The Pilgrim's Regress

John finds Vertue walking with difficulty. Vertue insists that he must continue his journey and explains that while Wisdom’s teachings have reinforced his belief in the rules, he also believes that the mortal self is fundamentally opposed to them. To live correctly, one must detach from the world as much as possible. John, however, interprets Wisdom’s lessons to mean that the rules should lead to a better understanding of the world rather than a harsher one. Their differing interpretations lead to an argument. Vertue says he needs to find the harshest place to live as punishment for the crime of existing. Despite John’s attempts to follow and reason with him, Vertue shouts and throws rocks at him.

John follows Vertue, but the valley becomes increasingly treacherous. When he catches up, he finds Vertue struggling to climb a spur of rock that blocks the path. When Vertue reaches the top, he shouts at John and sends a boulder rolling toward him. John dodges it, but Vertue disappears. John decides to return to Wisdom’s Valley, but a Man climbs down from the rock and tells John to keep following Vertue, insisting that they will recover if they stay together.