No longer every few minutes did a heavy stone strike the walls.
The morning's light enabled the defenders of the castle to see the extent of the damage which the battering machine had effected.

None too soon had they put a stop to its work, for had it continued its operations another hour or two would have effected a breach.
Already large portions of the wall facing it had fallen, and other portions were so seriously damaged that a few more blows would have levelled them.
"At any rate," Walter said to Ralph, "we have gained a respite; but even now I fear that if the Black Prince comes not until tomorrow he will arrive too late." The French, apparently as well aware as the garrison of the necessity for haste, laboured at the repair of the machine.

Bodies of men started to cut down trees to supply the place of the beams which had been rendered useless.

Scarcely had the assault ceased when horsemen were despatched in various directions to seek for fresh ropes, and by dint of the greatest exertions the machine was placed in position to renew its attack shortly after noon.
By two o'clock several large portions of the damaged wall had fallen, and the debris formed a slope by which an assaulting column could rush to the bridge.

As soon as this was manifest the French force formed for the assault and rushed forward in solid column.
Walter had made the best preparation possible for the defence.