So he turned and went back; and Graceless and Pliable ran on together across the plain.
"I am glad you are going with me," said Graceless.
"And I am glad to be your companion," said Pliable.
Then they talked as they ran; and Graceless told Pliable many wonderful things about the Celestial City towards which they were going. But the burden that was on his back bore heavily upon him, and he soon became weary. "Dear Pliable," he said, "I cannot go so fast. The way grows rougher, and this burden is hard to carry."
So they went on more slowly, but they kept their faces turned always towards the shining light and the distant mountains.
Soon they came to a great bog that seemed to fill the whole plain before them. It was called the Slough of Despond, and it was so deep with mire that no one had ever been able to build a road across it. But it looked so much like the solid ground that Graceless and Pliable fell into it before they were aware, and were soon waist deep in the mud.
"Dear Pliable, I am sinking still deeper," cried Graceless. "This burden is pressing me down."
"That proves that all you have been telling me is a
