the
steep declivity into the bottom of the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and
then climbed the sharp slope of the Mount of Olives. Then with loud
shouts they fell, in wild disorder, each as he reached the spot,
upon the Tenth Legion.

The Romans, anticipating no attack, and many of them unarmed as
they worked at the intrenchments, were unable to resist the fierce
onslaught. Accustomed to regular warfare, this rush of armed men
from all sides upon them surprised and disconcerted them. Every
moment added to the number of their assailants, as fresh combatants
continued to pour out from the city and, fighting stubbornly and
sullenly, the Romans were driven out of their half-formed
intrenchments up the slope, and over the crest of the Mount of
Olives.

The Jews fought, regardless of life. Single men dashed into the
midst of the Romans and fell there, fighting fiercely. John's
compact companies hurled themselves upon the line, and broke it.
Simon fought desperately at the head of his men, cutting down all
who stood in his way. The Romans were wavering, and would soon have
broken into open flight, when rescue arrived. The general in
command had, immediately the Jews had been seen issuing out, sent
off a horseman to Titus with the news; and he, putting himself at
the head of his bodyguard, started instantly to their assistance.

Falling suddenly upon the flank of the Jews, he bore them down by
the impetuosity and weight of the charge. In vain, Simon and John
of Gischala tried to rally their men; and John's bands, gathering
round him at the sound of his bugle, opposed a firm and steady
resistance. The Roman legion rallied and, ashamed of having been
driven back before the very eyes of Titus, attacked the Jews with
fury; and the latter were driven down the hill into the valley.

Here, John's band refused to retire further. Simon and John of
Gischala rallied their troops, and an obstinate contest ensued; the
Romans being unable to push the Jews farther back, now that the
latter were, in turn, fighting with the ground in their favor For
some time the battle raged. Then Titus, seeing that he could not
drive the Jews back into the city, ordered a portion of the Tenth
Legion to reascend the Mount of Olives, and complete the work of
fortifying their camp; so that, at the end of the day, the legion
could fall back to a place of safety.

The watchman on the wall saw the movement, and thought that the
Romans were retreating. He waved his