the dragon.

So they drew up and sat down before Ear-gate, for that was the
place of hearing for all without the town, as Eye-gate was the
place of perspection. So, as I said, he came up with his train to
the gate, and laid his ambuscado for Captain Resistance within bow-
shot of the town. This done, the giant ascended up close to the
gate, and called to the town of Mansoul for audience. Nor took he
any with him but one Ill-pause, who was his orator in all difficult
matters. Now, as I said, he being come up to the gate, (as the
manner of those times was,) sounded his trumpet for audience; at
which the chief of the town of Mansoul, such as my Lord Innocent,
my Lord Willbewill, my Lord Mayor, Mr. Recorder, and Captain
Resistance, came down to the wall to see who was there, and what
was the matter. And my Lord Willbewill, when he had looked over
and saw who stood at the gate, demanded what he was, wherefore he
was come, and why he roused the town of Mansoul with so unusual a
sound.

Diabolus, then, as if he had been a lamb, began his oration, and
said: 'Gentlemen of the famous town of Mansoul, I am, as you may
perceive, no far dweller from you, but near, and one that is bound
by the king to do you my homage and what service I can; wherefore,
that I may be faithful to myself and to you, I have somewhat of
concern to impart unto you. Wherefore, grant me your audience, and
hear me patiently. And first, I will assure you, it is not myself,
but you--not mine, but your advantage that I seek by what I now do,
as will full well be made manifest, by that I have opened my mind
unto you. For, gentlemen, I am (to tell you the truth) come to
show you how you may obtain great and ample deliverance from a