This was almost impossible now, for it seemed that the vessels would be dashed in pieces like eggshells were they to strike each other.

Clouds of missiles were poured from one to the other.

The archers plied their bows.

Great machines hurled javelins and big stones, and the crash of the blows of the latter, against the sides of the ships, sounded even above the noise of the wind and waves, and the shouting of the combatants.

As for the cannon with which all the galleys were armed, they were far too cumbrous and unmanageable to be worked in such weather.