' Then said the Diabolonians, 'What had we best to do?' and it
was answered, 'It was best to quit the town;' and 'that,' said one,
'ye may do in pursuance of your last counsel, and by so doing also
be better able to give the enemy battle, should an army from
without come upon us. So, on the second day, they withdrew
themselves from Mansoul, and abode in the plains without; but they
encamped themselves before Eye-gate, in what terrene and terrible
manner they could. The reason why they would not abide in the town
(besides the reasons that were debated in their late conclave) was,
for that they were not possessed of the stronghold, and 'because,'
said they, 'we shall have more convenience to fight, and also to
fly, if need be, when we are encamped in the open plains.'
Besides, the town would have been a pit for them rather than a
place of defence, had the Prince come up and inclosed them fast
therein. Therefore they betook themselves to the field, that they
might also be out of the reach of the slings, by which they were
much annoyed all the while that they were in the town.
Well, the time that the captains were to fall upon the Diabolonians
being come, they eagerly prepared themselves for action; for
Captain Credence had told the captains over night, that they should
meet their Prince in the field to-morrow.
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