Now I beheld in my Dream, that they had not journeyed far, but the River and the way for a time parted; at which they were not a little sorry, yet they durst not go out of the way. Now the way from the River was rough, and their feet tender by reason of their Travels; _so the soul of the Pilgrims was much discouraged because of the way._ Now a little before them, there was on the left hand of the road a _Meadow_, and a Stile to go over into it, and that Meadow is called _By-path-Meadow_. Then said _Christian_ to his fellow, If this Meadow lieth along by our way-side, let's go over into it. Then he went to the Stile to see, and behold a Path lay along by the way on the other side of the fence. 'Tis according to my wish, said _Christian_, here is the easiest going; come good Hopeful, and let us go over. HOPE. But how if this Path should lead us out of the way? CHR. That's not like, said the other; look, doth it not go along by the way-side? 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 for 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 Coelestial Gate. Look, said _Christian_, did I not tell you so? 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 the 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 very dreadful manner, and the water rose amain. Then _Hopeful_ groaned in himself, saying, _Oh that I had kept on my way!_ CHR. Who could have thought that this Path should have led us out of the way? HOPE. 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. CHR. 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 an evil intent. HOPE. Be comforted my brother, for I forgive thee; and believe too that this shall be for our good, CHR. I am glad I have with me a merciful Brother; but we must not stand thus, let's try to go back again. HOPE. But good Brother let me go before.