Remember now, that the nearer we came to this
place the fewer were the spoils of idolatry that we gathered in; the
treasure which is yours, the treasure which is to free you from the
famine, has been seized by the assassin of our holy brother; it is there
scattered at his feet! To the gates! To the gates again! Absolution
for all their sins to the men who burst in the gates!'
Again the mass of timber was taken up; again the gates were assailed;
and again they stood firm--they were now strengthened, barricaded by the
fallen pile. It seemed hopeless to attempt to break them down without a
reinforcement of men, without employing against them the heaviest
missiles, the strongest engines of war.
The people gave vent to a cry of fury as they heard from the temple the
hollow laughter of the madman triumphing in their defeat. The words of
the priest, in allaying their superstitious fears, had aroused the
deadly passions that superstition brings forth. A few among the throng
hurried to the nearest guard-house for assistance, but the greater part
pressed closely round the temple--some pouring forth impotent
execrations against the robber of the public spoil, some joining the
priests in calling on him to yield.
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