Mr. Mind hired Prudent-Thrifty, and Mr. Godly-Fear hired Good-Zeal.
True, this fellow Harmless-Mirth did hang a little in hand, and
could not so soon get him a master as the others did, because the
town of Mansoul was now in Lent, but after a while, because Lent
was almost out, the Lord Willbewill hired Harmless-Mirth to be both
his waiting man and his lackey: and thus they got them masters.
These villains now being got thus far into the houses of the men
of Mansoul, quickly began to do great mischief therein; for, being
filthy, arch, and sly, they quickly corrupted the families where
they were; yea, they tainted their masters much, especially this
Prudent-Thrifty, and him they call Harmless-Mirth. True, he that
went under the visor of Good-Zeal, was not so well liked of his
master; for he quickly found that he was but a counterfeit rascal;
the which when the fellow perceived, with speed he made his escape
from the house, or I doubt not but his master had hanged him.
Well, when these vagabonds had thus far carried on their design,
and had corrupted the town as much as they could, in the next place
they considered with themselves at what time their prince Diabolus
without, and themselves within the town, should make an attempt to
seize upon Mansoul; and they all agreed upon this, that a market-
day would be best for that work; for why? Then will the townsfolk
be busy in their ways: and always take this for a rule, when
people are most busy in the world, they least fear a surprise.
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