Then he spoke a single word--"Guards!" The four Nubians, who, as ordered, had kept at a distance, burst through the gathered throng.

Ere they reached us I, who till now had stood amazed, sprang at the captain and gripped him by the throat.

He struck at me with his bloody sword, but the blow, falling on my long cloak, only bruised me on the left thigh.

Then I, who was strong in those days, grappled with him and we rolled together on the ground.
After this there was great tumult.

The Hebrew slaves burst their rope and flung themselves upon the soldiers like dogs upon a jackal, battering them with their bare fists.