considered was, in what shape, hue, or guise Diabolus had best to
show himself when he went about to make Mansoul his own. Then one
said one thing, and another the contrary. At last Lucifer
answered, that, in his opinion, it was best that his lordship
should assume the body of some of those creatures that they of the
town had dominion over; 'for,' quoth he, 'these are not only
familiar to them, but, being under them, they will never imagine
that an attempt should by them be made upon the town; and, to blind
all, let him assume the body of one of those beasts that Mansoul
deems to be wiser than any of the rest.' This advice was applauded
of all: so it was determined that the giant Diabolus should assume
the dragon, for that he was in those days as familiar with the town
of Mansoul as now is the bird with the boy; for nothing that was in
its primitive state was at all amazing to them. Then they
proceeded to the third thing, which was:

3. Whether they had best to show their intentions, or the design of
his coming, to Mansoul, or no. This also was answered in the
negative, because of the weight that was in the former reasons, to
wit, for that Mansoul were a strong people, a strong people in a
strong town, whose wall and gates were impregnable, (to say nothing
of their castle,) nor can they by any means be won but by their own
consent. 'Besides,' said Legion, (for he gave answer to this,) 'a
discovery of our intentions may make them send to their king for
aid; and if that be done, I know quickly what time of day it will
be with us. Therefore let us assault them in all pretended
fairness, covering our intentions with all manner of lies,
flatteries, delusive words; feigning things that never will be, and
promising that to them that they shall never find. This is the way
to win Mansoul, and to make them of themselves open their gates to