He constructed an immense machine on wheels, which, being advanced
to the edge of the moat, would lower a temporary bridge, of which
one end would rest on the bank, and the other on the battlements,
and which, being well furnished with stepping boards, would enable
his men to ascend the inclined plane with speed and facility.
Matilda received intimation of this design by the usual friendly channel
of a blunt arrow, which must either have been sent from some secret
friend in the prince's camp, or from some vigorous archer beyond it:
the latter will not appear improbable, when we consider that Robin Hood
and Little John could shoot two English miles and an inch point-blank,
Come scrive Turpino, che non erra.
The machine was completed, and the ensuing morning fixed for the assault.
Six men, relieved at intervals, kept watch over it during the night.
Prince John retired to sleep, congratulating himself in the expectation
that another day would place the fair culprit at his princely mercy.
His anticipations mingled with the visions of his slumber, and he dreamed
of wounds and drums, and sacking and firing the castle, and bearing off
in his arms the beautiful prize through the midst of fire and smoke.
In the height of this imaginary turmoil, he awoke, and conceived for a few
moments that certain sounds which rang in his ears, were the continuation
of those of his dream, in that sort of half-consciousness between
sleeping and waking, when reality and phantasy meet and mingle in dim
and confused resemblance.
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