Robert of Clari's account of the Fourth Crusade

Chapter 61 to 90

Chapter 61:  HOW THE GREEKS STRENGTHENED THEIR WALLS AND THEIR TOWERS; AND OF THE PLOT THAT MOURZUPHLES MADE TO DESTROY ALEXIUS THAT HE MIGHT HIMSELF BE EMPEROR

In the mean time, whilst they were wintering there, the men of the city fortified themselves right well and caused their wall to be raised again, and their towers; and they caused to be built atop these towers of stone goodly wooden towers; and these wooden towers did they overlay well on the outside with good planks and cover them over with good hides, so that they had no dread of the ladders or ships of the Venetians. And the walls were full three score feet in height, and the towers an hundred. And they had some two score petraries ranged within the city, from end to end of the walls, in those places where it was thought that assault would be made. And it was no great wonder if they accomplished all this, for leisure had they a plenty for it.

            In the mean time the Greeks (they that were traitors to the emperor) and Mourzuphles, whom the emperor had brought out of prison, came together one day and devised a great treason; for they wished to set up another emperor than this one, who would deliver them from the Franks, since Alexius seemed not good enough to them. And at last Mourzuphles said, "If ye" (quoth he) "would trust me, I would so well deliver you from the Franks and from the emperor that ye would never more have dread of them."

And they said that if he could indeed deliver them from these, they would make himself emperor. And Mourzuphles promised that he would deliver them within eight days. So they agreed that they would make him emperor.

Chapter 62: HOW MOURZUPHLES PUT TO DEATH ALEXIUS AND HIS FATHER, AND HOW THE BARONS RECEIVED THE TIDINGS THEREOF; HOW MOURZUPHLES COMMANDED THE PILGRIMS TO DEPART; AND HOW THE PILGRIMS DEFIED HIM

Then went Mourzuphles forth, nor did he forget himself, but took officers with him; and he entered by night into the chamber where his lord the emperor, who had brought him out of prison, was sleeping; and he bade a noose be cast about his neck and caused him to be strangled, and his father Isaac also. And when he had done this, back came he to them that should make him emperor, and told them all. And they went and crowned him and made him emperor.

Now when Mourzuphles was become emperor, the rumour ran throughout the city: "Is it so? Is it not so? Mourzuphles is emperor, and hath murdered his lord!"

Then a letter was shot with an arrow into the host of the pilgrims, which said that Mourzuphles had done thus. When the barons knew this, then one said that it were a shame that they should care because Alexius was dead, since he would never hold to his agreements with the pilgrims; but others said that it grieved them that he had died in this manner. Thereafter no great time passed ere Mourzuphles sent word to the Count of Flanders, to Count Lewis, to the marquis, and to all the high barons, that they should get them thence and quit his land; and let them know of a surety that he was now emperor, and that he would attack them within eight days and slay them all. When the barons heard this word that Mourzuphles sent them, they answered, "Who?" (asked they). "Hath he who hath treacherously murdered his lord by night sent us such word?"

And they sent back word that now they defied him; and let him be on his guard against them, for never would they abandon the siege until they should have avenged him whom Mourzuphles had murdered, and should have taken Constantinople, and should have full quittance of the agreements that Alexius had made with them.

Chapter 63: OF THE MEASURES OF DEFENCE THAT MOURZUPHLES TOOK

When Mourzuphles heard this he commanded the walls to be right well guarded, and the towers likewise, and that hoardings be placed on them, so that the Greeks should not be in danger from the assaults of the Franks. And these things they did right well, so that the walls and the towers were stronger and more easily defended than before.

Chapter 64: OF JOHN THE WALLACH

It came to pass thereafter, in those days when Mourzuphles the traitor was emperor, and the host of the Franks was so poor, as I have recounted to you before, and whilst they were diligently making ready their ships and their engines for the assault, that John the Wallach sent word to the high barons of the host that if they would crown him king, to be lord over his land of Wallachia, he would hold his kingdom from them, and would come to their aid to help take Con–stantinople, with an hundred thousand men at arms.

