In vain, however, did they mount.

The defenders poured down showers of boiling pitch and oil, which penetrated the crevices of their armour, and caused intolerable torment.
Great stones were toppled over from the battlements upon them; and sometimes the ladders, seized by the poles with hooks, were cast backwards, with all upon them, on the throng below.

For half-an-hour, encouraged by the shouts of Sir Rudolph and their leaders, the soldiers strove gallantly; but were at last compelled to draw off, having lost nigh 100 men, without one gaining a footing upon the walls.
That evening another council of war was held without.

Already some large machines for which Sir Rudolph had sent had arrived.

In anticipation of the possibility of failure, two castles upon wheels had been prepared, and between these a huge beam with an iron head was hung.