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Page 55
The animation which had hitherto supported the maiden gave way, and,
all trembling, she descended the rough steps and returned to the castle.
The attack was at once begun. The assailants were not supplied with
cross-bows or instruments for casting stones, and the palmer with the
soldiers, who readily submitted to his command, could safely watch their
operations from the battlements. Some with their battle-axes dashed into
the moat and swam across to cut the chain which raised the bridge; but
hardly had they reached the shore before they were struck down with
stones hurled from the walls. The palmer's object was to hold out until
nightfall, and create as much delay as was attainable. The sun was
already half hidden behind the hills.
But the fall of the bridge now became inevitable. Their ammunition was
exhausted, and three of the assailants, armed with axes, occupied the
bridge, while others were arriving at intervals.
"Let us at least gain five minutes," exclaimed the palmer. "One sortie
for the Pope and Rodolph of Suabia!"
The bars were withdrawn and the gallant band poured out.
"Suabia!" shouted the palmer, as he launched a heavy mace at one who was
hewing at the chain, and felled him to the earth. With a well-aimed
thrust he laid another at his feet, and so well was he seconded that the
bridge was soon cleared. This gallant feat was greeted with cries of
rage from their opponents on the other bank, many of whom, forgetting
their heavy armor in their indignation, leaped into the water and sank,
muttering idle imprecations. For some minutes the defenders held the
bridge, but fearful of being intercepted, they made good their retreat
and stood safe within the gate, without the loss of a man.
As further resistance was impossible, the bridge was abandoned to its
fate, and was speedily lowered, amid the rejoicings and threats of the
besiegers. It was now toward twilight, and the strong gate would baffle
their efforts till dark. When that was won, the ballium and the inner
wall could still be disputed.
"There is nothing to be done now," said the palmer to his companions;
"and you had better go to the castle and take some refreshment, for we
will soon have need of all our strength."
As they retired at his suggestion, he climbed to the crenelles and
looked anxiously out upon the plain until the men returned; when,
resigning the barbican to the warder, he went to receive the thanks of
the Lady Margaret, who expressed her gratitude for his services by
waiting upon him in person.
The assailants had cut down a tree which they used as a battering-ram
against the gate; but the stern bars were yet unbroken. It was now
pitch-dark. A thunderstorm had suddenly gathered, and the report of the
distant bolt came upon the ear, mingling with the still more appalling
clash of the beam against the gate.
Brief indeed was the repose of the palmer before he was again at the
embrasures. Bold as he was, he trembled as a blinding flash poured a
flood of livid light over the plain and castle. It was not the sudden
bolt that awed him; but the lightning streamed upon a host of armed men,
stretching away as far as the eye could reach. They were not half a
mile off. Another flash leaped out, and revealed a forest of spears. "It
is the king himself!" muttered the palmer; "we will be surrounded by a
host! God assist us, or we are lost!"
Such were the sounds that trembled on his lips as he abandoned his post.
Selecting the groom who had announced the enemy, he whispered to him:
"Do you wish to save your mistress?"
"With my life!" said the man.
"Then lead me to the postern gate."
In their impetuosity, the attacking party had neglected to blockade this
avenue, before darkness prevented them from discovering it. The banks of
the moat opposite the gate had been made shelving, so as to afford a
means of retreat to the besieged, without giving any advantage to the
besieger. When they had gained the postern and drawn back the bolts, the
palmer said to his companion:
"Now, as you value life and honor, saddle the best three horses--one for
yourself, one for your lady, the third for me--swim the moat, and wait
till I come."
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