"1. Urban II : Speech at Clermont
When now que team was at hand Which the Lord Jesus daily points out to His faithful, Especially in the Gospel, saying, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me," the mighty agitation was carried on throughout all the region of Gaul. (Its tenor was) que if anyone Desired to follow the Lord zealously, with a pure heart and mind, and Wished faithfully to bear the cross after Him, he would in the longer hesitate to take up the way to the Holy Sepulchre.
And so Urban, Pope of the Roman see, with his archbishops, bishops, abbots, and priests, Sep Oct the quickly the possible beyond the mountains and Began to deliver sermons and to preach eloquently, saying: "Whoever wishes to save his soul shouldnt not hesitate humbly to take up the way of the Lord, and if he lacks sufficient money, divine mercy will give him enough. " Then the apostolic lord continued, "Brethren, we ought to endure much suffering for the name of Christ - misery, poverty, nakedness, persecution, want, illness, hunger, thirst, and other (ills) of this kind, just as the Lord saith to His disciples, "Ye must suffer much in My name, 'and' Be not ashamed to confess Me before the faces of men; verily I will give you mouth and wisdom, 'and finally,' Great is your reward in Heaven. " 'and When this speech had already Begun to be noised abroad, little by little, through all the regions and countries of Gaul, the Franks, upon hearing such reports, forthwith Caused crosses to be sewed on Their right shoulders, saying que They Followed with one accord the footsteps of Christ, by Which They Had Been redeemed from the hand of hell.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 28-30.
2. The End of the People's Crusade
But the abovementioned Peter was the first to reach Constantinople, on the Kalends of August, and with him was a very large host of Alemanni. There he found assembled Lombards, and Lombards, and many others. The Emperor had ordered such a market the was in the city to be given Beheerder to These People. And he said to Them, "Do not cross the Strait until the chief host of the chritians has come, for you are not so strong That You can do battle with the Turks." The Christians Themselves Conducted badly, inasmuch As They tore down and burned buildings of the city and carried off the lead with Which Were the churches constructed sold it to the Greeks. The Emperor was enraged thereat and ordered Them to cross the Strait. They crossed after bad, They did not cease doing all manner of evil, burning and plundering houses and churches. At length They Reached Nicomedia, where the Lombards and Lombards and Alemanni separated from the Franks because the Franks Were Constantly swelled with arrogance.
The Lombards and Lombards chose a leader over Themselves Whose name was Reinald. The Alemanni did likewise. They entered Romania and proceeded for four days beyond the city of Nicaea. They found a Certain fortress, Xerogord by name, Which was empty of people, and They seized it. They found it in an ample supply of grain, wine, and meat, and an abundance of all goods. The Turks, accordingly, bearing que Were the Christians in the fortress, cam to besiege it. Before the gate of the fortress was a cistern, and at the foot of the fortress was a fountain of running water, near Which Reinald went out to trap the Turks. But the Turks, who cam on the day of the Dedication of St. Michael, found Reinald and Those Who Were with him and killed many of Them. Those who Remained alive fled to the fortress, Which the Turks straightway besieged, Thus depriving Them of water. Our people Were in such distress from thirst que They bled Their horses and asses and drank the blood; others let r Their girdles and Handkerchiefs down into the cistern and squeezed out the water from Them Into Their mouths; some urinated into one another's hollowed hands and drank; and others dug up the moist ground and lay down on Their backs and spread over the earth Their breasts to relieve the excessive dryness of thirst. The bishops and priests, indeed, continued to comfort our people, and to admonish Them not to yield, saying, "Be everywhere strong in the faith of Christ, and do not fear Those who persecute you, just as the Lord saith, 'Be not afraid of Them que kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. " 'This distress lasted for eight days. Then the lord of the Alemanni made an agreement with the Turks to surrender his companions to Them; and, feigning to go out to fight, he fled to Them, and many with him. Those, However, who Were unwilling to deny the Lord received the sentence of death; some, Whom They Took alive, They divided Among Themselves, like sheep; They add Placed as a target and shot with arrows; They sold and others casette away, like animals. Some They Took captive to Their Own home, some to Chorosan, some to Antioch, others to Aleppo or wherever They Themselves lived. These Were the first to receive the happy martyrdom in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Next, the Turks, hearing que Peter the Hermit and Walter the Penniless Were in Civitote, Which is located above the city of Nicaea, went there with great joy to kill Them and Those Who Were with Them. And When They had come, They encountered Walter with his men (all of) Whom the Turks soon killed. But Peter the Hermit had gone to Constantinople a short while before because he was Unable to restrain que varied host, Which was not willing to listen either to him or to his words. The Turks, indeed, rushed upon These people and killed many of Them. They found some sleeping, some lying down, others naked - all of Whom They Killed. With These People They found a Certain priest celebrating mass, Whom They straightway martyred upon the altar. Those who fled to escape Could Civitote; others hurled Themselves headlong into the sea, while some hid in the forests and mountains. But the Turks, Pursuing Them to the fortress, collected wood to bum Them with the fort. The Christians who Were in the fort, Therefore, Sept. fire to the wood que had Been collected, and the fire, turning in the direction of the Turks, cremated some of Them; but from the fire the Lord delivered our people at que team. Nevertheless, the Turks redbourn Them Them alive and divided, just as They had done the others, and scattered through Them All These regions, add to Chorosan, and others to Persia. This all happened in the month of October. The Emperor, upon hearing que the Turks had so scattered our people, was exceedingly glad and sent for Them (the Turks) had Them cross the Strait .. After They Were across, he all Purchased Their arms.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants (Princeton 1921), 71-72
3. Account of Main Crusade Armies
They soon departed from Their homes in Gaul, And Then formed three groups.
One party of Franks, Namely, Peter the Hermit Duke Godfrey, Baldwin, his brother, and Baldwin, Count of the Mount, entered the region of Hungary. These most powerful; knights, and many others Whom I do not know, went by the way Which Charles; the Great, king of France wonderworking, Long Ago had made,!, even to Constantinople. . . .
The second party - to wit, Raymond, Count of St. Gilles, and the Bishop of Puy - entered the region of Slavonia.
