Robert of Clari's account of the Fourth Crusade

Chapter 31 to 60

Chapter 31: HOW THE MESSENGERS BROUGHT THE YOUNG MAN TO THE PILGRIMS IN THE ISLAND OF CORFU

The young man perceived clearly that the emperor was giving him good counsel. Therefore he did array himself in as goodly fashion as he could, and he departed with the messengers. But before either the young man or the messengers were come to Zara, the fleet had already sailed away to the isle of Corfu, for Eastertide was already past. But when the fleet weighed anchor to go thither they left behind two galleys to await the messengers and the young man. And the pilgrims abode in the isle of Corfu until the young man and the messengers came thither. When the young man and the messengers came to Zara they found the two galleys that had been left behind for them; so put they forth to sea and in due season came to Corfu, where the fleet was. When the men saw that the youth was coming they all went out to meet him, and saluted him, and did him much honour. And when the young man saw how the men of high estate were honouring him, and all the host of the fleet which was there, then was he glad as no other man ever was. Then did the marquis come forth and take the young man and lead him with him into his own tent.

Chapter 32: OF THE BARGAIN THAT THE YOUNG MAN ALEXIUS STRUCK WITH THE PILGRIMS

When the youth was there, then came together all the high barons and the Doge of Venice into the marquis' tent; and they spoke of one thing and of another, until at last they asked him what he would do for them if they would make him emperor and if they would cause him to wear the crown of Constantinople. And he answered them that he would do whatever they might desire. Thus they spoke together, until at last he said that he would give to the host two hundred thousand marks, and that he would maintain the fleet for one year at his own cost, and that he would go beyond the sea with them, with all his forces, and that he would maintain all the days of his life ten thousand men-at-arms in the land beyond the sea, at his own cost, and that he would give to all those of the host who should depart from Constantinople, for to go beyond the sea, provision for one full year.

Chapter 33: HOW THE PILGRIMS WERE IN TWO MINDS WHETHER TO GO TO CONSTANTINOPLE; WHY THE MARQUIS WAS EAGER TO GO AGAINST IT TO AVENGE HIMSELF ON THE EMPEROR; OF THE TREASON THAT THE EMPEROR HAD DEVISED AFORETIME AGAINST THE MARQUIS' BROTHER; OF THE BROTHER'S DEPARTURE FOR THE HOLY LAND; OF THE THINGS THAT HAD HAPPENED THERE BEFORE HIS COMING; AND HOW GUY OF LUSIGNAN BECAME KING OF JERUSALEM

Then were summoned all the barons of the host and the Venetians; and when they were all assembled, the Doge of Venice arose and spoke to them thus: "Sirs," (quoth the Doge) "now have we a reasonable occasion to go to Constantinople, if ye approve it; for we have the rightful heir."

Now there were some that would not by any means agree to go to Constantinople, but said, "Bah! What have we to do in Constantinople? We have our pilgrimage to make, and thus is it our purpose to go to Babylon or to Alexandria. And our fleet is bound to accompany us only one year, and already the half of that year is past!"

And others said, on the other hand: "What have we to do in Babylon or in Alexandria, since we have neither victuals nor substance wherewith to go thither? Better were it for us, ere we go thither, to gain provision and substance by some reasonable occasion, than to go yonder to die of hunger. Then shall we be able to obtain some advantage; and he offered to come with us and to maintain our army and our navy yet a whole year at his own cost!"

Now the Marquis of Montferrat was more eager than any other that was there to go against Constantinople, because he desired to avenge himself of a wrong which the Emperor of Constantinople who now held the empire had done him.

Now will we here leave off speaking of the army, and we will tell you of the wrong because of which the marquis so hated the Emperor of Constantinople. It so befell that the Marquis Conrad, his brother, took the cross and went beyond the sea, and he took two galleys and went by way of Constantinople. And when he was come to Constantinople he spoke to the emperor and the emperor welcomed him and greeted him.

            Now at this time a certain nobleman of the city had besieged the emperor in Constantinople, so that the emperor durst not go out from thence. When the marquis saw this he enquired wherefore it was that the man had thus beleaguered him and that he durst not contend against the man. And the emperor answered that he possessed neither the heart of his people nor their aid, wherefore he was unwilling to combat the man. When the marquis heard this he said that he would aid him in the matter, if he so wished; and the emperor said that so did he wish and that he would be exceeding thankful for his aid.

Then the marquis told the emperor that he would call upon all them of the religion of Rome, to wit, all the Latins that were in the city, and he would have them with him in his company, and with these he would go forth to battle and form the vanguard; and that the emperor should take all his own people and follow after him. So the emperor summoned all the Latins of the city. When they were all come, the emperor commanded them all to arm themselves; and when they were all armed and the marquis had caused all his own people to arm themselves, then did the marquis take all these Latins with him and ordered his battalion as best he could. And the emperor also was fully armed, and his people with him. Then what did the marquis do but set forth on his way before, and the emperor followed after. But so soon as the marquis was outside the gates with all his battalion, lo, the emperor went and caused the gate to be shut behind him.

But so soon as Branas (for he it was had beleaguered the emperor) saw that the marquis was coming on resolutely to attack him, he rose up - both he and his people - to go against the marquis. And as they were coming on, what did Branas do but thrust in his spurs and put himself ahead of all his people, about a stone's throw, that he might make haste to charge against the battalion of the marquis. When the marquis seeth him coming he pricketh to meet him, and he smiteth him, at the first blow, in the eye, and struck him dead with that blow. Then smiteth he on the right hand and on the left, both he and his people, and they slay many of the foe. And when these saw that their lord was dead they began to be confounded, and they turned about and fled.

            When the emperor, the traitor, who had caused the gates to be shut behind the marquis, saw that they were fleeing, then went he forth out of the city with all his people and began to pursue them that fled. And they gat much booty there, the marquis and others, both horses and other things a plenty. In this wise did the marquis avenge the emperor of him who had beleaguered him.

