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 In the last canto the siege recommences. The respite has revived the courage of the Leaguers, but the king is impatient to finish his conquest. The fierce D'Aumale exhorts the garrison to sally and become the assailants. He tells them that "the Frenchman who awaits the attack is already half beaten;" but he fails to inspire them with his own courage, and at last issues alone from the gates to challenge a champion of the enemy. All Henry's chiefs are eager to meet him, but to the valiant Turenne is awarded the honour of the encounter; and he goes out to meet the foe, while the citizens flock to the ramparts, and the king's soldiers range themselves opposite to see the combat:—

The champions, who engage without armour, and with only swords for weapons, advance upon each other with few but characteristic words:—

Of the two warriors, D'Aumale shows himself in the fight the more eager, strong, and furious—Turenne the more skilful and restrained. While D'Aumale exhausts himself in vain efforts, the king's soldier fights calmly