Now Wallachia is a land that belonged to the emperor's domains, and this John was a groom of the emperor, who kept one of the emperor's studs; so that whensoever the emperor sent for three score horses, or an hundred, this John sent them to him. And he himself came every year to court, before he fell out of favour at the court. But at last it chanced one day that he came thither and that a certain eunuch, one of the emperor's doorkeepers, did an unseemly thing to him, for he smote him with a scourge full in the face; whereof he suffered great pain.

And because of this unseemly thing that was done to him, John the Wallach departed in high dudgeon from the court and went back to Wallachia. And Wallachia is a mighty land that is all compassed about by mountains, so that one can neither enter it nor come out thence save one single pass.

Chapter 65: HOW JOHN THE WALLACH MADE HIMSELF MASTER OF HIS PEOPLE AND WON THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE COMANS; OF THE CUSTOMS OF THE COMANS; AND HOW JOHN THE WALLACH RECEIVED HIS CROWN FROM ROME

When John was come thither, then began he to draw to himself the notable men of Wallachia, as one who was a rich man and had some power; and he be–gan to make promises and gifts to one and to another; and thus did he, until all they of that country were subject to him and he was become lord over them. And when he was become their lord, then did he turn to the Comans; and so wrought he, by one means and by another, that he became their friend and they were all in his service and he was become, as it were, their liege lord.

Now Comania is a land which bordered on Wallachia, and I will tell you what manner of people these Comans are. They are savage folk, who plough not, neither do they sow; nor have they but nor house, but they have tents of felt, in which habitations they hide themselves, and they live on milk and cheese and flesh. And in summer time are so many flies and gnats there that they scarce venture themselves forth of their tents ere the winter. But in winter they come forth of their tents and of their country, when they desire to make their forays. And we will tell you what they do. Every one of them hath some ten horses, or twelve, and these have they so trained that the beasts follow them whithersoever they wish to lead them; and they mount now one, now another. And every one of these horses, when they are journeying, hath a little sack hanging at its muzzle wherein is its fodder, and it eats while it follows its master; nor do they break their journey by night or by day. And so swiftly do they travel that in one night and one day they go six common day's journeys, or seven, or eight. Nor ever, so long as they are going, do they burden themselves with anything or take aught before they begin to return. But when they begin to return, then do they gather booty, and seize men, and take all whereon they can lay their hands. Nor ever will they go otherwise armed save that they wear garments of sheepskin and carry bows and arrows with them. Nor put they any trust in any thing save in the first beast that they meet in the morning; and he that meeteth the beast putteth his trust in it all that day, whatsoever beast it be.  These Comans did John the Wallach have in his service, and he came every year to ravage the lands of the emperor, even so far as Constantinople itself. Nor had the emperor power enough so that he could defend himself against him.

Now when the barons of the host had heard the word that John the Wallach sent them, they said that they would take counsel in the matter. And when they had taken counsel (and in sooth it was an evil counsel!), they answered that neither with him nor with his help had they any concern; and let him know of a surety that they would trouble him and work him evil if they could. But for all this did he make them pay right dear thereafter! And this was a sore shame and grievous pity.

But when he had failed of his purpose with them, then did he send to Rome for his crown, and the Pontiff sent a cardinal for to crown him. Thus was he crowned king.

