Then the Interpreter led him into a very large parlor that was full of dust, because it was never swept, and after he had looked at it for a little while, the Interpreter called for a man to sweep.  Now when he began to sweep, the dust began to fly about, so that Christian was almost choked.  Then said the Interpreter to a damsel that stood near, “Bring hither the water and sprinkle the room.”  And when this was done the room was swept and cleansed.

Then said Christian, “What does this mean?”

The Interpreter answered, “This parlor is like the heart of an evil man.  The dust is his sin, and the damsel that sprinkles the water is the Gospel.”

I saw moreover in my dream, that the Interpreter took Christian by the hand and led him into a little room, where sat two little children, each one in his chair.  The name of the eldest was Passion, and the name of the other Patience.  Passion seemed to be very discontented, but Patience was very quiet.

Then Christian asked, “What is the reason of the discontent of Passion?”

The Interpreter answered, “The governor of the children would have them wait for their new toys, till the beginning of next year, but Passion wishes to have them all now, while Patience, is willing to wait.”  Then the Interpreter took Christian to a place where there was a fire burning against a wall, and one standing near it, always casting much water upon it to quench it, yet did the fire burn higher and hotter.  But afterwards the Interpreter took him to the back of the wall, where he saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand, and he poured the oil continually, but secretly, into the fire.

“What does this mean?” asked Christian.

The Interpreter answered, “The fire is a picture of the grace God puts into the heart.  He that casts water on it to put it out is the Evil One.  And the man who pours oil on the fire to keep it alight is Christ.”

I saw also that the Interpreter took Christian again by the hand and led him into a place, where was builded a stately palace, beautiful to behold, at the sight of which Christian was greatly delighted.  He saw also upon the top of the palace certain persons walking, and they were clothed all in gold.

Then said Christian, “May we go in here?” So the Interpreter took him and led him toward the door of the palace.  Now before they came up to the door, they passed a man, sitting at a table, with a book and his inkhorn before him, to take down the name of any who should enter.  And, behold, at the door stood a great company of men, who wished to go in, but did not dare to enter, for within the doorway stood many men in armor to guard it.  Now, these men in armor were determined to do any who would enter as much harm and mischief as they could.  Christian was amazed.  At last, when every man started back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man with a very strong face come up to the man that sat at the table, saying: