When near the walls the Christians again made a stand, and a few knights sallied out from the town on foot and joined them.

Among these was Cuthbert, the Earl of Evesham having accompanied King Richard in his charge.

In all, seventeen knights were now rallied round the king.

So fierce was the charge of the Saracens that the king ordered those on horseback to dismount, and with their horses in the centre, the little body knelt with their lances opposed to the Saracens.

Again and again the wild cavalry swept down upon this little force, but in vain did they attempt to break their ranks.