ABSTRACT
The veil of night was at length withdrawn; Euthanasia saw the stars wax faint, and then the western sky caught a crimson tinge from the opposing sun. It was long ere he climbed the eastern hill: but his rays fell upon the opposite mountains, and the windows of the castle of Valperga shone dazzlingly bright. The winding path which led to the foot/of the mountain, was lined with archers and slingers, who were hid behind the projecting rocks or trees, or within small wooden towers, erected for the purpose. A chosen band armed with long spears was stationed in firm array at the most precipitous part of the path, who, drawn up in close rank, and advancing their arms, formed an outwork of iron spikes, impossible to be passed or driven back.