And when they had routed the foe they returned again to Constantinople, both the emperor and the marquis. And after they were returned and had laid aside their arms, then did the emperor thank the marquis right heartily for that he had so well avenged him of this his enemy. But the marquis asked him wherefore he had caused the gates to shut behind him.

"Bah! All is well now!" quoth the emperor.

"Now-yea!" quoth the marquis, "through God's providence!"

And no very long time thereafter the emperor and his fellow traitors contrived a great treachery against the marquis, for he was desirous that the marquis should be destroyed. Howbeit, an aged man, who knew of this thing, had compassion on the marquis, and he came to the marquis most honourably and said to him, "Sir, for God's sake get you hence out of this city! For if ye tarry here until the third day from this, the emperor and his fellow traitors have contrived a great plot whereby they will seize you here and cause you to be destroyed."

When the marquis heard these tidings he was by no means at ease. So cometh he that very night and biddeth his galleys be made ready, and he putteth out to sea, ere it is yet day, and departeth thence. Nor did he stay his course until he was come unto Tyre.

Now it had already come to pass, or ever yet that whole land was lost [to the Christians], that the King of Jerusalem died, and all the kingdom of Jerusalem was indeed lost; nor was there any other city that still held out, save Tyre and Ascalon. And the king that had died had two married sisters: a knight, my Lord Guy of Lusignan, had wedded the elder, to whom the kingdom had escheated; and my Lord Humphrey of Thoron had the younger. And on a certain day there came together in Jerusalem all the high barons of the land, and the Count of Tripoli, and the Temple, and the Hospital in Jerusalem, to the temple. And they said among themselves that they would divorce my Lord Guy from his wife, because the kingdom had escheated to his wife, and that they would give her another husband who would be more competent to be king than was my Lord Guy. And so did they. They divorced them; but when they had divorced them, then could they never agree to whom they should marry her, until at last they left the whole matter to the queen, who had been wife to my Lord Guy. To her, then, did they deliver the crown, and she should give it to whomsoever she desired to be made king.

Then they came together again on another day - all the barons, and the Temple, and the Hospital; and there also was the Count of Tripoli, who was the goodliest knight in the land, and who verily thought that the lady would give him the crown. And there too was my Lord Guy, he that had had the queen to wife. When, therefore, they were all come together, the lady held up the crown, and she looked this way and that. Then she espieth him who had been her husband, and she went forward and set the crown on his head. Thus did my Lord Guy become king.

But when the Count of Tripoli saw this, he was so grieved that he departed unto his own land, even unto Tripoli, in high dudgeon.

Chapter 34: HOW KING GUY GAVE BATTLE TO THE SARACENS AND WAS TAKEN CAPTIVE; HOW HE PURCHASED HIS ENLARGEMENT; AND HOW THE MARQUIS CONRAD AND THE MEN OF TYRE DEFIED HIM

Not long thereafter the king gave battle to the Saracens, and he was taken captive, and all his people routed, and the land was so utterly lost that there was now not a city that held out, save only Tyre and Ascalon. And when Saladin saw that he held the land in his hand he came to the King of Jerusalem, whom he was keeping in captivity, and he said to him that if he would cause Ascalon to be given up to him, then would he let the king go, and a great part of his people also. And the king answered him, "Only lead me now thither, and I will cause it to be given up to you."

And Saladin led him thither. When they were come thither, then the king spoke to them of the city and told them that they should give up the city, for such was his will. And they came and delivered the city to him. When Saladin had the city in his hand, then did he let the king go, and a part of his people with him; and the king, being escaped from captivity, departed with such of his people as he had and came to Tyre.

And now, while the king had been accomplishing these things, the marquis in the mean time had all the men of Tyre, and the Genose who were there, both in full accord with him. And they had all sworn fealty to him and vowed by holy relics that they would hold in all things to him as their lord, and he, that he would help them to defend the city. And the marquis had found so great a famine in the city that one measure of corn (of the measure of that city) was sold for an hundred bezants, which would not amount to more than a setier and a half at Amiens.

When the king came to Tyre, then his serjeants began to cry: "Open ye! Open ye the gate! Lo, the king cometh !"

And they that were within the city answered that they should not enter. Likewise the marquis came to the walls and said that the king should not enter.

"Bah!" quoth the king. "How so! Am I not in sooth lord and master of them that are within?"

"As God liveth," quoth the marquis, "neither lord nor king are ye, nor shall ye enter here! For ye have brought us all to shame and utterly lost the land; furthermore, so great is the famine here within that if ye and your people should come in, the whole city would perish of hunger. And I would rather," quoth the marquis, "that ye should perish, both ye and your people, who are of no great use, than that we who are within should perish, or the city itself."

When the king perceived that he could not enter there, he turned about and departed toward Acre, and he went up into a little hill and encamped there. And there was it that the King of France and the King of England found him.

And while the marquis was in Tyre, in the midst of the great dearth which prevailed there, God sent them great comfort, in that a merchant came thither who brought a shipload of corn; and he offered the corn at ten bezants which had been at an hundred. So was the marquis greatly rejoiced thereat, and all they of the city. And all the corn was kept and purchased in the city.

Chapter 35: HOW SALADIN LAID SIEGE TO THE CITY OF TYRE

But after a brief space cometh Saladin and laid siege to Tyre, both by land and by sea, so that neither victuals nor any other thing could enter the city, and he abode there until the dearth was once more as great in the city as it had been before.

Chapter 36: OF THE GRIEVOUS DEARTH THAT AFFLICTED THEM OF TYRE; AND HOW ONE OF THE GENOESE DEVISED A PLAN FOR THEIR RELIEF

When the marquis saw that the dearth was so great in the city and that they could not get comfort or relief from any quarter, then did he summon all the men of the city and the Genoese also whom he had there, and he spoke to them and said, "Sirs" (quoth he), "we are undone unless God take pity on our plight, for the dearth is so great in this city that there is scarcely any meat or corn wherewith we may any longer sustain ourselves, nor can any relief come either by land or by sea. In God's name, if there be any one of you that knows how to offer counsel in this case, let him offer it!"

