BOOK THE SEVENTH.
233
There was a portal to the English fort
That opened on the wall; a speedier path 245
In peace affording, whence the charmed eye
Might linger down the river's pleasant course.
Fierce in the gate-way raged the deadly war;
For there the Maiden strove, and Conrade there,
And he of lowly line, bravelier than whom 250
Fought not in that day's battle. Of success
Desperate, for from above, the garrison
Could wield no arms so certain to bestow
Equal destruction; of the portal's aid
The foe bethought them: then with lesser force 255
Their weapons fell: abandoned was the gate;
And soon from Orleans the glad citizens
Beheld the hallowed banner on the tower
Triumphant. Swift along the lofty wall
The English haste to St. John's neighbouring fort, 260
Flying with fearful speed. Nor from pursuit
The v16lors ceased, but with the fugitives
Mingled and waged the war: the combatants,
That opened on the wall; a speedier path 245
In peace affording, whence the charmed eye
Might linger down the river's pleasant course.
Fierce in the gate-way raged the deadly war;
For there the Maiden strove, and Conrade there,
And he of lowly line, bravelier than whom 250
Fought not in that day's battle. Of success
Desperate, for from above, the garrison
Could wield no arms so certain to bestow
Equal destruction; of the portal's aid
The foe bethought them: then with lesser force 255
Their weapons fell: abandoned was the gate;
And soon from Orleans the glad citizens
Beheld the hallowed banner on the tower
Triumphant. Swift along the lofty wall
The English haste to St. John's neighbouring fort, 260
Flying with fearful speed. Nor from pursuit
The v16lors ceased, but with the fugitives
Mingled and waged the war: the combatants,
Lock'd
