Ay, and I warn you--and your lord--that Salah-ed-din will take vengeance for this deed." "Let him try it if he wishes to die, who hitherto has been spared," answered the tall man quietly.

Then he said to his followers, "Cut them down, all save the women"-- for the Frenchwoman, Marie, was now clinging to the arm of Rosamund--"and emir Hassan, whom I am commanded to bring living to Masyaf." "Back to your cabin, lady," said Hassan, "and remember that whate'er befalls, we have done our best to save you.

Ay, and tell it to my lord, that my honour may be clean in his eyes.

Now, soldiers of Salah-ed-din, fight and die as he has taught you how.
The gates of Paradise stand open, and no coward will enter there." They answered with a fierce, guttural cry.

Then, as Rosamund fled to the cabin, the fray began, a hideous fray.