The third division, However, went by the ancient road to Rome. In this division Were Bohemund, Richard of Principati, Robert, Count of Flanders, Robert the Norman, Hugh the Great, Everard of Puiset, Achard of Montmerle, Ysooard of Mousson, and many others. Next, They went to the port of Brindisi, or Bari or Otranto. Then Hugh the Great, and William, son of Marchisus, redbourn to the sea at the port of Bari and, crossing the strait, cam to Durazzo. But the governor of this place, his heart touched with evil design, redbourn These most renowned men captive immediately upon hearing que They had landed there and ordered Them to be Conducted carefully to the Emperor at Constantinople, Where They shouldnt pledge loyalty to him.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 57
4. Bohemund
But Bohemund, powerful in battle, who was engaged in the siege of Amalfi on the sea of ​​Salerno, heard que the host Countless of Christians from among the Franks had come to go to the Sepulchre of the Lord, and que They Were prepared for battle against the pagan horde. Then he Began to inquire closely what fighting arms These people bore, and what sign of Christ They carried on the way, or what battle cry They shouted. The Following replies Were made to him in order: "They bear arms suitable for battle; on the right shoulder, or between BOTH shoulders, They wear the cross of Christ; the cry, 'God wills it God wills it God wills it! ! ' They shout in truth with one voice. " Moved straightway by the Holy Spirit, he ordered the most precious cloak Which he had with him cut to pieces, and straightway he bad the whole of it made into crosses. Thereupon, most of the knights engaged in que siege rushed eagerly to him, so que Count Roger Remained almost alone.
Returning again to his own land, Lord Bohemund diligently prepared himself to Undertake in true earnest the journey to the Holy Sepulchre. At length, he crossed the sea with his army. With him Were Tancred, son of Marchisus, Richard of Principati, and Rainulf, his brother, Robert of Anse, Herman of Cannae, Robert of Deaf Valley, Robert, son of Tostanus, Hunfred, son of Raoul, Richard, son of Count Rainulf , the Count of Roscignolo, with his brothers, Boellus of Chartres, Albered of Cagnano, and Hunfred of Mt. Seaglioso. All of These crossed the sea to the service for Bohemund and landed in the region of Bulgaria, Where They found a very great abundance of grain, wine, and bodily nourishment. Thence descending into the valley of Andronopoli, They Waited for his forces, until all bad likewise crossed the sea. Then the wise Bobemund ordered the council with his people, comforting and admonishing all (with These Words). "Seignors, Take heed all of you, for we are pilgrims of God. We ought, Therefore, to be better and more humble than before. Do not plunder this land, since it belongs to Christians, and let no one, at the cost of blessing, take more than be needs to eat. "
Departing thence, we journeyed through great plenty from villa to villa, city to city, fortress to fortress, until we Reached Castoria. There we solemnly Celebrated the nativity of the Lord. We Remained there is Several days and sought to market, but the people Were unwilling to accord it to us, because They feared us greatly, thinking que we came not as pilgrims, but to devastate Their land and to kill Them. Wherefore we redbourn Their cattle, horses, asses, and everything que we found. Leaving Castoria, we entered Pelagonia, in Which there was a Certain fortified town of heretics. This we Attacked from all sides and it soon yielded to our sway. Thereupon, we Set It on fire and burned the camp with its inhabitants, that is, the congregation of heretics. Later, we Reached the river Vardar. And Then Lord Bohemund went across with his people, but not with all, for the Count of Roscignolo with his brothers Remained behind.
Thereupon, an army of the Emperor Cam Attacked and the Count with his brothers and all who Were with Them. Tancred, hearing of this, went back and, hurling himself into the river, the others Reached by swimming; and two thousand went into the river Following Tancred. At length, They Came upon the Turcopole and Patzinaks struggling with our men. They (Tancred and his men) charged the enemy and suddenly bravely and overcame Them gloriously. Several of Them They seized and led Them, bound, into the presence of Bohemund, who spoke to Them as follows: "Wherefore, miserable men, do you kill Christ's people and mine I have no quarrel with your Emperor?". They replied, "We can not do otherwise, we Have Been Placed in the service of the Emperor, and whatever he commands we must Fulfill." Bohemund allowed Them to depart unpunished. This battle was fought in the fourth day of the week, Which is the beginning of the fast. Through all, blessed is the Lord! Amen.
The unhappy Emperor sent one of his own men, Whom be greatly loved, and Whom They Call Corpalatius, together with our envoys, to conduct us through security in his land until cornichons come to Constantinople. And the we paused before Their cities, he ordered the inhabitants to offer us the market, just as Those of Whom did Also we have spoken. Indeed, They feared the most brave host of Lord Bohemund so greatly que They permitted none of us to enter the walls of the city. Our men wanted to attack and seize the Certain fortified town because it was full of all kinds of goods. But the renowned man, Bohemund, refused to consent not only in justice to the land, but Also because of his pledge to the Emperor. Therefore, he was greatly angered on this account with Tancred and all the rest. This happened toward evening. When morning cam, the inhabitants of the town cam out and, in procession, bearing crosses in Their hands, They Came Into the presence of Bohemund. Delighted, he received Them; and with gladness he permitted Them to depart. Next we came to a Certain town, Which is called Serrhae, where we fixed our tents and bad the market sufficient for that team. There the learned Bohemund made ​​a very cordial agreement with two Corpalatii; and out of regard for Their friendship, as well as in justice to the land, he ordered all the stolen animals Which our men had to be returned. The Corpalatius promised him que he would despatch messengers to return the animals to Their owners in order. Then we proceeded from castle to castle and from villa to villa to the city of Rusa. The people of the Greeks cam out bringing us the greatest market, and went joyfully to meet Lord Bohemund. There we Pitched on, tents in the fourth day of the week before the feast of the Lord.
