The Holy War – John Bunyan

encamped themselves before Eye-gate, in what terrene and terrible[7]
manner they could. The reason why they would not abide in the town,
besides the reasons that were debated in their late conclave, was, for that
they were not possessed of the stronghold, and because, said they, we shall
have more convenience to fight, and also to fly, if need be, when we are
encamped in the open plains. Besides, the town would have been a pit for
them rather than a place of defence, had the Prince come up, and enclosed
them fast therein. Therefore they betook themselves to the field, that they
might also be out of the reach of the slings,[8] by which they were much
annoyed all the while that they were in the town.
Well, the time that the captains were to fall upon the Diabolonians being
come, they eagerly prepared themselves for action; for Captain Credence had
told the captains over night that they should meet their Prince in the field tomorrow.
This therefore made them yet far more desirous to be engaging the
enemy, for, You shall see the Prince in the field to-morrow, was like oil to a
flaming fire; for of a long time they had been at a distance, they therefore
were for this the more earnest and desirous of the work. So, as I said, the
hour being come, Captain Credence, with the rest of the men of war, drew
out their forces before it was day by the sally-port of the town. And being all
ready, Captain Credence went up to the head of the army, and gave to the
rest of the captains the word, and so they to their underofficers and soldiers.
The word was, The sword of the Prince Emmanuel, and the shield of Captain
Credence, which is, in the Mansoulian tongue, The word of God and faith.
Then the captains fell on, and began roundly to front, and flank, and rear
Diabolus' camp.[9]
Now they left Captain Experience in the town, because he was yet ill of
his wounds which the Diabolonians had given him in the last fight. But when
he perceived that the captains were at it, what does he, but, calling for his
crutches with haste, gets up and away he goes to the battle, saying, Shall I lie
here when my brethren are in the fight? and when Emmanuel the Prince will
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