Thrice had Fadrique and Heimbert almost forced their way to a rampart in the fortifications, and thrice had they been repulsed with their men into the valley below by the fierce opposition of the Turks.

The Mussulmans shouted after the retreating foe, clashed their weapons with the triumph of victory, and with a scornful laugh asked whether they would not come up again to give heart and brain to the scimitar and their limbs to the falling beams of wood.

The two captains, gnashing their teeth with fury, arranged their ranks anew; for after three vain assaults they had to move closer together to fill the places of the slain and the mortally wounded.

Meanwhile a murmur ran through the Christian army that a witch was fighting among their foes and helping them to conquer.
Duke Alba rode to the point of attack, and looked scrutinizingly at the breach they had made.

"Not yet broken through the enemy here!" said he, shaking his head, "I am surprised.