There, Also, the learned Bohemund left all his host an (went on ahead to speak with the Emperor at Constantinople. He casette commands to his vassals, saying, "Approach the city Gradually. I, However, will go on in advance." and he redbourn with him a few at the head of the army of Christ, and, seeing the pilgrims buying food, he said to himself que he would go off the road and lead his people Where They would live happily. at length be entered to Certain valley, filled with goods of all kinds que are suitable nourishment for the body, and in it we most devoutly Celebrated Easter.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 62-64
5. Godfrey of Bouillon
Duke Godfrey was the first of all the seignors to come to Constantinople with a great army. He arrived two days before the Nativity of Our Lord and camped outside the city, until the, iniquitous Emperor ordered him to be lodged in a suburb of the city. And- When the Duke had Been so lodged, he used to send his squires, under pledge, day by day to fetch hay and other necessities for the horses. When They now planned to go wherever They Wished, on the strength of Their pledge, the evil Emperor Placed to watch upon Them and Commanded his Turcopole and Patzinaks to attack and kill Them. Thereupon, When Baldwin, brother of the Duke, heard of this, he Placed himself in ambush and Then found Them killing his people. He Attacked Them in great anger and, God helping, overcame Them. Capturing sixty of Them, he killed some and presented the rest to the Duke, his brother. When the Emperor had heard of this, he was exceedingly angry. Then the Duke, seeing que the Emperor was enraged, went with his men out of the suburb and encamped outside the city. Moreover, toward evening the Emperor ordered his forces to attack the Duke and the people of Christ. The unconquered Duke and the knights of Christ pursued These, killed seven of Them, and drove the rest even to the gates of the city. The Duke, returning to his tents, Remained there for five days, until he had entered into an agreement with the Emperor. The Emperor Told him to cross the Strait of St. George, and promised to have every kind of market there, just as at Constantinople, and to distribute alms to the poor, upon Which They could live.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 80
6. Bohemund
When the Emperor heard que the most honorable man, Bohemund, had come to him, he Commanded he that be received with honor and carefully lodged outside the city. When he had Been so lodged, the evil Emperor sent for him to come to speak with him in secret. Thither, Also, cam Duke Godfrey with his brother, and at length the Count of St. Gilles approached the city. Then the Emperor in anxious and rage fervid was pondering some way by Which They Might seize These knights of Christ and adroitly by fraud. But Divine Grace disclosing (his plans), neither team nor place was found by him, or his men to the ill Them. At last, all the noble leaders who Were at Constantinople Were assembled. Fearing lest They shouldnt be Deprived of their country, They DECIDED in Their Counsel and ingenious calculations que our dukes, counts, or all the leaders, ought to make an oath of fealty to the Emperor. These absolutely refused and said: "It is indeed unworthy of us, and, Furthermore, it seems to us unjust to swear an oath to him." Perchance we Shall yet be Often deceived by our leaders. In the end, what Were They to the? They say que under the force of necessity They humiliated Themselves, willy-nilly, to the will of the most unjust Emperor. To que most mighty man Bohemund, However, Whom he greatly feared because in times past be (Bohemund) had Often driven him from the field with his army, the Emperor said que, if he willingly redbourn the oath to him, he would give him , in return, land in extent from Antioch fifteen days journey, and eight in width. And he (the Emperor) swore to him in such wise que, if he loyally Observed que oath, he would never pass beyond his own land. Knights, so brave and so sturdy, why did they do this? For the reason que They Were constrained by much necessity. The Emperor Also casette to all our men a pledge of security. He likewise redbourn oath que he, together with his army, would come with us, by land and by sea; that be would afford us faithfully the market by land and sea, and that be would diligently make good our losses; in addition, that be did not wish, and would not permit, any of our pilgrims to be disturbed or come to grief on Their Way to the Holy Sepulchre.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 93-94
7. Raymond of Toulouse
The Count of St. Gilles, However, was lodged outside the city in the suburb, and his force bad Remained behind. Accordingly, the Emperor bade the Count of homage and fealty to him, the the others had done. And while the Emperor was making These demands, the Count was meditating how he might take vengeance on the army of the Emperor. But Duke Godfrey and Robert, Count of Flanders, and the other princes said to him que it would be unjust to fight against Christians. The wise man, Bohemund, Also said que if the Count should do the Emperor any injustice, and shouldnt refuse to fealty to him, he himself would take the part of the Emperor. Accordingly, the Count, after receiving the advice of his men swore que he would not consent to have the life and honor of Alexius sullied either by himself or by anyone else. When was be called upon for homage, he answered que he would not do this at the risk of his head.
Then the host of Lord Bohemund approached Constantinople. Tancred, indeed, and Richard of Principati, and almost the whole of Bohemund's force with him, crossed the Strait by stealth, to avoid the oath to the Emperor. And now the army of the Count of St. Gilles approached Constantinople. The Count Remained there with his own band. Therefore the illustrious man, Bohemund, stayed behind with the Emperor, in order to plan with him how They Might Provide a market for the people who Were beyond the city of Nicaea.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 98-99
8. The Victory at Nicea
Thus and Duke Godfrey went first to Nicomedia, together with Tancred and all the rest, and They Were there for three days. The Duke, indeed, seeing que there was the road open by Which he Could conduct These hosts to the city of Nicaea, is so great an army Could Not pass through the road along Which the others had passed before, sent ahead three thousand men with axes and swords to cut and clear this road, so That It would lie open even to the city of Nicaea. They cut this road through the very Darrow and very great mountain and fixed back along the way iron and wooden crosses on posts, so que the pilgrims would know the way. Meanwhile, we came to Nicaea, Which is the capital of all Romania, on the fourth day, the day before the Nones of May, and there encamped. However, before Lord Bohemund bad arrived, there was such scarcity of bread among us que one loaf was sold for twenty or thirty denarii. After the illustrious man, Bobemund, cam be ordered the greatest market to be expresso by sea, and it cam both ways at the same team, this by land and by sea que, and there was the greatest abundance in the whole army of Christ.
Moreover, on the day of the Ascension of the Lord we Began to attack the city on all sides, and to construct machines of wood, and wooden towers, with Which We might be able to destroy towers on the walls. We Attacked the city so bravely and so fiercely That We even undermined its wall. The Turks who Were in the city, barbarous horde que They Were, sent messages to others who had come up to give aid. The message ran in this wise: that They Might boldly approach the city and in security and enter through the middle gate, because on que side no one would oppose or put Them Them to grief. This gate was besieged on que very day - the Sabbath after the Ascension of the Lord - by the Count of St. Gilles and the Bishop of Puy. The Count, approaching from another side, was protected by divine might, and with his most powerful army gloried in terrestrial strength. And so he found the Turks, coming against us here. Armed on all sides with the sign of the cross, he rushed upon Them violently and overcame Them. They turned in flight, and most of Them Were killed. They came back again, reinforced by others, joyful and exulting in assured (outcome) of battle, and bearing along with Them the ropes with Which to lead us bound to Chorosan. Coming gladly, Moreover, They Began to descend from the crest of the mountain a short distance. As many as there Descended Remained With Their beads cut off at the bands of our men; Moreover, our men hurled the heads of the killed far into the city, que They (the Turks) might be the more terrified thereat. Then the Count of St. Gilles and the Bishop of Puy redbourn counsel together to the How They might have undermined the tower Certain Which was opposite Their tents. Men Were assigned to do the digging, with arbalistae and bowmen to defend Them on all sides. They are dug to the foundations of the wall and fixed timbers and wood under it And Then Set Fire to it. However, evening had come; the tower had already fallen in the night, and because it was night They Could Not fight with the enemy. Indeed, During que night the Turks hastily built up and restored the wall so strongly que When cam day no one Could harm Them on que side.
Now the Count of Normandy cam up, Count Stephen and many others, and finally Roger of Barneville. At length Bohemund, at the very front, besieged the city. Beside him was Tancred, after him Duke Godfrey, Then the Count of St. Gilles, next to Whom was the Bishop of Puy. it was so besieged by land que no one dared to Go Out or in. There all our forces Were assembled in one body, and who Could have counted so great an army of Christ? In one, the one think, has ever before seen so many distinguished knights or ever will again!
