The soldiers, who had been labouring with the rest, buckled on their armour.

The citizens gathered on the walls to hurl down the piles of stones which had been collected, and all prepared for the assault.
"Sir John Powis," the countess said, "I pray you to grant me one of your esquires, who may attend me while I ride about, and may bear my messages for me.

He will not be idle, nor will he escape his share of the dangers; for, believe me, I do not intend to hide myself while you and your brave soldiers are fighting for me.
"Willingly, lady," Sir John answered.

"Here is Walter Somers, the son of a good knight, and himself brave and prudent beyond his years; he will, I am sure, gladly devote himself to your service." The French, encouraged by their successes, thought that it would be a comparatively easy task to capture so small a place as Hennebon, and as soon as their camp was pitched they moved forward to the attack.
"Come with me, Master Somers," the countess said.

"I will mount to one of the watch-towers, where we may see all that passes." Walter followed her, and marvelled to see the lightness and agility with which the heroic countess, although clad in armour, mounted the rickety ladders to the summit of the watch-tower.