owers, maintained themselves against
the attacks; until Titus with his cavalry charged down upon the
Jews who, although a match for the Roman infantry, were never,
throughout the war, able to resist the charges of the bodies of
heavy horsemen. Titus is said to have killed twelve Jews with his
own hand and, fighting desperately to the end, the assailants were
driven back into the city. One prisoner only was taken; and him
Titus, with the barbarity which afterwards distinguished his
proceedings during the siege, ordered to be crucified close to the
walls.

Among those killed on the Jewish side was John, the commander of
the Idumeans, who formed part of Simon's force. He was shot by an
Arab, while he was parleying with a Roman soldier. He was a man of
great courage and excellent judgment, and his loss was a serious
one for the besieged.

At night all was still, and silent. Both parties were exhausted
with their long and desperate struggle, and even the machines
ceased to hurl their missiles. Suddenly a terrific crash was heard,
and the very ground seemed to shake. Both parties sprang to arms:
the Jews, fearing that the wall had fallen; the Romans, not knowing
what had happened, but apprehensive of another of the sorties--which
they had begun to hold in high respect.

Something like a panic seized them; until Titus, riding about among
them, reassured them by his presence and words. They knew, indeed,
that a repetition of the defeats they had suffered at the Jewish
hands would not be forgiven. The battalion which had been defeated,
at the sortie at the Women's Gate, had been sternly rebuked by
Titus; who had ordered the military law to be carried into effect,
and a certain number of the soldiers to be executed; and had only
pardoned them upon the intercession of the whole army on their
behalf. Therefore, the legionaries now fell into their ranks, at
the order of Titus, and drew up in order of battle; while parties
were sent forward to ascertain what had happened.

It was found that a serious misfortune had befallen them. The Jews,
in their attack, had been unable to set fire to the towers; but
they had worked so vigorously, in their attempt to destroy the
bank, that they had weakened that portion of it upon which one of
the towers stood. This had given way, beneath the tremendous weight
resting upon it; and the great tower had fallen, with a crash, to
the ground.

In the morning the combat recommenced but, although t