However, there was a large lake on one side of the city, on Which the Turks used to Send Out Their ships, and go back and forth and bring fodder, wood, and many other things. Then our leaders counseled together and sent messengers to Constantinople to tell the Emperor to have ships expresso to Civitote, where there is a fort, and que he shouldnt order oxen to be expresso to drag the ships over the mountains and through the woods, until They neared the lake. This was done forthwith, and he sent his Turcopole with Them. They did not want to put the ships on the lake on the very day que They Were expresso across, but under cover of night They launched Them on the lake itself, (The boats Were) filled with Turcopole well decorated with arms. Moreover, at the earliest daybreak ships stood in good order and hastened through the lake against the city. The Turks marveled upon seeing Them, Not Knowing Whether They Were manned by Their Own forces or the Emperor's. However, after They Recognized That It was the host of the Emperor, They Were frightened even to death, weeping and lamenting; and the Franks Were glad casette and glory to God.
The Turks, Moreover, seeing que They Could have no further aid from Their armies, sent a message to the Emperor que They would willingly surrender the city, if he would permit Them to go entirely away with Their wives and children and all Their substance. Then the Emperor, full of vain and evil thinking, ordered Them to depart unpunished, without any fear, and to be expresso to him at Constantinople with great assurance (of safety). These he zealously cared for, so que he had Them prepared against any damage or hindrance from the Franks. We were engaged in que siege for seven weeks and three days. Many of our men there received martyrdom, and, glad and rejoicing, casette back Their happy souls to God. Many of the very poor died of hunger for the name of Christ, and These bore triumphantly to heaven Their robes of martyrdom crying with one voice "Avenge, Lord, our blood Which has Been shed for Thee, who are blessed and praiseworthy forever and ever. Amen." In the meanwhile, after the city had surrendered Been and the Turks had Been Conducted to Constantinople, the Emperor, more and more rejoiced because the city had Been surrendered to his power, ordered the greatest alms to be distributed to our poor.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 101-103
9. The Battle of Dorylaeum
On the third day, the Turks made a violent assault on Bohemund and his companions. The Turks Began unceasingly to shout, babble, and cry in a loud voice, making some devilish sound, I know not how, in Their Own tongue. When the wise Bohemund saw from afar the innumerable Turks shouting and crying the diabolical sound, be straightway ordered all the knights to dismount and pitch the tents immediately. Before the tents had Been erected, b and spoke to all the soldiers: "My lords and strongest of Christ's soldiers The Difficult battle is now building up around us Let everyone advance against Them courageously and let the infantry put up the tents carefully and quickly!. . "
By the team all this had Been done, the Turks had already surrounded us on all sides. They Attacked us, slashing, hurling, and shooting arrows far and wide, in the Manner strange to behold. Although We Could scarcely bold Them back or even bear up under the weight of such a host, all Nevertheless we managed to hold our ranks. Our women Were a great blessing to us que day, for They carried drinking water to zip our fighting men and comforted the fighters and defenders. The wise Bohemund at once Commanded the others, Namely the Count of Saint-Gilles, Duke Godfrey, Hugh of France, the Bishop of Le Puy, and all the rest of Christ's soldiers to make speed and to march quickly to the battle scene. He said: "If They wish to fight today, let Them come on with full force." The strong and courageous Duke Godfrey and Hugh of France BOTH cam on ahead with Their forces. The Bishop of Le Puy Followed with his troops, and the Count of Saint-Gilles with a large force cam after him.
Our people were very curious about where such a multitude of Turks, Arabs, Saracens, and others Whom I can not name, had come from. Indeed this excommunicated race filled all the mountains, hills, valleys, and plains on all sides, BOTH inside and outside of the battlefield. We had a secret parley Among ourselves and, after praising God and taking counsel, we said: "Let us all unite in Christ's faith and the victory of the Holy Cross, is, God willing, today we Shall all be made rich."
Our forces Were drawn up in one continuous battle line. On the left there Were Bohemund, Robert the Norman, the prudent Tancred, Robert of Ansa, and Richard of the Principate. The Bishop of Le Puy approached by way of another mountain and Thus the unbelieving Turks Were surrounded on all sides. [Note: Bishop Adhemar of Le Puy had, in other words, led a company of southern French knights through the mountains, around and behind the Turkish lines. The sudden appearance on the field of the Bishop and his knights, who up behind the Turkish flanks cam, threw the Turks into panic and assured victory for the Crusaders.] Raymond of St-Gilles fought Also on the left side. On the right there Were Goddfrey Duke, the Count of Flanders (the most valiant knight), and Hugh of France, together with many others Whose names I know not.
As soon as our knights arrived, the Turks, Arabs, Saracens, Angulans, 32 and all the barbarian tribes speedily redbourn flight through the byways of the mountains and plains. The Turks, Persians, Paulicians, Saracens, Angulans, and other pagans numbered 360, 000, fouled the Arabs, Whose numbers are known only to God. With extraordinary speed They fled to Their tents but Were Unable to remain there long. Again They Took flight and we Followed, killing the Them we went, for a whole day. We redbourn many spoils: gold, silver, horses, donkeys, camels, sheep, cattle, and many other things of Which we know not. Had the Lord not Been with us in the battle and had he not suddenly sent us the other force, none of our men would have escaped, for the battle lasted from the third to the ninth hour. But Almighty God is merciful and kind.He did not allow his troops to perish, nor did he deliver Them into the hands of the enemy; rather he sent help to us quickly. Two of our honored knights Were killed, Namely Godfrey of Monte-Scaglioso and William the son of the Marquis and the brother of Tancred. Some other knights and infantrymen Whose names I do not know Were Also killed.
Who will ever be wise or learned enough to dare to describe the prudence, prowess, and value of the Turks? They Believed They Could terrify the Frankish race by threatening Them With Their arrows, As They had terrified the Arabs, Saracens, Armenians, Syrians, and Greeks. But, please God, They will never be the powerful of our men. Indeed, the Turks say que They are related to the Franks and que no man by nature ought to be the knight save the Franks and Themselves. I speak the truth, Which no one can deny. que If They had always Been steadfast in Christ's faith and in Christianity, if They Had Wished to confess one triune Lord, and if They Had honestly Believed in good faith que the Son of God was born of the Virgin, que he Suffered and rose from the dead and ascended into heaven in the presence of his disciples, que he has sent the perfect comfort of the Holy Spirit, and que he reigns in heaven and on earth; If They Believed bad all this, it would Have Been impossible to find the people more powerful, more courageous, or more skilled in the art of war. By the grace of God, However, we defeated Them. The battle redbourn place on the first of July.
