happened into this spacious country of Universe, and steer their
course towards the town of Mansoul; and considering that that town
was one of the chief works and delights of King Shaddai, what do
they but, after counsel taken, make an assault upon that. I say,
they knew that Mansoul belonged unto Shaddai; for they were there
when he built it and beautified it for himself. So when they had
found the place, they shouted horribly for joy, and roared on it as
a lion upon the prey, saying, 'Now we have found the prize, and how
to be revenged on King Shaddai for what he hath done to us.' So
they sat down and called a council of war, and considered with
themselves what ways and methods they had best to engage in for the
winning to themselves this famous town of Mansoul, and these four
things were then propounded to be considered of.

First. Whether they had best all of them to show themselves in
this design to the town of Mansoul.

Secondly. Whether they had best to go and sit down against Mansoul
in their now ragged and beggarly guise.

Thirdly. Whether they had best show to Mansoul their intentions,
and what design they came about, or whether to assault it with
words and ways of deceit.

Fourthly. Whether they had not best to some of their companions to
give out private orders to take the advantage, if they see one or
more of the principal townsmen, to shoot them, if thereby they
shall judge their cause and design will the better be promoted.

1. It was answered to the first of these proposals in the negative,