Now before he [Christian] had gone far, he entered into a very narrow passage… …and looking very narrowly before him as he went, he espied two lions in the way… …then he was afraid… but the porter at the house whose name is Watchful… …cried unto him, saying, Is thy strength so small? Fear not the lions, for they are chained…
- John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress
Hark good Christian, whom do you fear,
as to my house you do draw near?
The blustery winds of pagan days?
Tis it the mousers by the way?
Is it the horsemen of the storm,
that keep you from my house so warm?
Or do these primal tawny cats
inveigh against you in the path?
Fear not oh soul, whate’er you see
beyond this world is not their see.
They may clap you in irons which can
transform in heaven to golden bands.
For while you pass beside them here
They may not blister soul but ears.
Their reign, earthly not eternal
Cannot save from fires infernal.
Come now, their claws can’t harm your skin
Only the pride that clothes your sin.
And if you have a taste for pride
Then find a path which suits you, wide.
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