Section 183. REBECCA DESCRIBES THE SIEGE OF TORQUILSTONE (App. § 5) TO THE WOUNDED IVANHOE[1]. I.
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Section 183. REBECCA DESCRIBES THE SIEGE OF TORQUILSTONE (App. § 5) TO THE WOUNDED IVANHOE[1]. I.
“And I must lie here like a bed-ridden[2] monk,” exclaimed Ivanhoe, “while the game[3] that gives me[4] freedom or death is played out by the hands of others! Look from the window[5] once again, kind maiden, but beware that you are not marked by the archers[6]. Look out once more, and tell me if[7] they yet advance[8] to the storm.”
With patient[9] courage, strengthened by the interval which she had employed in mental devotion[10], Rebecca again took post[11] at the lattice, sheltering herself[12], however, by means of a large and ancient shield so as not to be visible from beneath[13].
“What dost thou see, Rebecca?” again demanded the wounded knight.
“Nothing but the[14] cloud of arrows flying so thick as to dazzle mine eyes[15], and to hide the bowmen who shoot them.”
“That cannot endure[16],” said Ivanhoe; “if they press not right on[17] to carry the castle by pure force of arms (S. 27, N. 8), the archery may[18] avail but little against stone walls and bulwarks. Look for[19] the Black Knight, fair Rebecca, and see how he bears himself[20]; for as the leader is, so will his followers be[21].”
“I see him not,” said Rebecca.