At Priam’s palace (viewed from without), desperately attacked by Greeks
and defended by Trojans. (_a_) The assailants attempt by scaling ladders
to mount to the flat, turreted roof of the palace, while the defendants
hurl down upon these darts and stones, and pry off whole towers which
fall with a mighty crash. The air is filled with the thunderous noise of
these falling masses and with the other confused shouts and sounds of a
desperate conflict.
(_b_) Pyrrhus with a strong band of Greeks is endeavoring to batter down
the gates of the palace at its main entrance.