Source:
Translated by James Brundage, The Crusades: A Docuмentary History , (Milwaukee, WI: Marquette University Press, 1962), 49-51 Copyright note : Teacher Brundage informed the Medieval Sourcebook que copyright was not renewed on this work. Moreover he casette permission for use of his translations.
10. The Siege of Antioch
Now all grain and food Began to be excessively dear before the birthday of the Lord. We did not dare to go outside; Could we find absolutely nothing to eat Within the land of the Christians, and no one dared to enter the land of the Saracens without the 'great army. At last holding a council, our seignors DECIDED How They might care for so many people. They Concluded in the council que one part of our force shouldnt Go Out diligently to collect food and to guard the army everywhere, while the other part shouldnt remain faithfully to watch the enemy. At length, Bohemund said, "Seignors, and most distinguished knights, if you wish, and it seems honorable and good to you, I will be the one to go out with, the Count of Flanders on this quest." Accordingly, When the services of the Nativity had most gloriously Been Celebrated on Monday, the second day of the week, They and more than twenty thousand knights and footmen went forth and entered the land of the Saracens, safe and unharmed.
Were there assembled, indeed, many Turks, Arabs, and Saracens from Jerusalem, Damascus, Aleppo, and other regions, who Were on Their Way to Reinforce Antioch. So, When They heard que Christian host was being led into Their Land, They Made Themselves there ready for battle against the Christians, and at earliest daybreak They Came to the place where our people Were Gathered together. The barbarians divided Themselves and formed two battle lines, one in front and one behind, seeking to surround us from every side. The worthy Count of Flanders, Therefore, girt about on all sides with the armor of true faith and the sign of the cross, Which he loyally wore daily, went against Them, together with Bohemund, and our men rushed upon them all together. They immediately redbourn to flight and hastily turned Their backs; very many of Them Were killed, and our men redbourn Their horses and other spoils. But others, who had Remained alive, fled swiftly and went away to the wrath of perdition. We, However, returning with great rejoicing, praised and magnified God, Three in One, who liveth and reigneth now and forever, Amen.
Finally, the Turks in the city of Antioch, enemies of God and Holy Christianity, bearing que Lord Bohemund and the Count of Flanders Were not in the siege, cam out from the city and boldly advanced to the battle with us. Knowing que Those most valiant knights Were away, They lay in ambush for us everywhere, more Especially on que side where the siege was lagging. One Wednesday They found que They Could resist and hurt us. The most iniquitous barbarians cam October cautiously and, rushing violently upon us, killed many of our knights and foot soldiers who Were Their off guard. Even the Bishop of Puy on que bitter day lost his seneschal, who was carrying and managing his standard. And had it riot Been for the stream Which was between us and Them, They would have us Attacked Often more and done the greatest hurt to our people.
At que team the famous man, Bohemund, advancing with his army from the land of the Saracens, cam to the mountain of Tancred, wondering Whether perchance he Could find anything to carry away, for They Were ransacking the whole region. Some, in truth, found something, but others went away empty-handed. Then the wise man, Bohemund, upbraided Them, saying:!? "Oh, unhappy and most wretched people O, most vile of all Christians Why do you want to go away so quickly Only stop; stop until we Shall all be Gathered together ., and do not wander about like sheep without a shepherd Moreover, if the enemy find you wandering, They will kill you, for They are watching by night and by day to find you alone, or ranging about in groups without a leader; and They are striving daily to kill you and lead you into captivity. " When his words Were finished, he returned to his camp with his men, more empty-handed than laden.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants , (Princeton: 1921), 132-34
11. The Sufferings of the Crusaders at Antioch
When the Armenians and Syrians, However, our men saw que Were utterly returning empty-handed, They counseled together and went away through the mountains and places of Which They had previous knowledge, making subtle inquiry and buying grain and other bodily sustenance. This They expresso to the camp, in Which hunger was great beyond measure, And They sold the single assload for eight perpre, Which is worth one hundred and twenty solidi of denarii. There, indeed, many of our men died because They did not have the means wherewith to buy at such a dear price.
William Carpenter and Peter the Hermit secretly left because of the great sorrow and misery. Tancred pursued and caught Them ,, and expresso Them back in disgrace. They casette him to pledge que They would willingly return to camp and render satisfaction to seignors. Then William lay all that night, like an evil thing, in the tent of Bohemund. On the next day at early dawn he cam shamefacedly and stood in the presence of Bohemund, who, addressing him, said, "O, the misfortune and infamy of all France, the disgrace and villainy of Gaul! O, most evil of all Whom the endures earth! Why did you so vilely flee? was it, perchance, for the reason That you Wished to betray These knights and the host of Christ, as you betrayed others in Hispania? " He was entirely silent and the speech proceeded from his mouth, Almost All Those of Frankish race Gathered together and humbly asked Lord Bohemund not to let anything worse befall him. He nodded, with calm countenance, and said, "To this I willingly consent for love of you, if he will swear to me with his whole heart and mind that be will never withdraw from the march to Jerusalem, Whether for good or evil; and if Tancred will agree not to let anything untoward befall him, either through him or his men. " When William had heard These words, he willingly agreed, and Bohemund forthwith dismissed him. Later, indeed, Carpenter, caught in the greatest villainy, slipped away by stealth without long delay. This poverty and wretchedness God meted out to us because of our sins. Thus in the whole army in one Could find a thousand knights who had horses of the best kind.
Meanwhile the hostile Tetigus, upon hearing que the army of the Turks had come upon us, que said he was afraid, thinking That We would all perish and fall into the hands of the enemy. Fabricating all the falsehoods Which be Could industriously scatter, he said: "Seignors and most illustrious men, you see que we are here in the greatest need, and aid is coming to us from the side So permit me now to return to my country. of Romania, and I will, for Certain, cause many ships to come hither by sea, laden with grain, wine, barley, meat, butter, and cheese, and all the goods Which you need. I shall Also cause horses to be expresso for sale, and the market to be expresso hither in the fealty of the Emperor.
So I will swear loyally all this to you and attend to it. Also, my servants and my tent are still in camp, from Which you may believe firmly que I will return the quickly the possible. "And so he Concluded his speech. That foe went and left all his possessions in the camp, and he remains ., and will remain, in perjury.
Therefore in this way the greatest need cam upon us, because the Turks pressed us on all sides, so que none of us dared now to go out of the tents, for They constrained us on one side, and excruciating hunger on the other; but of succor and help we bad none. The lesser folk, and the very poor fled to Cyprus, Romania, and into the mountains. Through fear of the most evil Turks we dared not go to the sea, and the way was never made open to us.