Then stood forth a Genoese and said, "If ye would trust me" (quoth he), "I would give you good counsel."

"Now, what counsel?" quoth the marquis.

"I will tell you," quoth the man. "We have here within this city ships and galleys and barges and other vessels, and I will tell you what I will do. I will take four galleys with me, and I will have them manned with the fittest people that we have, and I will put forth to sea before daylight, as if I were seeking to escape hence. And so soon as the Saracens shall perceive me, they will not take the time to arm themselves, but rather they will have such haste to pursue and to overtake me that they will arm themselves not at all; rather will they all press hard after me. But ye shall very carefully have caused all your other vessels and barges and galleys to be filled with the fittest people that ye have; and when ye shall see them all pressing hard after me, and when they shall be well under way, then shall ye loose all your vessels and press hard after them, but I will turn back. On this wise will we give them battle. Thus will God give us counsel, if so please Him."

To this counsel were they all agreed, and they did all things even as this man had devised.

Chapter 37: HOW THE MEN OF TYRE UTTERLY DISCOMFITED THE SARACENS; AND OF THE GRIEF AND RAGE OF SALADIN THEREAT

When day was near at hand, and this man had right well equipped his galleys, and all the other vessels were likewise well armed, then what did he do but set forth to sea a little before the day. Now the deep sea harbour was inside the walls of the city of Tyre, within which ships departed from the city or landed there. And he setteth forth on his course and beginneth to move on apace. When he was a little space away and the Saracens perceived him, then had they such haste to follow him that never at all did they arm themselves but let go all their hundred galleys and began to chase him. When the galleys were well under way, then did the men of the city press hard after them, but he whom the Saracens were chasing turned back. Then did the Tyrians engage the Saracens, who were all unarmed, and they slew many of them and put them to rout, so that of all those hundred galleys never a one escaped save two which the Tyrians did not take.

And Saladin beheld all this, and he made great moan, and plucked his beard, and tare his hair for grief, the while he saw his people cut to pieces before his eyes; nor could he help them. And after he had thus lost his fleet he broke camp and departed.

In this wise was the city still held by the marquis, and King Guy was yet in that little hill, toward Acre, where the King of France and the King of England had found him.

Chapter 38: HOW KING GUY AND HIS WIFE DIED AND HOW THE MARQUIS CONRAD BECAME KING OF JERUSALEM; OF HIS DEATH; AND OF THE TAKING OF ACRE

It was not long after this that King Guy died, and his wife also. So the kingdom escheated to the wife of my Lord Humphrey of Thoron, who was sister to the queen. Then did they go and take away his wife from my Lord Humphrey and give her to the marquis. Thus was the marquis made king; thereafter he had a daughter by her. And afterward was the marquis slain by the Assassins." Then took they the queen and gave her to Count Henry of Champagne. And afterward was Acre besieged and taken.

Chapter 39: HOW THE PILGRIMS ENQUIRED OF THE BISHOPS WHETHER IT WERE A SIN TO GO AGAINST CONSTANTINOPLE AND HOW THE BISHOPS SAID THAT IT WAS A WORK OF MERIT

Now have we recounted to you the wrong because of which the Marquis" of Montferrat hated the Emperor of Constantinople, and wherefore he desired and planned more eagerly to go to Constantinople than did all the others; so then, we will return to our former matter.

When the Doge of Venice had said to the barons that now had they a good occasion to go to the land of Constantinople and that he approved it well, then were all the barons agreed among themselves. Thereafter they made enquiry of the bishops whether it would be a sin to go thither, and the bishops answered that this was in no wise a sin, but rather a good work of great merit; for now that they had the rightful heir, who had been disinherited, they could well aid him to obtain his right and to take vengeance of his enemies. Then did they cause the young man to swear on holy relics that he would hold fast to the covenant which he had made with them before.

Chapter 40: HOW THE PILGRIMS SET FORTH ON THEIR VOYAGE AND HOW THEY CAME AT LAST TO CONSTANTINOPLE

Then did all the pilgrims and the Venetians agree together to go thither. Then they prepared their fleet and made ready for their voyage and put out to sea. So they sailed until they came to an harbour which is called Abydus, and which lay full an hundred leagues distant from Constantinople. Now this harbour was in the place where once stood Troy the Great, at the entering in of the Strait of Saint George. Thence they rowed and sailed, all up the Strait of Saint George, until they were come within a league of Constantinople. Then they waited one for another until all the vessels were gathered together. When all the fleet and all the vessels were come together, then they decked and adorned their vessels in such fair fashion that it was the goodliest thing in the world to look upon. And when they of Constantinople saw this fleet, which was coming in such goodly array, they looked upon it with wonder, and they mounted upon their walls and upon their housetops to behold this marvel. And they of the fleet also looked upon the greatness of the city, which was so long and so broad, and they in their turn marveled exceedingly thereat. Then they passed on and went into harbour at Chalcedon, beyond the Strait of Saint George.

Chapter 41: HOW THE EMPEROR ENQUIRED OF THE PILGRIMS WHAT THEY WERE SEEKING; HOW THEY DEMANDED THAT HE ABDICATE HIS OFFICE; HOW THEY OF THE CITY WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE ISAAC'S SON AS THEIR LORD; AND HOW THE PILGRIMS PREPARED TO ATTACK THE CITY

When the Emperor of Constantinople knew this he sent to them, by good messengers, asking them what they were seeking there and wherefore they were come thither; and likewise he sent them word that if they desired any of his gold or of his silver he would send it to them right willingly. When the nobles heard this they made answer to the messengers that they desired nothing of his gold or of his silver; rather, they desired that the emperor should abdicate his office, for that he held it neither by right nor by law. And they sent word to him that they had the rightful heir with them, to wit, Alexius, son of the Emperor Isaac.

Then the messengers answered and said that the emperor would do noting of the sort; then went they their ways.

