I waited till they were within twenty paces of us, and shouted, "Shoot and fall!" The first line shot and oh! fearful was its work, for not a shaft missed those crowded hosts and many pinned two together.

My archers shot and fell down, setting new arrows to the string as they fell, whereon the second line also shot over them.

Then up we sprang and loosed again, and again fell down, whereon the second line once more poured in its deadly hail.
Now the Easterns stayed their advance, for their front ranks lay prone, and those behind must climb over them if they could.

Yes, standing there in glittering groups they rocked and hesitated although their officers struck them with swords and lances to drive them forward.

Once more our front rank rose and loosed, and once more we dropped and let the shafts of the second speed over us.