face of their Prince by-and-by, they took courage, and a very fierce battle was fought.  Then shouted the captains, saying, ’The sword of the Prince Emmanuel, and the shield of Captain Credence!’ and with that Diabolus gave back, thinking that more aid had been come.  But no Emmanuel as yet appeared.  Moreover, the battle did hang in doubt; and they made a little retreat on both sides.  Now, in the time of respite, Captain Credence bravely encouraged his men to stand to it; and Diabolus did the like, as well as he could.  But Captain Credence made a brave speech to his soldiers, the contents whereof here follow:-

’Gentlemen soldiers, and my brethren in this design, it rejoiceth me much to see in the field for our Prince, this day, so stout and so valiant an army, and such faithful lovers of Mansoul.  You have hitherto, as hath become you, shown yourselves men of truth and courage against the Diabolonian forces; so that, for all their boast, they have not yet much cause to boast of their gettings.  Now take to yourselves your wonted courage, and show yourselves men even this once only; for in a few minutes after the next engagement, this time, you shall see your Prince show himself in the field; for we must make this second assault upon this tyrant Diabolus, and then Emmanuel comes.’

No sooner had the captain made this speech to his soldiers, but one Mr. Speedy came post to the captain from the Prince, to tell him that Emmanuel was at hand.  This news when the captain had received, he communicated to the other field-officers, and they again to their soldiers and men of war.  Wherefore, like men raised from the dead, so the captains and their men arose, made up to the enemy, and cried as before, ’The sword of the Prince Emmanuel, and the shield of Captain Credence!’

The Diabolonians also bestirred themselves, and made resistance as well as they could; but in this last engagement the Diabolonians lost their courage, and many of the doubters fell down dead to the ground.  Now, when they had been in heat of battle about an hour or more, Captain Credence lift up his eyes and saw, and, behold, Emmanuel came; and he came with colours flying, trumpets sounding, and the feet of his men scarce touched the ground, they hasted with that celerity towards the captains that were engaged.  Then did Credence wind with his men to the townward, and gave to Diabolus the field:  so Emmanuel came upon him on the one side, and the enemies’ place was betwixt them both.  Then again they fell to it afresh; and now it was but a little while more but Emmanuel and Captain Credence met, still trampling down the slain as they came.