Thereafter the Doge of Venice spoke to the barons and said to them: "Sirs, I would fain counsel you that ye take ten galleys, and that ye put the young man in one of them, and people with him, and that they go under a truce to the seashore of Constantinople, and that they ask the folk of the city whether they will acknowledge the youth as their lord."

And the men of high estate answered that this would be indeed a good thing to do. So they made ready the ten galleys, and the youth, and armed men a plenty with them; and they rowed until they were come hard by the walls of the city. Then did they row back and forth, and they showed the youth called Alexius to the people and enquired of them if they would recognize him as their lord. And they of the city made answer that by no means did they recognize him as their lord, and that they knew not who he was. And they that were in the galleys with him (the youth) said that this was the son of Isaac, the emperor that had been. And those within the city answered yet again that they knew noting concerning him. Then did these come back again to the host and make known what answer had been given them.

Then was word sent throughout the host that all should arm themselves, both great and small. And when they were all armed, then did they shrive themselves and partake of the sacrament, for greatly did they doubt whether ever they would come nigh Constantinople. Thereafter they ordered their squadrons, both ships and transports and galleys. And the knights went on board the transports with their horses, and they set forth upon their way. And they let sound trumpets of silver and of brass, as many as an hundred pair of them, and tabours and timbrels in great number.

Chapter 42: HOW THEY OF THE CITY MADE READY TO RESIST THE ATTACK

When the people of the city saw this great fleet, and heard the sound of the trumpets and the tabours, which made great noise, then did they arm themselves every one, and they went up upon the housetops and upon the towers of the city. Then in sooth did it seem to them that all the sea and the land trembled and that the whole sea was covered with ships. And in the mean time the emperor had caused his people to come, all armed, to the seashore for to defend it.

Chapter 43:  HOW THE PILGRIMS TOOK THE SEASHORE OF CONSTANTINOPLE

When the men of the cross and the Venetians saw the Greeks who were come down to the seashore all armed against them, then spoke they together, and at last the Doge of Venice said that he would go first, with all his people, and that he would seize the shore, with God's help. Then took he his ships and his galleys and his transports and put himself before the host, in the very front thereof; and next they took their crossbowmen and archers and sent them ahead in barges to clear the shore of the Greeks. When they had ordered themselves on this wise, then went they forward toward the shore. And when the Greeks saw that the pilgrims would not, for any fear of them, forbear to come to the shore, and when they saw them drawing yet nearer to them, then did they fall back, nor durst they await them any longer. So the fleet came to land, and when they were landed, forth came the knights out of the transports, all mounted; for the transports were built in such fashion that they had doors, which were easily opened, and a bridge was thrust out whereby the knights could come forth to land all mounted.

When the fleet had landed and the Greeks who had drawn back saw that the host had all come forth, then were they sore distressed. Now were they but a rabble, those Greeks who had come down to defend the shore and had boasted to their emperor that never should the pilgrims come to land so long as they were there.

When the knights were come forth from the transports they began to chase these Greeks, and they chased them as far as a bridge which stood nigh the end of the city, and above this bridge was a gate, through which the Greeks passed inward and fled into Constantinople.

And when the knights were returned from chasing the Greeks they spoke together, and the Venetians said that their vessels were by no means in safety unless they were inside the harbour. And they took counsel how to get them within the harbour. Now the harbour of Constantinople was firmly closed with a very thick chain, which was made fast on the one side within the city and on the other to the Tower of Galata. This tower was very strong and right easy to defend, and it was right well garrisoned with defenders.

Chapter 44: HOW THE TOWER OF GALATA WAS TAKEN; AND OF THE BEGINNINGS OF THE ASSAULT UPON THE CITY

By the advice of the notable men, this tower was invested, and at last it was taken by storm; but from end to end of the chain were galleys of the Grecians who were helping to defend the chain. But when the tower was taken and the chain broken, then did the vessels enter within the harbour and were brought into safety; and they took the galleys from the Greeks who were within the harbour, and certain ships also. And when their own ships and all their other vessels were brought inside the harbour in safety, then the pilgrims and the Venetians came together and took counsel amongst themselves how they might besiege the city. And at last they agreed between them that the Franks should invest the city by land, and the Venetians by sea. And the Doge of Venice said that he would cause engines to be built upon his ships, and ladders wherewith they could attack the walls. Then they armed themselves, the knights and all the other pilgrims, and went on to pass over a bridge which lay some two leagues away; nor was there any other road whereby to go to Constantinople within less than four leagues of that place, save only this bridge. And when they came to the bridge, certain Greeks came thither who disputed the passage as long as they could, until at last the pilgrims drove them back by force of arms and so passed over.

And when they were come to the city, the men of mark encamped there and pitched their tents in front of the Palace of Blachernae, which was the emperor's; and this palace was at the very end of the city. Then did the Doge of Venice cause most marvelous engines to be made, and right goodly ones; for he had them take the spars which support the sails of the ships, which were full thirty fathoms in length, or more, and these he caused to be firmly bound and made fast to the masts with good cords, and good bridges to be laid on these and good guards alongside them, likewise of cords; and the bridge was so wide that three armed knights could pass over it abreast. And the Doge caused the bridge to be so well furnished and covered on the sides with sailcloth and other thick stuff, that those who should go up the bridge to make an assault need have no care for crossbow bolts nor for arrows. And the bridge projected so far forward beyond the ship that the height of the bridge above the ground was full forty fathoms or more. And each one of the transport ships had a mangonel, which continually hurled missiles against the walls and into the city.