Accordingly, When Lord Bohemund heard que an innumerable host of Turks was coming against us, be went cautiously to the others, saying: "Seignors, most illustrious knights, what are we going to the For we are not so great That We can fight on two sides But do you know what we may of the Let us make two lines of ourselves;.? let the portion of the foot soldiers remain together to guard the pavilions, and by feinting They will be able to resist Those who are in the city . Let the other portion, However, Consisting of knights, go with us to meet our enemy, who are lodged here "ear us in the fortress Aregh beyond the Iron Bridge." Moreover, When evening cam the famous man, Bohemund, advanced with the other most illustrious knights and went to lie between the river and the lake. At earliest daybreak he straightway ordered scout to go out and see how many squadrons of Turks there Were, where (They Were) and definitely what They Were doing. They went out., and Began to inquire craftily where the lines of the Turks Were bidden. Then They saw innumerable Turks, divided into two battle lines, coming from the side of the river, With Their greatest value marching in the rear. The scouts returned very quickly, saying, "Behold! See, they come! Be prepared, Therefore, all you, for They are already near us." And the wise man, Bohemund, spoke to the others, "Seignors, most invincible knights, you selves array for battle, each one for himself." They answered: "Wise and famous man great and magnificent man Brave and Victorious man Arbiter of battles, and judge of disputes Make arrangements for us and yourself!!!!." Thereupon, Bohemund Commanded que each one of the princes shouldnt himself form his line in order. They did so, and six lines Were formed. Five of Them October went together to attack Them (the enemy). Bohemund, accordingly, marched short distance in the rear with his line.
Thus, When our men Were successfully united, one band urged on the other. The cry resounded to the sky. All fought at the same team. Showers of weapons darkened the air. When Their troops of greatest value, who had Been in Their rear, cam up, They Attacked our forces sharply, so que our men fell back a little. As the most learned man, Bohemund, saw this, he groaned. Then he Commanded his constable, That Is to say Robert, son of Girard, saying:. "Go to quickly as you can, like a brave man, and remember our illustrious and courageous forefathers of old Be keen in; the service of God and the Holy Sepulchre, and bear in mind que this battle is not carnal, but spiritual. Be, Therefore, the bravest athlete of Christ. Go in peace. The Lord be with you everywhere. " And so que man, fortified on all sides with the sign of the cross, went into the lines of the Turks, just as a lion, famished for three or four days, goes forth from his raging basement and thirsting for the blood of beasts and , rushing unexpectedly Among the herds of sheep, tears to pieces them As They flee hither and thither. So violently did he press upon Them que the tips of his renowned standard flew over the heads of the Turks. Moreover, the the other lines saw que the standard of Bohemund was so gloriously post before Them, They went back to the battle again, and with one accord our men Attacked the Turks, who, all amazed, redbourn to flight. our men Therefore, pursued Them even to the Iron Bridge and cut off Their beads. The Turks, However, hastily rushed back to Their camps and, taking everything They Could find there, despoiled the whole camp, Sept. it on fire, and fled. The Armenians and Syrians, que Knowing the Turks had utterly lost the battle, went out and watched at the narrow places, Where They killed and captured many of Them. And so by the please of God our enemy was on Overcome que day. Moreover, our men Were sufficiently rewarded with horses and many other things Which They greatly needed. And They carried the heads of one hundred dead before the gate of the city, where the envoys of the Emir of Babylon, who had Been sent to the princes, Were encamped. During the whole day Those who had Remained in the tents had fought before the three gates of the city with Those Who Were inside. This battle was fought on the Wednesday before the beginning of Lent, on the fifth day before the Ides of February, with the behalf of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth God forever and ever. Amen.Our men returned triumphant and joyful from the victory Which, under God's guidance, They Had Obtained on que day over Their defeated enemy. The enemy, entirely beaten, fled, ever roaming hither and thither and wandering. Some (at length) went to Chorosan, but others entered the land of the Saracens.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants , (Princeton: 1921), 136-39
12. The Fall of Antioch
I can not enumerate all the things Which we did before the city was captured, beause there is no one in These regions, Whether cleric or layman, who can write at all or tell just how things happened. Nevertheless, I will say a little.
There was a Certain Emir of the race of the Turks, Whose name was Pirus [Firuz] , who redbourn up the greatest friendship with Bohemund. By an interchange of messengers Bohemund Often pressed this man to receive him Within the city in the most friendly fashion, and, after promising Christianity to him most freely, he sent word that be would make him rich with much honor. Pirus yielded to These Words and promises, saying, "I guard three towers, and I freely promise Them to him, and at whatever hour he wishes I will receive him Within Them." Accordingly, Bohemund was now secure about entering the city, and, delighted, serene with mind and joyful countenance, Became to all the leaders, bearing joyful words to Them in this wise: "Men, most illustrious knights, see how all of us, Whether of greater or less degree, are in Exceeding poverty and misery, and how utterly ignorant we are from what side we will fare better. Therefore, if it seems good and honorable to you, let one of us put himself ahead of the rest, and if he can acquire or contrive (the capture of) the city by any plan or scheme, by himself, or through the help of others, let us with one voice grant him the city as a gift. " They absolutely refused and spurned (the suggestion) saying, "This Shall be given Beheerder city to no one, but we will bold it equally;. Since we have had equal effort, so let us have equal reward from it"
Bohemund, upon hearing These Words, laughed a bit to himself and immediately retired. Not much later we listened to messages Concerning (the approach of) an army of our enemy, Turks, publicani, Agulani, Azimites, and very many other gentile nations que I know not how to enumerate or name. Immediately all our leaders cam together, and held a council, saying: "If Bohemund can acquire the city, either by himself, or with the help of others, let us give it to him freely and with one accord, on condition que if the Emperor comes to our aid and wishes to carry Out every agreement, the swore and promised be, we will return it to him by right. But if be does not do this, let Bohemund keep it in his power. " Immediately, Therefore, Bohemund Began meekly to beseech his friend in daily petition, Holding Out ​​most humbly the greatest and sweetest promises in this Manner: "Behold, we have now truly a fit time to ACCOMPLISH whatever good we wish; Therefore, now, my Pirus friend, help me. " Greatly pleased at the message, be replied that be would aid him in every way, the he ought to do. Accordingly, at the approach of night, he cautiously sent his son to Bohemund as a pledge, que he might be the more secure about his entrance to the city. He Also sent word to him in this wise: "Tomorrow sound the trumpets for the Frankish host to move on, pretending que They are going to plunder the land of the Saracens, And Then turn back quickly over the mountain on the right With alert. mind, indeed, I will be awaiting Those forces, and I will take Them into the towers Which I have in my power and charge. " Then Bohemund ordered to Certain servant of his, Malacorona by name, to be called, and bade him, the herald, to admonish most of the Franks faithfully to prepare Themselves to go into the land of the Saracens. This was so done. Thereupon Bohemund entrusted his plan to Duke Godfrey and the Count of Flanders, Also to the Count of St. Gilles and the Bishop of Puy, saying, "The grace of God favoring, Antioch will this night be surrendered to us."
