So they went on till they came to a place where they saw a way put itself into their way, which seemed to lie as straight as the other, insomuch that they knew not which to take. As they were standing to consider, a man of black flesh, but covered with a very light robe, came smiling to them, and lovingly asked, “Why do you stand here?” They answered, “We are going to mount Zion, but know not which of these ways to take.” “I am glad, said the man, you are of so good a mind. Few men are so wise as you. Follow me, my dear friends, and I will shew you the way. Such as you deserve to be honoured of all men.” So they followed him, till, by little and little the way turned, and their faces were set toward the city of Destruction. And before they were aware, they were got within the compass of a net, which he drew upon them and held them fast. The white robe then fell off the black man’s back; and they saw where they were, but could not escape.
Then said Christian, I see my error now. Did not the shepherds tell us to beware of the flatterer? How true is that word, A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a net for his feet!
Hopeful. They also gave us a note of direction about the way; but we forgot to read it, else we should have kept ourselves from the paths of the destroyer. Thus they lay bewailing themselves in the net, when they saw a shining one coming toward them, with a whip of small cords in his hand. He asked, What do ye here? They answered, We were led out of the way by a black man cloathed in white. He is a flatterer, said he, a false apostle, Satan transformed into an angel of light. So he rent the net, and said, “Follow me;” and led them back into the way they had left. Then he asked them, “Did not the shepherds on the mountains give you a note of the way? Why did you not read it? And did they not bid you beware of the flatterer?” They were speechless. So he commanded them to lie down, and chastised them sore, saying, As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent.
I saw then in my dream, that they arose and went on, until they came into a country, whose air naturally tended to make one drowsy. And here Hopeful began to be very heavy, and said to Christian, “I can scarce hold open my eyes; let us lie down and sleep awhile.”
Christian. By no means, lest we wake no more.
Hopeful. Why, my brother? The sleep of a labouring man is sweet.
Christian. Do you not remember the caution of the shepherd, sleep not on inchanted ground?
Hopeful. I acknowledge my fault. I see it is true, as the wise man saith, Two are better than one.
Christian. To prevent drowsiness then, let us discourse a little together. How came you at first to look after the good of your soul?
Hopeful. For a long time I delighted in those things which are seen and sold at our fair, in the riches and pleasures of the world, till I heard from Faithful and you, that the end of these things is death.