Sentence:  The noise of the conflict, the shouting and roar of an uncounted multitude of men in the heat and fury of combat, not to more than mention the evidences of the conflict—arrows, bolts, and stones in overflight and falling in <WSD>remittent</WSD> showers—would have dispersed them in ordinary mood; but they were under protection—the Madonna was leading them—to be afraid was to deny her saving grace. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Alternately increasing and decreasing in severity or intensity.