I saw then that they went on their way to a pleasant river, which David the king called “the river of God,” but John, “the river of the water of life.”  Now their way lay just upon the bank of this river; here, therefore, Christian and his companion walked with great delight; they drank also of the water of the river, which was pleasant and enlivening to their weary spirits.  Besides, on the banks of this river, on either side, were green trees, with all manner of fruit; and the leaves they ate to prevent surfeits, and other diseases that are incident to those who heat their blood by travel.  On either side of the river was also a meadow, curiously beautified with lilies; and it was green all the year long.  In this meadow they lay down and slept, for here they might lie down safely.  When they awoke, they gathered again of the fruit of the trees, and drank again of the water of the river, and then lay down again to sleep.  Thus they did several days and nights.  Then they sang: 

  Behold ye how these crystal streams do glide,
  To comfort pilgrims by the highway-side,
  The meadows green, besides their fragrant smell,
  Yield dainties for them; and he who can tell
  What pleasant fruit, yea, leaves, these trees do yield,
  Will soon sell all, that he may buy this field.

So when they were disposed to go on—­for they were not as yet at their journey’s end—­they ate and drank, and departed.

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 souls of the pilgrims were much discouraged because of the way.  Wherefore still as they went on, they wished for a better 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 wayside, 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.  It is 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?

That is not likely, said the other.  Look, doth it not go along by the 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 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 celestial gate.  Look, said Christian, did not I 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.