When the Venetians had made ready their ships, even as I have told you, here, the pilgrims on the other hand, who were attacking by land, had their petraries so well trained that they hurled missiles and shot arrows clean into the emperor's palace. And they that were inside the palace likewise hurled and shot in their turn, even to the tents of the pilgrims. Then they spoke together, the pilgrims and the Venetians, and they determined on the morrow to attack the city at once by land and by sea. And when the morrow came, early in the morning, whilst the Venetians were making themselves ready and ordering their vessels and drawing ever nearer to the walls to begin their assault, and when the pilgrims likewise on their side had ordered their people, lo, the Emperor of Constantinople, Alexius, came forth from the city by a gate which is called the Roman Gate, with all his people under arms; and there did he order his people and he drew up seventeen battalions, and in these seventeen battalions there were numbered wellnigh an hundred thousand horsemen. Then sent he the more part of these seventeen battalions around the flank of the Frankish host, and the rest he kept with himself. And all the footmen of the city that were able to bear arms he caused to come forth and he ranged them from end to end of the walls, between the host of the Franks and the walls. When the Franks saw themselves thus hemmed in round about by these battalions they were sore dismayed; but they drew up their own battalions, and these made but seven battalions of some seven hundred knights, for more than these had they none; also, of these seven hundred, there were fifty that were on foot.

Chapter 45: HOW THE PILGRIMS ORDERED THEIR BATTALIONS; AND OF THE USE THAT THEY MADE OF THE GROOMS AND THE KITCHEN-KNAVES

After this, when they had ordered their people on this wise, then the Count of Flanders asked for the first battalion, and it was granted to him; the second battalion had the Count of Saint-Pol and my Lord Peter of Amiens; the third battalion had my Lord Henry, the brother of the Count of Flanders, and the Germans. And then they settled it that the serjeants of foot should follow the battalions of horse, so that three companies or four followed one battalion of horse, and each one of the battalions had those of its own country behind it. Thereafter, when they had drawn up the three battalions that were to fight against the emperor, then did they draw up the four others which should guard the host; so that the marquis, who was lord of the host, had the rearguard and guarded the host behind, and Count Lewis had the other next after it, and they of Champagne had the third, and the Burgundians the fourth; and these four battalions did the marquis guard.

And next they took all the fellows that guarded the horses, and all the kitchen-knaves who could bear arms, and these they attired in quilted trappings and in saddlecloths and armed them with copper pots and with pestles large and small, so that they were so hideous and so horrible that the common crowd of the emperor's footmen, who were standing outside the walls, had great fear and horror of them when they beheld them. And these four battalions that I have already named to you guarded the host, for fear lest the emperor's battalions, which were all about the host, should harm or harry the host or the tents; and the grooms and kitchen-knaves were placed toward the city, over against the emperor's footmen that were drawn up beneath the walls. And when the emperor's footsoldiers saw our common folk so hideously accoutred, they had so great fear and so great horror of them that they durst not so much as move or come toward them, nor ever on that side had the host any need of a guard.

Chapter 46: HOW THE VENETIANS FOUGHT FIERCELY AND SET FIRE TO A PART OF THE CITY

Next was it ordered that the Count of Flanders and the Count of Saint-Pol and my Lord Henry, who had the three battalions, should attack the emperor; moreover, it was strictly forbidden that, for any need that they might have, the other four should remove from their places until they should see that the others had so good as lost everything, that they might not be surrounded or assailed by the battalions that stood round about the host.

In the mean time, whilst the Franks were drawn up in this fashion, the Venetians, who were on the sea, did not forget themselves; but they drew their ships up hard by the walls, so that they easily mounted the walls of the city by means of the ladders and the bridges which they had built upon their ships. And they discharged their bolts and shot their arrows and let their mangonels hurl missiles, and they fought exceeding fiercely until they set fire to the city; so that there was consumed thereof a portion as large as the city of Arras. Yet durst they not scatter themselves nor venture into the city, for they were too few men, nor would they have been able to endure there; so, rather, they withdrew again to their ships.


Chapter 47: OF THE EXPLOITS IF THE COUNT OF FLANDERS, THE COUNT OF SAINT-POL, AND MY LORD PETER OF AMIENS

The noblemen who were on the other side, who were to attack the emperor, had brought it about that from each battalion two of the most valiant men that were known there - and wisest - were chosen, and that whatsoever these commanded was done: if these commanded, "Thrust!" then they thrust, and if they commanded, "Charge!" then they charged.

The Count of Flanders, who had the vanguard, rode the first of all at full speed to meet the emperor; and the emperor was fully the fourth part of a league distant from the Count of Flanders, and he bade his battalion ride to meet the count; and the Count of Saint-Pol and my Lord Peter of Amiens, who had the next battalion, rode up a little way alongside; and my Lord Henry of Hainault and the Germans, who had the third battalion, rode after them; nor was there a horse that was not covered with emblazoned trappings or with silken cloth over all its other housings. And three companies, or four, or five, of serjeants of foot followed each one of the battalions, at the tails of the horses; and they rode so well ranged and close pressed that there was none so rash as to dare ride before another.

And the emperor rode toward our people with full nine battalions, nor was there one of these battalions wherein there were not three thousand horsemen, or four, or five, so great were they. And when the Count of Flanders had left the host full two crossbow shots behind, his counsellors said to him: "Lord, ye do not at all well to go thus to attack the emperor so far away from the host; for if ye fight there and have any need of help, they who guard the host will not be able to help you. But if ye will trust us in the matter, ye will turn back to the palisades of the camp, and there will ye await the emperor more safely if he be willing to fight."

So the Count of Flanders turned back to the palisades of the camp, even as he had been advised, and the battalion of my Lord Henry also. But neither the Count of Saint-Pol nor my Lord Peter of Amiens would turn back; rather, they remained in the midst of the field, all quietly, with all their people. But when the battalion of the Count of Saint-Pol and that of my Lord Peter of Amiens saw the Count of Flanders turning back, then said they all together that the Count of Flanders was doing a most shameful thing in that he turned back, who had the vanguard. And they cried all together, "Lord! Lord! The Count of Flanders turneth back! And since he turned back, he left to you the vanguard. Now let us take it, in God's name!"

And the barons agreed together and said that they would take the vanguard. But when the Count of Flanders saw that neither the Count of Saint-Pol nor my Lord Peter of Amiens would turn back at all, he sent them word by messenger and besought them that they would turn back. And my Lord Peter of Amiens sent back word to him that they would not turn back one step. And the Count of Flanders sent word yet again by two messengers that, for God's sake, they should not bring this shame upon him but should turn back, for thus had he been advised to do. And the Count of Saint-Pol and my Lord Peter of Amiens sent back word yet again to him that on no account whatsoever would they turn back. Then came my Lord Peter of Amiens and my Lord Eustace of Canteleu, who were master leaders of the battle, and said: "Sirs! Ride ye forward in God's name, at full speed!"

