SCENE 3

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.