How many a crafty old miser
have I enticed hither over paths that were harder to traverse than those
that lead to the realm of bliss? Whenever a fair was held, a market,
assize or election, or any other concourse, who had more subjects than I
or greater power and authority? Cursing, swearing, fighting, litigation,
falsehood and deceit, beating, clawing, murdering and robbing one
another, Sabbath-breaking, perjury, cruelty, and what black mark besides,
which stamps men as of Lucifer's fold, that I have not had a hand in
placing? For which reason have I been called 'the root of all evil.'
Wherefore, an it please your majesty, I will go."
He ceased. Then Apolyon uprose and spoke: "I know of nought more
certain to lead them hither than what brought you here, {107a} and that
is Pride; once it plants its straight stake in them and puffs them up,
there is no need to fear that they will condescend to bear the cross or
go through the narrow gate. I will go with your daughter Pride, and
before they can realise where they are, I will drive the Welsh hither
headlong while admiring the pomp of the English, and the English while
imitating the vivacity of the French.
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