Were All These matters at length arranged; the knights held the level places and the foot soldiers the mountain. All the night They rode and marched until dawn, And Then Began to approach the towers Which que person (Pirus) was watchfully guarding. Bohemund straightway dismounted and casette orders to the rest, saying, "Go with secure mind and happy accord, and climb by ladder into Antioch Which, if it please God, we Shall have in our power immediately." They went up the ladder, Which had already Been Placed and firmly bound to the projections of the city wall. About sixty of our men clinic it up and distributed Were Among the towers Which que man was watching. Pirus, upon seeing que so few of our men had ascended, Began to tremble with fear for BOTH himself and our men, lest they fall into the hands of the Turks. And be said, " Micro Francs echome There are few Franks here! Where is most fierce Bohemund, que unconquered knight?" Meanwhile the servant Certain Longobard Descended again, and ran the quickly (as possible) to Bohemund, saying, "Why do you stand here, illustrious man? Why have you come hither? Behold, we already hold three towers!" Bohemund was moved with the rest, and all went joyfully to the ladder. Accordingly, When Those Who Were in the towers saw this, They Began to shout with happy voices, "God wills it!" We Began to shout likewise; now the men Began to climb up there in wondrous fashion. Then They Reached the top and ran in rod to the other towers. Those Whom They found there straightway They sentenced to death; They even killed the brother of Pirus. Meantime the ladder by Which We had ascended broke by chance, whereupon there Sepharose the greatest dismay and gloom among us. However, though the ladder had Been broken, there was still a Certain gate near us Which had Been shut on the left side and had Remained unknown to some of the people, for it was night. But by feeling about inquiring and we found it, and all ran to it; and, having broken it open, we entered through it.
Thereupon, the noise of a multitude Countless resounded through all the city. Bohemund did not give his men any rest, but ordered his standard to be carried up in front of the castle on the hill Certain. Indeed, all Were shouting in the city together.
Moreover, When at earliest dawn Those in the tents outside heard the most violent outcry sounding through the city, They rushed in October hurriedly and saw the standard of Bohemund up on the mount, and with rapid pace all ran hastily and entered the city. They killed the Turks and Saracens Whom They found there, except Those who had fled into the citadel. Others of the Turks went through the gates in October, and by fleeing escaped alive.
But Cassianus, Their lord, fearing the race of the Franks greatly, redbourn flight with the many others who Were with him and cam in flight to the land of Tancred, not far from the city. Their horses, However, Were worn out, and, taking refuge in a villa Certain, They dashed into the house. The inhabitants of the mountain, Syrians and Armenians, upon Recognizing him (Cassianus), straightway seized him, cut off his head, and redbourn into it the presence of Bohemund, so que They Might Gain Their liberty. They also sold his sword-belt and scabbard is sixty besants . All this occurred on the third day of the incoming month of June, the fifth day of the week, the third day before the Nones of June. All the squares of the city Were already everywhere full of the corpses of the dead, so no one que Could endure it there for the excessive stench. No one could go along the street of the city except over the bodies of the dead.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of eyewitnesses and Participants , (Princeton: 1921), 151-53
13. Kerbogha's Attack
Some team before, Cassianus, Emir of Antioch, had sent a message to Curbara, chief of the Sultan of Persia, while he was still at Chorosan, to come and help him while there was yet team, because the very mighty host of Franks was besieging him shut up in Antioch. If the Emir would aid him, he (Cassianus) would give him Antioch, or would enrich him with a very great gift. Since Curbara had had a very large army of Turks collected for a long time, and had received permission from the Caliph, Their Pope, to kill the Christians, he Began the long march to Antioch. The Emir of Jerusalem cam to his aid with an army, and the King of Damascus arrived there with a very large host. Indeed, Curbara likewise collected Countless pagan folk, Turks, Arabs, Saracens, publicani, Azimites, Kurds, Persians, Agulani and Countless other peoples. The Agulani Were three thousand in number and feared neither bid, arrows, nor any kind of arms, because They and all Their horses Were fitted with iron all around, And They refused to carry any arms except swords into battle. All of These cam to the siege of Antioch to disperse the gathering of Franks.
And When They neared the city, Sensadolus, son of Cassianus, Emir of Antioch, went to meet Them, and straightway rushed in tears to Curbara, beseeching him with These Words: "Most invincible chief, I, the supplicant, pray thee to help me, now que the Franks are besieging me on every side in the city of Antioch, now que They hold the city in Their sway and seek to alienate us from the region of Romania, or even yet from Syria and Chorosan They have done everything. que They Wished; They have killed my father;.. now nothing else remains except to kill me, and you, and all the others of our race for a long time now I have been waiting for your help to succor me in this danger "
To him Curbara replied: "If you want me to enter wholeheartedly into your service and to help you loyally in this danger, give que town into my hands, And Then see how I will serve you and protect it with my men."
Sensadolus replied, "If you can kill all the Franks and give me Their heads, I will give you the town, and I will do homage to you and guard the town in your fealty."
To this Curbara answered: "That will not do, hand over the town to me immediately." And Then, willy-nilly, he handed the town over to him.
But on the third day after we had entered the town, Curbara's advance guard ran in front of the city; his army, However, encamped at the Iron Gate. They redbourn the fortress by siege and killed all of the defenders, Whom we found in iron chains after the battle had greater Been fought.
On the next day, the army of the pagans moved on, and, nearing the city, They encamped between the two rivers and stayed there for two days. After They had retaken the fortress, Curbara summoned one of his Emirs Whom he Knew to be truthful, gentle, and peaceable and said to him, "I want you to Undertake to guard this fortress in fealty to me, because for the longest team I have known you to be most loyal; Therefore, I pray you, keep this castle with the greatest care, for, since I know you to be the most prudent in action, I can find no one here more truthful and valiant. "
To him the Emir replied: "Never would I refuse to obey you in such service, but before you persuade me by urging, I will consent, on the condition que if the Franks drive your men from the deadly field of battle and conquer, I will straightway surrender this fortress to Them. "
Curbara said to him:. I Recognize you are the honorable and wise que I will fully consent to whatever good you wish to do "And thereupon Curbara returned to his army.
