A Council of War

The Holy War, in Modern English: Episode 2

So, when they had found the place, they shouted horribly for joy, and roared against it like a lion upon its prey, saying, “Now we have found the prize! Now we will take revenge on King Shaddai for what He’s done to us!” So, they sat down and called a council of war. They considered amongst themselves what ways and methods they could best engage this war to win for themselves this famous town of Mansoul— and these four things were proposed for their consideration:

• First. Was it the best strategy for all of them to appear before the town of Mansoul?

• Secondly. Was it best for them to go and sit down against Mansoul in their now ragged and beggarly appearance?

• Thirdly. Was it best to show Mansoul their intentions and purpose, or was it best to assault it with words and ways of deceit?

• Fourthly. Was it advantageous in their plan of war to give private orders to some of their companions in order to target one or more of the principal townsfolk; to shoot them in order to more easily make their assault?