“De Bracy, look to the eastern side, where the walls are lowest⁠—Noble Bois-Guilbert, thy trade hath well taught thee how to attack and defend, look thou to the western side⁠—I myself will take post at the barbican. Yet, do not confine your exertions to any one spot, noble friends!⁠—we must this day be everywhere, and multiply ourselves, were it possible, so as to carry by our presence succour and relief wherever the attack is hottest. Our numbers are few, but activity and courage may supply that defect, since we have only to do with rascal clowns.”

“But, noble knights,” exclaimed Father Ambrose, amidst the bustle and confusion occasioned by the preparations for defence, “will none of ye hear the message of the reverend father in God Aymer, Prior of Jorvaulx?⁠—I beseech thee to hear me, noble Sir Reginald!”