n came out from
beneath us a pillar of a man, who had been an alderman, and in many
official situations; he came spreading his wings as if to fly, though he
could scarcely draw one knee after the other, on account of the gout, and
various other genteel disorders: notwithstanding which, you could not
obtain from him, but through a very great favour, a glance or a nod,
though you should call him by his titles and his offices.

From this being I turned my eyes to the other side of the street, where I
beheld a lusty young nobleman, with a number of people behind him; he had
a sweet smile and a condescending air to every one who met him. "It is
strange," said I, "that this young man and yonder personage should belong
to the same street." "Oh, the same princess Pride rules them both,"
answered the angel,--"this young man is only speaking fair on account of
the errand he comes upon; he is seeking popularity at present, with the
intent to raise himself thereby to the highest office in the kingdom--it
is easy for him to lament to the people how much they are wronged by the
oppression of bad masters; but his own exaltment, and not the weal of the
kingdom, is the heart of the matter." After gazing for a long time, I
perceived at the gate of Pride, a fair city upon seven hills, and on the
top of its lofty palace there was a triple crown, with swords and keys
crossed. "Lo! there is Rome," said I, "and therein dwells the Pope."
"Yes, most usually," said the angel; "but he has a palace in each of the
other streets." Over against Rome, I could see a city with an
exceedingly fair palace, and upon it was mounted on high, a half-moon on
a banner of gold, and by that I knew that the Turk was there. Next to
the gate after those, was the palace of Lewis XIV., of France, as I
understood by his arms, three fleurs-de-lis upon a silver banner hanging
aloft. Whilst looking on the height and majesty of these palaces, I
perceived that there was much passing and repassing from the one to the
other, and I asked what was the cause thereof? "Oh, there is many a dark
cause," said the angel, "why those three crafty, powerful heads should
communicate; but though they account themselves fully adapted to espouse
the three princesses above, their power and subtlety are nothing when
compared with these; yes, Belial the Great does not esteem the whole
city, (though so numerous be its kings), as equivalent to his daughters.
Notwithstanding that he offers