The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

him, as well as we — yet they have escaped out of his clutches. Who
knows, but that the God who made the world — may cause Giant
Despair to die? Or that, at some time or other, he may forget to lock us
in? Or that he may have another one of his fits when he is with us, and
may lose the use of his limbs? If that ever happens, I am resolved to
take courage, and try my utmost to escape his grasp. I was a fool that I
did not try to do it before. However, my brother, let us be patient, and
endure for a while. The time may come in which we may be released —
but let us not be our own murderers!"
With these words, Hopeful pacified the mind of his brother. So they
continued together in their sad and doleful condition.
Now, towards evening, the Giant went down into the dungeon again, to
see if his prisoners had taken his advice — but when he arrived there,
he found them still living. Yet they were barely alive, for they lacked
bread and water. Because of the wounds they received when he beat
them, they could do little more than breathe. Seeing that they were still
alive — Giant Despair fell into a furious rage. He told them, that since
they had not taken his advice, it would now be worse with them than if
they had never been born. With that, he departed.
At this they trembled greatly, and Christian fell into a swoon. Upon
reviving, they renewed their discussion about the Giant's advice — and
whether or not it was best to follow it. Once again, Christian seemed to
favor suicide.
Hopeful then responded: "My brother, remember how valiant you have
been up to this time! Apollyon could not crush you — nor could all that
you heard, or saw, or experienced in the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
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