hand, and some on the left (as it were to guard them through the upper regions), continually sounding as they went, with melodious noise, in notes on high; so that the very sight was to them that could behold it as if heaven itself was come down to meet them. Thus, therefore, they walked on together; and, as they walked, these trumpeters, even with joyful sound, would, by mixing their music with looks and gestures, still signify to Christian and his brother how welcome they were to their company, and with what gladness they came to meet them. And now were these two men, as it were, in heaven, before they came to it, being carried away with the sight of angels, and with hearing of their melodious notes. Here also they had the city itself in view; and they thought they heard all the bells therein to ring, to welcome them thereto. But, above all, the warm and joyful thoughts that they had about their own dwelling there with such company, and that for ever and ever; oh, by what tongue or pen can their glorious joy be expressed! Thus they came up to the gate.
Now when they were come up to the gate, there was written over it, in letters of gold,
Then I saw in my dream, that the shining men bid them call at the gate; the which when they did, some from above looked over the gate; namely, Enoch, Moses, and Elijah, and others, to whom it was said, These pilgrims are come from the City of Destruction, for the love that they bear to the King of this place: and then
