strength, and so lay far more fast hold than at Profane first we did. Besides, it is the law of that Prince comes that now they own, that if we get them a second time, they shall be ours for ever.1

"Do you, therefore, our trusty Diabolonians,
yet more pry into and endeavour to spy out the
weakness of the town of Mansoul. We also would
that you yourselves do attempt to weaken them more
and more.
Send us word also, by what means
you think we had best to attempt the regaining
thereof: namely, whether by persuasion to a vain
and loose life; or whether by tempting them to
doubt and despair; or whether by blowing up of
the town by the gunpowder of pride and self-
conceit. Do you also, O ye brave Diabolonians
and true sons of the pit, be always in a readiness
to make a most hideous assault within, when we
shall be ready to storm it without. Now speed
you in your project, and we in our desires, the
utmost power of our gates, which is the wish of
your great Diabolus, Mansoul's enemy, and him
that trembles when he thinks of judgment to come.
All the blessings of the pit be upon you, and so we
close up our letter.

"Given at the pit's mouth, by the joint consent
of all the princes of darkness, to be sent
to the force and power that we have yet
remaining in Mansoul, by the hand of Mr
Profane, by me,
" DIABOLUS."

This letter, as was said, was sent to Mansoul, to the Diabolonians that yet remained there, and that yet inhabited the wall, from the dark dungeon of Diabolus, by the hand of Mr Profane, by whom 1 Matt. 12. 43-45.

home

again

A plot they also in Mansoul sent theirs to the pit. Now, against when this Mr Profane had made his return, and Mansoul was come to Mansoul again, he went and came as he was wont to the house of Mr Mischief, for there was the conclave, and the place where the contrivers were met. Now, when they saw that their messenger was returned safe and sound, they were greatly gladded thereat. Then he presented them with his letter which he had brought from Diabolus for them; the which, when they had read and considered, did much augment their gladness. They asked him after the welfare of their friends, as how their Lord Diabolus, Lucifer, and Beelzebub did, with the rest of those of the den. To which this Profane made answer, "Well, well, my lords; they are well, even as well as can be in their place. They also," said he, "did ring for joy at the reading of your letter, as you will perceive by this when you read it."

their

Now, as was said, when they had read their letter, and perceived that it encouraged them in their work, they fell to their way of contriving again, namely, how they might complete Diabolonian design upon Mansoul. And the first thing that they agreed upon was to keep all things from Mansoul as close as they could. "Let it not be known, let not Mansoul be acquainted with what we design against it." The next thing was, how or by what means they should try to bring to pass the ruin and overthrow of Mansoul; and one said after this manner, and another said after that. Then stood up Mr Deceit, and said, "My right Diabolonian friends, our lords, and the high ones of the deep dungeon, do propound into us these three ways:

"1. Whether we had best to seek its ruin by Take making Mansoul loose and vain.

heed,

"2. Or whether by driving them to doubt and Mansoul ! despair.

"3. Or whether by endeavouring to blow them up by the gunpowder of pride and self-conceit.

"Now, I think if we shall tempt them to pride, that may do something; and if we tempt them to wantonness, that may help. But, in my mind, if we could drive them into desperation, that would knock the nail on the head; for then we should have them, in the first place, question the truth of the love of the heart of their Prince towards them, and that will disgust him much. This, if it works well, will make them leave off quickly their way of sending petitions to him; then farewell earnest solicitations for help and supply; for then this conclusion lies naturally before them, 'As good do nothing, as do to no purpose." So to Mr Deceit

they unanimously did consent.

Then the next question was, But how shall we do to bring this our project to pass? and it was answered by the same gentleman, that this might be the best way to do it: "Even let," quoth he,

66

so many of our friends as are willing to venture themselves for the promoting of their prince's cause, disguise themselves with apparel, change their names, and go into the market like far-countrymen, and proffer to let themselves for servants to the famous town of Mansoul, and let them pretend to do for their masters as beneficially as may be; for by so doing they may, if Mansoul shall hire them, in little time so corrupt and defile the corporation, that her now Prince shall be not only further offended with them, but in conclusion shall spue

Three them out of his mouth.

And when this is done,

treacher- our prince Diabolus shall prey upon them with ous ser- ease: yea, of themselves they shall fall into the mouth of the eater."

vants

This project was no sooner propounded, but was as highly accepted, and forward were all Diabolonians now to engage in so delicate an enterprise; but it was not thought fit that all should do thus; wherefore they pitched upon two or three, namely, the Lord Covetousness, the Lord Lasciviousness, and the Lord Anger. The Lord Covetousness called himself by the name of PrudentThrifty; the Lord Lasciviousness called himself by the name of Harmless-Mirth; and the Lord Anger called himself by the name of Good-Zeal.

So upon a market day, they came into the market-place, three lusty fellows they were to look on, and they were clothed in sheep's russet, which was also now in a manner as white as were the white robes of the men of Mansoul. Now, the men could speak the language of Mansoul well. So when they were come into the market-place, and had offered to let themselves to the townsmen, they were presently taken up; for they asked but little wages, and promised to do their masters great

service.

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 Will-be-will hired Harmless-Mirth to be both his waiting-man and his lacquey; and thus they got them masters.

Mansoul

These villains now being got thus far into the A plan to houses of the men of Mansoul, quickly began to attack 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. also then," said they, "shall be able with less suspicion to gather ourselves together for the work of our friends and lords; yea, and in such a day, if we shall attempt our work, and miss it, we may, when they shall give us the rout, the better hide ourselves in the crowd, and escape."

"We

These things being thus far agreed upon by them, they wrote another letter to Diabolus, and sent it by the hand of Mr Profane, the contents of which was this::

P