paralyzed, gazing at each other with a blank, dim, unutterable despair.  The shrill blast of many trumpets, the roll of heavy drums, broke that deep stillness.  “The foe! the foe!” was echoed round, fiercely, yet rejoicingly.  “They are upon us—­they brave the flames—­well done!  Now firm and steady; to your arms—­stand close.  Sound trumpets—­the defiance, the Bruce and Scotland!” and sharply and clearly, as if but just arrayed for battle, as if naught had chanced to bend those gallant spirits to the earth, the Scottish clarions sent back their answering blast, and the men gathered in compact array around their gallant leader.

“My horse—­my horse!” shouted Nigel Bruce, as he sprung from rank to rank of the little phalanx, urging, commanding, entreating them to make one last stand, and fall as befitted Scottish patriots.  The keep and inner ballium was still their own as a place of retreat, however short a period it might remain so.  A brave defence, a glorious death would still do much for Scotland.

Shouts, cheers, blessings on his name awoke in answer, as unfalteringly, as bravely as those of the advancing foes.  Prancing, neighing, rearing, the superb charger was at length brought to the dauntless leader.

“Not thus, my lord; in heaven’s name, do not mount thus, unarmed, bareheaded as thou art!” exclaimed several voices, and two or three of his esquires crowded round him.  “Retire but for a brief space within the church.”

“And turn my back upon my foes, Hubert; not for worlds!  No, no; bring me the greaves, gauntlets, and helmet here, if thou wilt, and an they give me time, I will arm me in their very teeth.  Haste ye, my friends, if ye will have it so; for myself these garments would serve me well enough;” but ere he ceased to speak they had flown to obey, and returned ere a dozen more of the English had made their way across the crumbling wall.  Coolly, composedly, Nigel threw aside his mantle and doublet, and permitted his esquires to assist in arming him, speaking at the same time in a tone so utterly unconcerned, that ere their task was finished, his coolness had extended unto them.  He had allowed some few of the English to make an unmolested way; his own men were drawn up in close lines against the inner wall, so deep in shadow that they were at first unobserved by the English.  He could perceive by the still, clear light of the flames, troop after troop of the besiegers were marching forward in the direction both of the causeway and the river; several were plunging in the moat, sword in hand, and attack threatened on every side.  He waited no longer; springing on his charger, with a movement so sudden and unexpected, the helmet fell from his esquire’s hand, and waving his sword above his undefended head, he shouted aloud his war-cry, and dashed on, followed by his men, to the spot where a large body of his foes already stood.