That by Mahounde I can note seen̄, How that we shulde wyne ther to the walle.” Who was woode but the Sowdon̄? 276 He reneyed his goddis alle. He clepede his Engyno«ur» sir mavone, The soudan calls for To counsaile he did him faste calle. his engineer Mavon, He tolde him the case of þat myschefe, 280 How it stode at that ilke tyde. Mavon Gafe him counsel in breefe who advised him to fill To fille the Dikes þat were depe.[98] the ditch Every man to woode shal goon̄, 284 Fagotis to hewe and faste bynde, with fagots. And fille the Dikes faste anoon̄ With alle, that we may ther fynde. “Gramercy, Mavon̄,” q«uo»d Laban than̄, 288 Laban thanks his wise “Mahoundis benysone thou shalt haue, engineer. Of alle myn Ooste the wiseste man, [leaf 8] With counsaile men for to saue.” Alle this was done the seconde daye, 292 The following day, the Men myght go even to the walle; ditch being filled with On every party the ooste laye, fagots, the city Thai made assaite[99] then generalle. was assaulted from all The Romaynes ronnen̄ to the toures, 296 quarters. The Romans Thai were in ful grete dowte; ran to the towers, and Thai hade many sharpe shoures, a sharp conflict Thai were assailed sore a-bowte. ensued. Wifis and maidyns stones thai bare 300 Women and maidens To the walles than ful faste, carried stones which Thai were in grete drede and care; the The men over the wallis did caste. men threw over the Thai slowen many a Sarasyn̄, 304 walls. x «thousande»[100] pepul of hem̄ and moo. 10,000 Saracens were The daie passed to the fyne, slain and The hethen withdrowe hem tho. the heathens obliged to Whan these tidinges came to laban, 308 withdraw. [p010 LUKAFER ENTERS THE MAIN TOWER OF ROME.]