Here, although free from the action of the machines, they were exposed to the hand missiles, which were scarcely less destructive.

In good order, and with firmness, however, they reared the ladders, and mounted to the assault, covering themselves as well as they could with their shields.

In vain, however, did they mount.

The defenders poured down showers of boiling pitch and oil, which penetrated the crevices of their armor and caused intolerable torment.

Great stones were toppled over from the battlements upon them; and sometimes the ladders, seized by the poles with hooks, were cast backward, with all upon them, on the throng below.