John Bunyan also wrote the account, a Pilgrim's Progress. It is part novel and part theological treatise. The hymn is found in the book.
The hymn is now regarded as too patriarchal by some so there is an updated version.
1. Who would true valour see
let them come hither:
here's one will constant be
come wind, come weather.
There's no discouragement
shall make me once relent
my first avowed intent
to be a pilgrim.
2. Who so beset me round
with dismal stories
do but themselves confound:
my strength the more is.
No foes shall stay my might;
though I with giants fight,
but I will have the right
to be a pilgrim.
3. Hobgoblin nor foul fiend
can daunt my spirit:
I know I at the end
shall life inherit.
Then, fancies, flee away!
Fear not what others say;
I'll labour night and day
to be a pilgrim.
In June 1998 I walked from Pamplona to SJPP. At Zubiri I was told that an American peregrina had set off from SJPP by herself but that she met a male French pilgrim on the way. For a while he seemed to be ok, but then he turned nasty. He told her that every time she saw a yellow arrow Santiago would curse her. Frightened she returned back to SJPP and set off for home.
When I arrived at Ronscevalles on Friday, June 5th, I met two young American peregrinas. They had never met before until encountering one another either at Bayonne ot Bordeux. One of them was the previously frightened young lady. The incoming peregrina had said, why don't we walk together?, and that was what they were doing.
Ever since then I have always sang the last verse by refering the pilgrim as she and her.
Not political correctness but having that lady in mind.
I have always asked the congregation to do the same and tell the story of why they might.
I have often wondered who she was and did they make it to SDC?
The video clip comes from a programme broadcast every Sunday night in Britain by the BBC. It is called Songs of Praise. Usually the person who has chosen the hymn will tell a story about why they have chosen it.