And they began to ride forward at full speed, and all they of the host who had remained behind began to cry after them, "See! See! The Count of Saint-Pol and my Lord Peter of Amiens will en–gage the emperor! Lord God!" they began to shout and to cry, "Lord God! Be Thou this day the defender of these and of all their company! See! They have the vanguard which the Count of Flanders ought to have! Lord God, lead them to safety!"

And the ladies and damsels of the palace had gone up to the windows, and other folk of the city, both ladies and damsels, had climbed the walls of the city and were watching the battalion as it rode on, and the emperor on the other side. And they said one to another that it seemed as if our warriors were angels, such goodly men were they, and armed in such goodly fashion, and their horses capari–soned with such goodly trappings.

Chapter 48: OF THE MEETING OF THE TWO HOSTS; AND HOW THE EMPEROR'S ARMY FLED

When the knights of the battalion of the Count of Flanders saw that the Count of Saint-Pol and my Lord Peter of Amiens would on no account turn back, then came they to the count and said to him, "Lord, ye are doing a most shameful thing in that ye bestir not yourself! Know ye, then, that unless ye ride forward we will not hold with you any longer!"

When the Count of Flanders heard this he pricked his horse with the spurs, and all the rest after him, and they pricked on their way until they overtook the battalion of the Count of Saint-Pol and my Lord Peter of Amiens; and when they had overtaken it, then rode they on beside them, all abreast, and the battalion of my Lord Henry rode behind.

And the battalions of the emperor and our own battalions had by now drawn so near together that the emperor's crossbowmen were shooting into the midst of our people, and our own crossbowmen likewise into the midst of the emperor's people, and there remained but one hillock to climb betwixt the emperor and our battalions, and the emperor's battalions were ascending it on the one side and ours on the other. And when our people came to the top of the hill and the emperor saw them, he halted, and all his people also; and they were so dismayed and confounded because our battalions were riding thus abreast against them that they knew not what counsel to take. In the mean time, as they stood there thus confounded, the other battalions of the emperor, which had been sent around the host of the Franks, withdrew themselves and went back and all joined themselves with the emperor in the valley. And when the Franks saw all the emperor's battalions thus joined together, they stood stock-still on the top of the hillock and wondered what the emperor meant to do. And the counts and the chief men of the three battalions sent messengers the one to the others, to take counsel what they should do, and whether they should advance clean up to the emperor's host, or not. And they found none to counsel that they go thither; for they were far away from the host, and if they fought there where the emperor was, they who were guarding the host could no longer see them or, if need be, bring them any help. And on the other hand, there lay betwixt them and the emperor a great canal, a great conduit, through which water went to Constantinople, which if they should cross, they would suffer great loss of their men. And for this reason they found none to counsel that they go thither.

In the mean time, the while the Franks were thus speaking together, to and behold, the emperor went himself back into Constantinople. And when he was come thither, most bitterly was he reproached both by the ladies and by the damsels and by one and another of his people, for that he had not attacked folk so few in number as were the Franks, with so great a multitude as he was leading.

Chapter 49: HOW THE PILGRIMS AND THE VENETIANS SOUGHT NEWS EACH OF THE OTHER AFTER THE BATTLE

When the emperor had thus turned back, then back went the pilgrims to their tents and laid aside their arms; and when they had laid them by, the Venetians, who had crossed over in ships and in barges, came to ask tidings of them, and they said, "By our faith! We had heard tell that ye were fighting against the Greeks, and we feared greatly for you, so came we to you."

And the Franks answered them and said, "By our faith! Thanks to God, we have done well! For we went to meet the emperor, and the emperor durst not close with us!"

And the Franks in their turn asked tidings of the Venetians, and these said, "By our faith!" (quoth they). "We have attacked fiercely, and we have en–tered the city over the walls, and set fire to the city so that much of the city was burned."

Chapter 50: HOW A GREAT MURMURING AROSE IN THE CITY AGAINST THE EMPEROR

And whilst the Franks and the Venetians were thus speaking together, there arose a great murmuring in the city; and the folk of the city said to the emperor that he should deliver them from the Franks, who had besieged them, and that if he would not fight these, then would they go after the young man whom the Franks had brought with them and would make him emperor and their lord.

Chapter 51: OF THE FALSE PROMISE AND THE FLIGHT OF THE EMPEROR

When the emperor heard this he promised them that he would fight the Franks on the morrow; but when it drew nigh to midnight, away fled the emperor out of the city with as much people as he could take with him.

Chapter 52: HOW THEY OF THE CITY SOUGHT THE YOUNG ALEXIUS; HOW HE WAS BROUGHT TO THE PALACE; HOW ISAAC AND HIS WIFE WERE RELEASED FROM PRISON; HOW ISAAC WAS SEATED ON THE IMPERIAL THRONE; HOW MOURZUPHLES WAS RELEASED AND MADE MASTER BAILIFF TO THE EMPEROR; AND OF THE REQUEST THAT THE SULTAN OF KONIEH MADE TO THE FRANKS AND HOW THEY REFUSED TO AID HIM

And when the morrow came, in the morning, when they of the city learned that the emperor had fled, what did they do but come to the gates and open them. And they went forth to the host of the Franks and asked and enquired for Alexius, Isaac's son. And it was made known to them that in the tent of the marquis they would find him. When they came thither they found him indeed. And these his friends made great celebration over him and very great rejoicing, and they gave great thanks to the barons and said that they had done right well and had shown great valour who had acted on this wise; and they told them that the em–peror had fled, and that they should come into the city and into the palace, as into that which was their own.

