With a little cry of pain she ran back as far as she could reach on the further side of the pillar.

Hence she could see the great Court of Women, whence the Gate Nicanor was approached by fifteen steps forming the half of a circle and fashioned of white marble.

This court now was nothing but a camp, for the outer Court of the Gentiles having been taken by the Romans, their battering rams were working at its walls.
Then the night fell, but brought no peace with it, for the rams smote continually, and since they were not strong enough to break through the huge stones of the mighty wall, the Romans renewed their attempt to take them by storm in the hours of darkness.

But, indeed, it was no darkness, for the Jews lit fires upon the top of the wall, and by their light drove off the attacking Romans.

Again and again, from her lofty perch, Miriam could see the scaling ladders appear above the crest of the wall.
Then up them would come long lines of men, each holding a shield above his head.