named Charity, Discretion, Prudence, and Piety, met him at the threshold, saying, “Come in, thou blessed of the Lord!  This palace was built on purpose to entertain such pilgrims as thou.”

Christian sat talking with the lovely damsels until supper was ready, and then they led him to a table that was furnished with fat things, and excellently fine wines.  And after Christian had refreshed himself, the damsels showed him into a large chamber, whose window opened towards the sun-rising.  The name of the chamber was Peace, and there Christian slept till break of day.  Then he awoke, singing for joy, and the damsels took him into the armoury, and dressed him for battle.  They harnessed him in armour of proof, and gave him a stout shield and a good sword; for, they said, he would have to fight many a battle before he got to the Celestial City.

And I saw in my dream that Christian went down the hill on which the House Beautiful stood, and came to a valley, that was called the Valley of Humiliation, where he was met by a foul fiend, Apollyon.

“Prepare to die!” said Apollyon, straddling over the whole breadth of the narrow way.  “I swear by my infernal den that thou shalt go no further.  Here will I spill thy soul.”

With that, he threw a flaming dart at his breast, but Christian caught it on his shield.  Then Apollyon rushed upon him, throwing darts as thick as hail, and, notwithstanding all that Christian could do, Apollyon wounded him, and made him draw back.  The sore combat lasted for half a day, and though Christian resisted as manfully as he could, he grew weaker and weaker by reason of his wounds.  At last, Apollyon, espying his opportunity, closed in on Christian, and wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall, and Christian’s sword flew out of his hand.

“Ah!” cried Apollyon, “I am sure of thee now!”

He pressed him almost to death, and Christian began to despair of life.  But, as God would have it, while Apollyon was fetching his last blow, to make an end of this good man, Christian nimbly reached out his hand for his sword, and caught it, and gave him a deadly thrust.  With that, Apollyon spread forth his wings, and sped him away, and Christian saw him no more.

Then, with some leaves from the tree of life, Christian healed his wounds, and with his sword drawn in his hand, he marched through the Valley of Humiliation, without meeting any more enemies.