Then came together all the high barons of the host, and they took Alexius, Isaac's son, and led him to the palace with great rejoicing and much pomp. And when they were come to the palace they caused Isaac, his father, to be delivered from prison, and Isaac's wife also, whom his brother, who had held the empire, had caused to be put there. And when Isaac was forth of the prison he had very great joy of his son, and he fell on his neck and kissed him, and he gave great thanks to the barons who were there and said that, first by God's help and then by theirs, he was now forth of his prison. Then were brought in two golden thrones, and they set Isaac on the one and Alexius his son on the other, at his side; and Isaac was established in the imperial seat.

Then said they to the emperor, "Lord, here within there lieth in prison a man of high birth - Mourzuphles is his name - who hath been there full seven years. If your will be such, it were well that he be delivered from prison."

Then was Mourzuphles delivered from prison, and thereafter the emperor made him his master bailiff (whereof the emperor had but ill recompense, even as I will tell you presently).  Now it came to pass, after the Franks had brought these things about, that the Sultan of Konieh heard tell how the Franks had thus done. So came he for to speak with them, there where they were yet encamped without Constantinople, and he said to them, "Verily, sirs," (quoth he) "ye have shown great valour and great prowess, who have conquered so great a thing as is Constantinople, which is the capital of the world, and have set the rightful heir of Constantinople again in his seat and have crowned him emperor." (For they were wont to say in that country that Constantinople was the capital of the world.)

"Sirs," quoth the Sultan, "I would fain beg you for a certain thing which I will tell you. I have a brother, younger than I, who has treacherously robbed me of my land and of my seigniory of Konieh, whereof I was lord and whereto I am the rightful heir. Now if ye would help me to conquer my land and my seigniory, I would give you a very great abun–dance of my substance, and I would cause myself to be baptized, and all those that are subject to me, if I might have my seigniory again and if ye would help me."

And the barons answered that they would take counsel in the matter. Then were summoned the Doge of Venice and the marquis and all the high barons, and they came together in a very great council. But all the counsel that they took could not bring them to do that which the sultan required of them. And when they came away from the council they made answer to the sultan that they could not do that which he required, for that they yet had their agreements to fulfill with the emperor, and that it would be dangerous to leave so great a thing as Constantinople in such case as it now was, wherefore they durst not leave it. When the sultan heard this he departed, sore displeased.

Chapter 53: HOW THE BARONS VISITED THE EMPRESS OF FRANCE

Thereafter, when the barons had brought Alexius into the palace, they made enquiry concerning the sister of the King of France, who was called the Empress of France, if she were yet alive. And they told them, yea, and that she was married, for a nobleman of the city, Branas by name, had taken her to wife, and that she dwelt in a palace hard by. Thither went the barons for to see her, and they saluted her and promised to render her much service; but she treated them most discourteously and was sore vexed that they had come thither and that they had crowned this Alexius. Nor would she herself speak to them, but, rather, bade an interpreter speak for her. And the interpreter said that she knew not a word of French. But Count Lewis (he was her cousin) found favour with her.

Chapter 54: OF THE KING OF NUBIA AND HIS ADVENTURES

Thereafter it came to pass one day that the barons went to divert themselves in the palace, for to see Isaac and the emperor his son. And when the barons were within the palace, lo, there came thither a king whose flesh was all black, and he had a cross in the middle of his forehead, which had been made with an hot iron. This king sojourned in a very rich abbey in the city, where that Alexius that had been emperor had commanded that he should be and that he should be lord and master thereof so long as he desired to sojourn there.

When the emperor saw him coming he rose up to meet him and did him much honour. And the emperor enquired of the barons, "Know ye now" (quoth he) "who this man is?"

"Nay, lord," quoth the barons.

"By my faith!" quoth the emperor. "This is the King of Nubia, who is come on a pilgrimage to this city."

And they bade the interpreters speak to him, and they caused these to ask him where his own land was. And he made answer to the interpreters, in his own tongue, that his land was yet an hundred days' journey beyond Jerusalem, and from thence had he come to Jerusalem on a pilgrimage; and he said that when he departed from this land he brought full three score of his countrymen with him, but when he came to Jerusalem there were but ten of them left alive, and when he was come from Jerusalem unto Constantinople he had but two yet living. He said, furthermore, that he wished to go on a pilgrimage to Rome, and from Rome to Saint James, and then return thence to Jerusalem, if he might live so long, and then die there. And he said that all they of his land were Christians, and when a child had been born there, it was baptized, and a cross was marked in the middle of its forehead with an hot iron, even such a mark as he himself bore. And the barons looked upon this king with great amazement.

Chapter 55: HOW THE BARONS LODGED WITHOUT THE CITY FOR FEAR OF THE GREEKS

Thereafter, when the barons had crowned Alexius, even as I have told you, it was determined that my Lord Peter of Bracheux, both he and his people, should abide in the palace with the emperor; then, after this, the barons determined how they themselves should lodge; for they durst by no means abide in the city because of the Greeks, who were traitors; rather, they went and lodged beyond the harbour, over against the Tower of Galata, and they lodged there all together in certain houses which were there. And they removed their fleet and brought it to land in front of them, and they went into the city when they would. And when they would go by water they passed over in barges, and when they would go on horse–back they passed over the bridge. Then, when they were lodged, they took coun–sel together, both the Franks and the Venetians, how they would cause some fifty fathoms' length of the walls of the city to be raised; for they feared that they of the city would revolt against them.

Chapter 56: HOW ALEXIUS WAS SOLEMNLY CROWNED EMPEROR; AND HOW THE BARONS DEMANDED THEIR PAY

Thereafter, on a certain day all the barons assembled in the emperor's palace and demanded of the emperor the fulfillment of their agreements; and he answered that he would certainly keep his word, but that he wished first to be crowned. So then they set and fixed a day to crown him. And on that day was he crowned in state, as emperor, with the consent of his father, who agreed freely thereto. And when was crowned, the barons asked again for their pay. And he told them that he would pay them right willingly what he could; and he paid to them then some hundred thousand marks. And of these hundred thousand marks did the Venetians receive half, for they were to have the half of the conquests; and of the fifty thousand marks which remained there were paid to them thirty and six thousand marks, which the Franks were yet owing to them on their fleet; and with the other twenty thousand marks that remained discharge was made to all them that had lent of their substance for the payment of their passage.

