I saw then that they went on their way to a pleasant
river, which David the king
called “the river of God;” but John, “the river of the water of life.” Now their way lay just upon the bank of this river: here, therefore, Christian
and his companion walked with great delight; they drank also of the water of
the river, which was pleasant and enlivening to their weary spirits. Besides,
on the banks of this river, on either side, were green trees with all manner of
fruit; and the leaves they ate to prevent surfeits, and other diseases that are
incident to those that heat their blood by travel. On either side of the river
was also a meadow, curiously beautified with lilies; and it was green all the
year long. In this meadow they lay down and slept, for here they might lie down
safely. When they awoke they gathered
again of the fruit of the trees, and drank again of the water of the river, and
then lay down again to sleep. Thus they did several days and nights. Then they
sang;
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“Behold ye, how these Crystal Streams do glide,
To comfort pilgrims by the highway-side.
The meadows green, besides their fragrant smell,
Yield dainties for them; And he that can tell
What pleasant fruit, yea, leaves these trees do yield,
Will soon sell all, that he may buy this field.”
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So when they were
disposed to go on, (for they were not as yet at their journey’s end,) they ate,
and drank, and departed.
