128 THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS.

wayside?” So Hopeful, being persuaded by his fellow, went after him over the stile.
When they were gone over, and were got into the path, they found it very easy to their
feet; and withal, they, looking before them, espied a man walking as they did, and
his name was Vain-Confidence: so they called after him, and asked him whither that
way led. He said, “To the Celestial Gate.” “Look,” said Christian, “ did not I tell
youso? By this you may see we are right.” So they followed, and he went before
them. But, behold, the night came on, and it grew very dark; so that they that were
behind lost sight of him that went before. He, therefore, that went before (Vain-
Confidence by name) not seeing the way before him, fell into a deep pit, which was on
purpose there made by the Prince of those grounds to catch vain-glorious fools withal,
and was dashed in pieces with his fall.

Now Christian and his fellow heard him fall. So they called to know the matter;
but there was none to answer, only they heard a groaning. Then said Hopeful,
“Where are we now?” Then was his fellow silent, as mistrusting that he had led
him out of the way; and now it began to rain, and thunder, and lighten in a most
dreadful manner, and the water rose amain.

Then Hopeful groaned in himself, saying, “Oh that I had kept on my way!”

Curis. Who could have thought that this path should have led us out of the way?

Hopr. I was afraid on’t at the very first, and therefore gave you that gentle caution.
I would have spoken plainer, but that you are older than I.

Curis. Good brother, be not offended. I am sorry I have brought thee out of the
way, and that I have put thee into such imminent danger. Pray, my brother, forgive
me: I did not do it of any evil intent.

Hore. Be comforted, my brother, for I forgive thee, and believe, too, that this shall
be for our good.

Curis. I am glad I have with me a merciful brother; but we must not stand still:
let us try to go back again.

Horr. But, good brother, let me go before.

Curis. No, if you please; let me go first, that, if there be any danger, I may be
first therein, because by my means we are both gone out of the way.

Hops. “No,” said Hopeful, “you shall not go first; for your mind being troubled
may lead you out of the way again.” Then for their encouragement they heard the
voice of one saying, “ Let thine heart be towards the highway, even the way that thou
wentest ; turn again.” But by this time the waters were greatly risen, by reason of
which the way of going back was very dangerous. (Then I thought that it is easier
going out of the way when we are in, than going in when we are out.) Yet they