Gunpowder was then unknown, and contending armies could only meet hand to hand.

For two months the siege was continued, with bloody conflicts every day.

Wintry winds swept the plains, and storms of snow whitened the fields, when, from the battlements of the fortress, the besieged saw the banners of another army approaching the arena.

They knew not whether the distant battalions were friends or foes; but it was certain that their approach would decide the strife, for each party was so exhausted as to be unable to resist any new assailants.

Soon the signals of war proclaimed that an army was approaching for the rescue of the fortress.