volume one

208 HISTOEY OF THE CKUSADES.
order towards the ramparts. Xever, say the liistoriaas, did
the soldiers of the cross eyiuce so much ardour ; some,
joined in close battalions, covered themselves with their
bucklers, which formed an impenetrable vault over their
heads, and endeavoured with pikes and hammers to destroy
the wall ; whilst others, ranged in long files, remained at
some distance, and plied their slings and cross-bows in driving
the enemy from the ramparts. OH, boding pitch, large
stones, and enormous beams were cast upon the front ranlis
of the Christians without putting the least stop to their
labours. The outer wall began to fall beneath their strokes,
but the inner wall presented an insuperable obstacle, and
nothing was left to them but escalade. This bold method
was attempted, although only one ladder long enough to
reach the top of the walls coidd be found. The bravest
mounted, and fought hand to hand with the Saracens, who
were confounded \vith such rash coiu'a2:e. It is probable
that the Crusaders would have entered Jerusalem that very
day if they had had the necessary instruments and machines;
but so small a number of them could gain the top of the
walls, that they could not maintain themselves there. Bra-
did not perform the miracles
Heaven very was useless ;
which the solitary had promised, and the Saracens at length
forced the assailants to retreat.
The Christians returned to their camp deploring their
imprudence and credulity. This first reverse taught them
that they must not always expect prodigies, and that before
they proceeded further they must construct machines of
war. But it was very diffici-dt to procure the necessary
wood in a country of barren sands and arid rocks. Several
detachments were sent to search for materials ; and chance
discovered to one of them some large beams, which Tancred
caused to be transported to the camp. They demolished
the houses, and even the churches in the vicinity of the city
which had not been given up to the flames, and every available
bit of wood that had escaped the ravages of the
Saracens was employed in the construction of machines.
In spite of their discoveries and exertions, the progress of
the siege did not answer to the impatience of the Crusaders,
nor did they appear likely to be able to avert the evils that
threatened them. The most intense heats of the stunmer