to wit, that it would not be best that all should show themselves
before the town, because the appearance of many of them might alarm
and frighten the town; whereas a few or but one of them was not so
likely to do it. And to enforce this advice to take place it was
added further, that if Mansoul was frighted, or did take the alarm,
'It is impossible,' said Diabolus (for he spake now), 'that we
should take the town: for that none can enter into it without its
own consent. Let, therefore, but few, or but one, assault Mansoul;
and in mine opinion,' said Diabolus, 'let me be he.' Wherefore to
this they all agreed.

2. And then to the second proposal they came, namely, Whether they
had best go and sit down before Mansoul in their now ragged and
beggarly guise. To which it was answered also in the negative, By
no means; and that because, though the town of Mansoul had been
made to know, and to have to do, before now, with things that are
invisible, they did never as yet see any of their fellow-creatures
in so sad and rascally condition as they; and this was the advice
of that fierce Alecto. Then said Apollyon, 'The advice is
pertinent; for even one of us appearing to them as we are now, must
needs both beget and multiply such thoughts in them as will both
put them into a consternation of spirit, and necessitate them to
put themselves upon their guard. And if so,' said he, 'then, as my
Lord Diabolus said but now, it is in vain for us to think of taking
the town.' Then said that mighty giant Beelzebub, 'The advice that
already is given is safe; for though the men of Mansoul have seen
such things as we once were, yet hitherto they did never behold
such things as we now are; and it is best, in mine opinion, to come
upon them in such a guise as is common to, and most familiar among
them.' To this, when they had consented, the next thing to be