Now on the left hand of the road was By-path Meadow, a fair green
field with a path through it, and a stile. Come, good Hopeful,
said Christian, let us walk on the grass.

Hopeful.--But what if this path should lead us wrong?

Christian.--How can it? Look, doth it not go by the way side?

So they set off through the field. But they had not gone far when
they saw in front of them a man, Vain-confidence by name, who
told them that the path led to The Celestial Gate. So the man
went first; but lo, the night came on, and it grew so dark that
they lost sight of their guide, who, as he did not see the path
in front of him, fell in a deep pit, and was heard of no more.

Where are we now? said Hopeful.

Then was Christian mute, as he thought he had led his friend out
of the way. And now light was seen to flash from the sky, and
rain came down in streams.

Hopeful (with a groan) Oh, that I had kept on my way!

Christian.--Who could have thought that this path should lead us
wrong?

Hopeful.--I had my fears from the first, and so gave you a hint.

Christian.--Good friend, I grieve that I have brought you out of