’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, to 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 they also in Mansoul sent theirs to the pit.  Now, when this Mr. Profane had made his return, and 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 well perceived by this when you read it.’

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 their 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 unto us these three ways.