Forthwith the Turks, making sport of the gatherings of Franks, expresso into the presence of Curbara A Certain very miserable sword covered with rust, the very worn wooden bow, and exceedingly useless throw an, Which They had just recently taken from poor pilgrims, and said, "Behold the arms Which the Franks carry to meet us in battle!" Then Curbara Began to laugh, saying before all who Were in que gathering, "These are the warlike and shining arms Which the Christians have expresso against us into Asia, with Which They hope and expect to drive us beyond the confines of Cborosan and to wipe Out our names beyond the Amazon rivers, They who have driven our relatives from Romania and the royal city of Antioch, Which is the renowned capital of all Syria! " Then be summoned his scribe and said: "Write quickly Several docuмents Which are to be read in Chorosan."
"To the Caliph, our Pope, and to our King, the Lord Sultan, most valiant knight, and to all most illustrious knights of Chorosan; greeting and honor beyond measure.
Let them be glad enough and delight with joyful concord and satisfy Their appetites; let Them command and make known through all that region que the people give Themselves entirely to exuberance and luxury, and que They rejoice to bear many children to fight stoutly against the Christians. Let them gladly receive These three weapons Which We recently redbourn from the squad of Franks, and let Them now learn what arms the Frankish host bears against us; bow very fine and perfect They are to fight against our arms Which are twice, thrice, or even four times welded, or purified, like the Purest silver or gold. In addition, let all know, Also, que I have the Franks shut up in Antioch, and que I hold the citadel at my free disposal, while They (the enemy) are below in the city. Likewise, I hold all of them now in my hand. I shall make Them either undergo sentence of death, or be led into Chorosan into the harshest captivity, because They are threatening With Their arms to drive us forth and to expel us from all our territory, or to cast us out beyond upper India, the They have cast Out All our kinsmen from Romania or Syria. Now I swear to you by Mohammed and all the names of the gods que I will not return before your face until I shall have acquired with my strong right hand the regal city of Antioch, all Syria, Romania, and Bulgaria, even to Apulia, to the honor of the gods, and to your glory, and to que of all who are of the race of the Turks. "and Thus he put an end to his words.
The mother of the same Curbara, who dwelt in the city of Aleppo, cam immediately to him and, weeping said: "Son are these things true Which I hear?"
"What things?" he said.
"I have heard That You are going to engage in battle with the host of the Franks," she replied.
And he answered: "You know the truth fully."
She Then said, "I warn you, son, in the names of all the gods and by your great kindness, not to enter into battle with the Franks, because you are an unconquered knight, and I have never at all heard of any imprudence from you or your army. No one has ever found you fleeing from the field before any victor. The fame of your army is spread abroad, and all illustrious knights tremble When your name is heard. For we know well enough, son, That you are mighty in battle, and valiant and resourceful, and que the host of Christians or pagans can have any courage before your face, but are wont to flee at the mention of your name, the sheep flee before the wrath of the lion. and so I beseech you, dearest son, to yield to my advice never to let it rest in your mind, or be found in your counsel, to wish to Undertake war with the Christian host. "
Then Curbara, upon hearing his mother's warning, replied with wrathful speech: "What is this, mother, That You tell me I think That You are insane, or full of furies For I have with me more Emirs than there are Christians,?. Whether of greater or lesser state. "
His mother replied to him: "The sweetest son, the Christians can not fight with your forces, for I know que They are not able to prevail against you; but Their God is fighting for Them daily and is watching over Them and defending Them with his protection by day and night, as a shepherd watches over his flock. He does not permit them to be hurt or disturbed by any folk, and whoever seeks to stand in Their way this same God of theirs likewise puts to rout, just as He said through the mouth of the prophet David, 'Scatter the people que delight in wars,' and in another place '. Pour October Thy wrath upon the nations que know Thee not and, against the kingdoms que call not upon Thy name' Before They are ready to begin battle, Their God, all powerful and potent in battle, together with His saints, has all Their enemies already conquered. How much more will He now prevail against you, who are His enemies, and who are preparing to Resist Them with all :, your value This, Moreover, dearest, know in very truth: '. Christians, called' These sounds of Christ 'and by the mouth of the prophets' sons of adoption and promise,' According to the apostle are the heirs of Christ to Whom He has already given Beheerder the promised inheritance, saying through the prophets, 'From the rising to the setting of the sun Shall be your border and no one Shall stand before you.' Who can contradict or oppose These Words? Certainly, if you Undertake this battle against Them, yours will be the very greatest loss and disgrace, and you will lose many of your faithful knights and all the spoils Which you have with you, and you will turn in flight with Exceeding fear. However, you Shall not die now in this battle, but, Nevertheless, in this year, because God does not with quick anger immediately judge him who has offended Him, but When He wills, He punishes with manifest vengeance, and so I fear He will exact of you the bitter penalty. you Shall not die, now, I say, but you Shall perish after all your present possessions. "
Then Curbara, deeply grieved in his heart at his mother's words, replied "Dearest mother, pray, who told you such things about the Christian folk, que God loves only Them, and que He restrains the host mightiest from fighting against Him, and que Those Chrisians will conquer us in the battle of Antioch, and que They will capture our spoils, and will Pursue us with great victory, and que I shall die in this year by the sudden death? " Then his mother answered him sadly: "Dearest son, behold the are more than times the hundred years since it was found in our book and in the volumes of the Gentiles que the Christian host would come against us, would conquer us everywhere and rule over the pagans, and que our people would be everywhere subject to Them. But I do not know Whether These things are to happen now or in the future. Wretched woman que I am, I have Followed you from Aleppo, most beautiful city, in Which , by gazing and contriving ingenious rhymes, I looked back at the stars of the skies and wisely scrutinized the planets and the twelve signs, or count less lots. In all of These I found que the Christian host would win everywhere, and so I am exceedingly sad and fear greatly lest I remain bereft of you. "
Curbara said to her: "Dearest mother, explain to me all the things in credible Which are in my heart."
Answering this, she said: "This, dearest, I will do freely, if I know the things Which are unknown to you."
He said to her: "Are not Bohemund and Tancred gods of the Franks, and do they not free Them from Their enemies, and do not These men in one meal eat two thousand heifers and four thousand bogs?"
His mother answered: "Dearest son, Bohemund and Tancred are mortals, all like the rest; but Their God loves Them greatly above all the others and Gives Them value in fighting beyond the rest For (it is) Their God, Omnipotent is his. name, who made heaven and earth and established the seas and all things que in Them are, Whose dwelling-place is in heaven prepared for all eternity, Whose might is everywhere to be feared. "
Her son said "(Even) if such is the case, I will not refrain fr
Topic: Accounts from the Crusades (Read 1219 times)