For, constant as his success had been, it had not made him secure.

The chances were greatly on his side.

Yet it was possible that an attempt to storm the city might fail, as a similar attempt had failed twelve months before.

If the siege should be turned into a blockade, it was probable that the pestilence which had been fatal to the army of Schomberg, which had compelled William to retreat, and which had all but prevailed even against the genius and energy of Marlborough, might soon avenge the carnage of Aghrim.

The rains had lately been heavy.