Chapter 57: OF THE CONQUESTS THAT WERE MADE BY ALEXIUS AND THE PILGRIMS

Thereafter the emperor besought the barons, telling them that outside Constantinople he possessed nothing, and that but little would it boot him if he possessed noting else, for his uncle held all the cities and castles which ought to be his own. Wherefore he besought the barons to help him conquer some of the land round about, then would he gladly give them yet more of what was his. Then they answered that this were they right fain to do, and that all they who wished to get themselves gain should go thither. So thither then went full half of the men of the host with Alexius, and the other half remained in Constantinople to receive the payment, and Isaac remained there to make payment to the barons.

And Alexius departed with the host, and he conquered from that land full a score of cities and some two score castles, or more; and Alexius, the other emperor, his uncle, fled ever before him. And the Franks were with Alexius for the space of three full months. And in the mean time, the while Alexius was making this incursion, they of Constantinople caused their wall to be built up again, stronger and higher than it was before; for the Franks had caused some fifty fathoms' length thereof to be raised after they had taken the city, because they were afraid lest the Greeks should revolt against them.

And when the barons who had tarried behind to receive the payment saw that Isaac was paying them nothing, then sent they word to the other barons that had gone with Alexius, that they should come back, since Isaac was paying them nothing, and that they should all return before the feast of All Saints. When the barons heard this, they told the emperor that they would go back, and when the emperor heard that, he said that he too would go back, since they were going, for he durst not trust the Greeks. So back came they to Constantinople, and the emperor went away to his palace, and the pilgrims to their lodgings beyond the harbour.

Chapter 58: HOW ALEXIUS AND THE FRANKS FELL OUT ONE WITH THE OTHER

Thereafter came together the counts and the other noblemen and the Doge of Venice and the emperor. And the Franks demanded their pay of the emperor, and the emperor answered that he had expended so much in the ransom of his city and his people that he had not wherewithal to pay them; but let them grant him yet another term, and within that space he would provide means whereby to pay them. This they granted him; but when the term was past, he paid them nothing. And yet once again did the barons demand their pay. And again did the emperor ask yet another respite, and it was granted him.

In the mean time, his vassals and his people and likewise that Mourzuphles whom he had brought out of prison came to him and said to him: "Ha! Sire, ye have already paid them too much! Pay them nothing more! Ye are now fully ransomed, so much have ye paid them. Bid them depart and dismiss them from your land!"

And Alexius listened to this counsel, so would he pay them nothing.  And when this term of grace also was past and the Franks perceived that the emperor was paying them nothing, then did all the counts and other noblemen of the host assemble and go to the emperor's palace and demand their pay anew. And the emperor answered them that he could not pay them in any wise whatsoever, and the barons answered him that unless he himself paid them, then would they take for themselves so much of what was his that they would be paid.

Chapter 59: HOW THE DOGE OF VENICE WENT AND SPOKE WITH ALEXIUS

On these words the barons departed from the palace and returned to their lodgings, and when they were returned they took counsel together what they would do. And at last they sent back two knights to the emperor and demanded of him yet again that he send them their pay. And he made answer to the messengers that he would pay them nothing, for that he had already paid them too much, and that he was not one whit afraid of them; rather, he commanded them to depart and to quit his land. And let them know well that unless they quitted it betimes forsooth, then would he cause them great annoy.

Thereupon the messengers went back and made known to the barons what the emperor had answered them. The barons, when they hear this, took counsel what they would do; until the Doge of Venice said that he would go and speak to him. So he took a messenger and sent word to him that he should come and speak with him above the harbour. And the emperor came thither on horseback, but the Doge bade four galleys be manned, and he went on board one of them and bade the three others go with him to guard him. And he spoke to the emperor and said thus: "Alexius, what thinkest thou to do?" (quoth the Doge). "Mind thyself that we have delivered thee out of a grievous captivity and have made thee lord and crowned thee emperor. Wilt thou not hold at all" (asked the Doge) "to our agreement, nor fulfill any more of them?"

"Nay!" quoth the emperor. "I will fulfill no more of them than I have fulfilled!"

"Wilt not?" quoth the Doge. "Naughty lad! We have raised thee off the dunghill, and on the dunghill will we cast thee back again! I disown thee! And know thou of a surety that I will work on thee all the evil that is in my power from this day forward!"

Chapter 60: HOW THE GREEKS TRIED TO BURN THE FLEET; AND OF THE GRIEVOUS DEARTH THAT PREVAILED IN THE HOST

On these words the Doge took himself thence and went back. Then came together all the counts and all the other noblemen of the host, and the Venetians, for to take counsel what they would do. And the Venetians said that they could not possibly make their ladders or their engines on their ships because of the weather, which was too keen (for this was the season betwixt the feast of All Saints and Yule).

In the mean time, whilst they were thus all discouraged, what did the emperor and the traitors that were about him do but contrive a great treachery; for they wished . . . .[the next four lines in the manuscript are blank] they seized the ships within the city by night, and they caused them all to be filled with very dry wood, and pieces of swine's fat amongst the wood; then set they fire to them. And when it drew nigh unto midnight, and the ships were well ablaze, and the wind was blowing very fresh, then did the Greeks loose the burning ships for to burn the fleet of the Franks, and the wind drove them apace toward the fleet. When the Venetians were aware of this, up they sprang and entered their barges and their galleys, and they wrought so well that, by God's grace, their fleet took never a hurt.

Nor was more than a fortnight again past, when the Greeks once more did the same thing. And when the Venetians were again aware of them, they went yet again against them; and right well did they defend their fleet against this fire, so that never, by God's grace, did they take any harm of it, save one merchant ship which was come thither; this one was burned.

Return to Robert of Clari's account of the Fourth Crusade