408 KflRKK OF WENUOVEK. [A.U . 1218. of the Gorman knight- ami Fricslanders, and by th.- .-οoperation of the same, joined two eogs together with planks and ropes, and so having given it a firm footing, they erected four masts and yards to the same, and on the top of them fixed a turret made of basket-work, and covered with hides to keep off the Creek fire. I'nder the turret they constructed a sealing ladder, hung with strong ropes, and reaching thirty cubits beyond the prow of the vessel, am! this great work was finished in a very short time. The chiefs of the crusaders were then summoned to inspect it, that whatever was deficient either in expense 01· human ingenuity, :;iii;i:t be' supplied ; and 011 their answering that such a machine had never before been constructed of wood, the crusaders thought that they ought at once to apply this contrivance against the tower, because by the incessant missiles from their machines, the bridge, by which the enemies of the faith reached the tower, had been in a great measure destroyed. On the sixth day before the feast of St. Bartholomew, the crusaders devoutly marched barefooted in solemn procession to the holy cross, the clergy in advance chanting and reading the service, and humbly implored the divine assistance that the affair might be free from all jealousy and vain boasting on the part of any people then in the army. They summoned several of the commanders to see the result of this attack, although the Frii'slanders and Germans would sullice to fill ami manage the vessels. On St. Bartholomew's day. which was the sixth day of the week, although the Nile was much swollen, and the force of the stream much impeded the business, this machine was. although with much difficulty and danger, drawn to the tower: the ship however to which it was attached went under sail, while the patriarch and clergy walked along the banks praying to the Lord. When they reached the tower this double machine could not be brought to the western side, it was therefore worked straight to the northern side and there made fast, and was at length secured with ropes and anchors, although tic- force of the swollen waters .seemed to be threatening to drive it away. When the Saracens saw this, they erected six engines 011 the towers of the city to destroy the machine, but one of these, more destructive than the rest, was broken after a few- discharges, and remained useless ; they did not bow ever cease their