CHAP. IV.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

61

as to fill up the fosse at last in that spot, and evenraise it equal to the fore-wall—like a mound in formof a back, which presented a ready ascent upon thewalls themselves. We however, perceiving theenemy’s attempt and alive to the danger, saved thecity by undertaking a minute examination of all itsfosses, as well as anew repairing and provisioningthe citadel and the whole range of its defenceswith the utmost diligence ; which the Turksseeing, turned in despair to the wall of the Jew-ish quarter and other parts, while with thestrongest reparations, refortifying what they hadruined, we planted stakes of thickest greenesttimber, and covered them with earth and branchesof stout tough underwood and thorns, which, com-pactly uniting, could sustain the force of anymachinery, and protected the wall, and held ittogether, lest it should fall into the city, and affordan easy descent from the walls. Likewise wemade similar fortifications of green stakes, lacedwith earth, to cover our men, and prevent theTurks from climbing up. We also prepared arti-ficial wildfire, and other inventions conducive towithstanding the violent charges of the Turks.We also thought it better to evacuate that part ofthe fosse which they had filled with stones; butconsidering that in the short nights of the dog-