and workmen, they would build for him two fuch high towers, as, when they were advanced to the walls of the caftle, lhot|ld overtop them. The duke commanded all the carpenters of the country to be fent for, and handfomely paid. Thefe four towers were conftrufted, and placed on the decks of four large veflels; but they took a long time in making, and çoft much money. Thofe ordered upon1 this attack embarked on board the veflels, aafl, whep they Vfere about half way over the river, the b^r figged let off four martinets,*, whic^ they had ûeiyly conftruëied, to defend themfelves againft thefe towers. Thefe four martinets call fuch large ' ftones, sind fo very rapidly, that the men at arms in the towers were much hurt by them: and, having no means to flbield themfelves, they returned badjt as faft as they were able : but in their retreat one of the veflels foundered and funk: the greater pumbçr of thofe that were qn board if ere drowned, which was a great pity, as they vpere chiefly valiant knight; who were eagej to diftinguifh themfelves. When the duke found that this fcheme did not gufwer his expectation, *hq ordered them to difenv-bark from the three, remaining veflels. He was a£ à lofs what plan to follow, by which he could gain the çaftle of Aiguillon ; for he had vowed he would never, quit the place until he was mafter of it and; the garrifon, unlefs. the king, his father, ordered * Du Caoge, fuppiement, under die word Martinetus, calls it au. infiniment of war, and quotes this paftage for hb authority, but dbea not explain it further. 3 . otherwife. •1»