Then shouted the captains, saying, 'The sword of the
Prince Emmanuel, and the shield of Captain Credence!' and with that
Diabolus gave back, thinking that more aid had been come. But no
Emmanuel as yet appeared. Moreover, the battle did hang in doubt;
and they made a little retreat on both sides. Now, in the time of
respite, Captain Credence bravely encouraged his men to stand to
it; and Diabolus did the like, as well as he could. But Captain
Credence made a brave speech to his soldiers, the contents whereof
here follow:-
'Gentlemen soldiers, and my brethren in this design, it rejoiceth
me much to see in the field for our Prince, this day, so stout and
so valiant an army, and such faithful lovers of Mansoul. You have
hitherto, as hath become you, shown yourselves men of truth and
courage against the Diabolonian forces; so that, for all their
boast, they have not yet much cause to boast of their gettings.
Now take to yourselves your wonted courage, and show yourselves men
even this once only; for in a few minutes after the next
engagement, this time, you shall see your Prince show himself in
the field; for we must make this second assault upon this tyrant
Diabolus, and then Emmanuel comes.
Pages:
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393