Wherefore Diabolus was forced
to make another retreat, yet further off from the famous town of
Mansoul. Then did the Lord Mayor of Mansoul cause the bells to be
rung, 'and that thanks should be sent to the Lord High Secretary by
the mouth of the subordinate preacher; for that by his words the
captains and elders of Mansoul had been strengthened against
Diabolus.'
When Diabolus saw that his captains and soldiers, high lords and
renowned, were frightened, and beaten down by the stones that came
from the golden slings of the Prince of the town of Mansoul, he
bethought himself, and said, 'I will try to catch them by fawning,
I will try to flatter them into my net.'
Wherefore, after a while, he came down again to the wall, not now
with his drum, nor with Captain Sepulchre; but having all besugared
his lips, he seemed to be a very sweet-mouthed, peaceable prince,
designing nothing for humour's sake, nor to be revenged on Mansoul
for injuries by them done to him; but the welfare, and good, and
advantage of the town and people therein was now, as he said, his
only design. Wherefore, after he had called for audience, and
desired that the townsfolk would give it to him, he proceeded in
his oration, and said:-
'Oh, the desire of my heart, the famous town of Mansoul! how many
nights have I watched, and how many weary steps have I taken, if
perhaps I might do thee good! Far be it, far be it from me to
desire to make a war upon you; if ye will but willingly and quietly
deliver up yourselves unto me.
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