We have arrived too late." "By the holy cross," said King Richard, "that shall not be so; for if the place be taken, we will retake it." As the vessel neared the shore a monk ran out into the water up to his shoulders, and said to the king that the citadel still held out, and that even now the Saracens might be driven back.

Without delay the king leaped into the water, followed by the knights and men-at-arms, and entering the gate, threw himself upon the infidels within, who, busy plundering, had not noticed the arrival of the ship.
The war cry of "St.George! St.George!" which the king always shouted in battle, struck panic among the infidels; and although the king was followed but by five knights and a few men-at-arms, the Saracens, to the number of three thousand, fled before him, and all who tarried were smitten down.

The king followed them out upon the plain, driving them before him as a lion would drive a flock of sheep, and then returned triumphant into the city.
The next day, some more ships having arrived, King Richard found that in all, including the garrison, he could muster two thousand combatants.
The enemy renewed the attack in great numbers, and the assaults upon the walls were continuous and desperate.

King Richard, who loved fighting in the plain rather than behind walls, was impatient at this, and at one time so fierce was the attack that he resolved to sally out.
Only ten horses remained in the town, and King Richard, mounting one, called upon nine of the knights to mount and sally out with him.

The little band of ten warriors charged down upon the host of the Saracens and swept them before them.