So saying, he climbed right over the stile. "Who will go with me?" he said.
"I will," said one and another of Christiana's sons.
"I will," said another pilgrim who had joined them on the road; and soon, leaving the women in a safe place, the brave men and boys went straight up to Doubting Castle to look for Giant Despair.
When they came to the castle gate they knocked with unusual noise.
The old giant heard them and came out; and his wife, Diffidence, was with him.
"Who dares to make that great noise on my gate?" he roared in anger.
"It is I, Greatheart," answered the guide. "Open this gate and let me in."
"What is your business with me?" asked the giant.
"I am the servant of the King," answered Greatheart, "and I have come to demolish your Doubting Castle."
Now Giant Despair was not afraid of any man, for he was a giant. So he harnessed himself and went out. He had a cap of steel upon his head; a breastplate of fire was on his arm; and he came out in iron shoes, with a great club in his hand.
Then Greatheart and his helpers made up to him,
