Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/119

Rh only they heard a groaning. Then said Hopeful, Where are we now? Then was his fellow silent, as mistrueting 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 within 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 out 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 here: let us try to go back again;

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

Chr. 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.

Hope. 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." (Jer.xxxi; 21.) 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 adventured to go back; but it was so dark, and the flood so high, that in their going back they had like to have been drowned nine or ten times.