Chapter 66: OF THE ADVENTURES THAT BEFELL MY LORD HENRY OF ANGRE; HOW HE OVERCAME MOURZUPHLES; AND HOW THE ICON WAS LOST

Now will we tell you of another adventure which befell my Lord Henry, the brother of the Count of Flanders. During that time when the Franks had laid siege to Constantinople, it chanced that my lord Henry - both he and they of his company - were by no means very rich. Nay, they had great lack of victuals and of other things, until they were put in mind of a city called Philae, which lay at ten leagues' distance from the host. This city was very rich and very opulent; so what did my lord Henry do but make ready for the road and depart from the host with nine and twenty knights and serjeants of horse not a few, going privately by night so that scarce any of the folk knew thereof. When he came to the city he did what he was come to do, and he tarried there one day. But in the mean time, when he went thither, he was spied upon and report of him was borne to Mourzuphles. When Mourzuphles knew this he bade as many as four thousand men at arms take horse, and he took with him the Icon - an image of Our Lady which the Greeks call by that name - which the emperors take with them whensoever they go forth to battle. And so great confidence have they in this Icon that they verily believe that no one who carried it into battle can be beaten (and because Mourzuphles did not carry it rightfully, we believe, was he discomfited).

And the Franks had already sent their booty to the host. And Mourzuphles waited for them on their return, and when he was come within a league of our people he lay in wait with his folk and laid his ambushes. And our people knew not a word of this, but they were returning apace, nor knew they aught of this snare. When the Greeks saw them, they cried out, and our Franks looked one at another. When they saw the Greeks they were sore afraid, and loudly did they begin to call on God and Our Lady; and they were so dismayed that they knew not what counsel to take but said one to another, "By our faith! If we flee now we are all dead men; better doth it become us to die defending ourselves than to flee."

Then they halted and stood still. And they took some eight crossbowmen that they had with them and set these before themselves. And the Emperor Mourzuphles, the traitor, and the Greeks came toward them very swiftly and smote them fierce and fell; but, through God's mercy, never a one of the Franks did they unhorse.

            When the Franks saw the Greeks thus rushing upon them from every side, they let fall their lances and drew the knives and daggers that they had and began to defend themselves right hardily, and they slew many of them. And when the Greeks saw that the Franks were discomfiting them thus, they began to be discouraged and turned about and fled. But our Franks overtook them and slew many of them, and many they kept for ransom and great gain gat they thereby.

And they chased the Emperor Mourzuphles more than half a league, for they ever thought to take him; but he and they of his company hasted so that they let fall the Icon, and his imperial cloak, and the ensign with the Icon, which was all of gold and set with rich and precious stones; and it was so beautiful and rich that never was aught else seen so beautiful and rich. When the Franks saw this they left off the chase, and were most exceeding glad; and they took the image and bar it away with very great joy and rejoicing.

And in the mean time, whilst they were yet fighting, came tidings to the host that they were contending with the Greeks, and when they of the host heard these tidings they hastened away toward my lord Henry for to succour him. But when they came thither, the Greeks were already fled and our Franks were bringing in their spoils and were bearing along the Icon, which was so beautiful and rich, as I have told you. And when they drew near to the host, then did the bishops and the clerks who were in the host go forth in procession to meet them; and they received the Icon with great joy and rejoicing, and it was put in the keeping of the Bishop of Troyes. And the bishop bare it into the midst of the host, to a church whither they were wont to repair, and the bishops sang and made great rejoicing over it. And after that day on which it was taken, the barons all agreed that it should be given to Citeaux, and thereafter it was carried thither.

But when Mourzuphles came back to Constantinople he gave out that he had routed and discomfited my lord Henry and his people; but certain of the Greeks enquired, all unwittingly, "Where is the Icon? And the ensign?"

But others said that these had been put away in a safe place.

And so did the rumours go back and forth, until the Franks learned how Mourzuphles had in this wise caused it to be believed that he had discomfited the Franks. And what did the Franks do then but arm a galley, and take the Icon and lift it very high up in the galley, and the ensign of the empire also, and row this galley, with the Icon and the ensign, from end to end of the walls, so that they that stood upon the walls, and many other folk of the city, saw it and perceived clearly that these were the emperor's ensign and his Icon.

Chapter 67: OF THE WRATH OF THE GREEKS AT THE LOSS OF THE ICON; AND HOW MOURZUPHLES PROMISED TO RECOVER IT

When the Greeks saw this, then came they to Mourzuphles and began to cry shame upon him and sorely to upbraid him because he had lost the ensign of the empire and the Icon, and because he had made them to believe that he had discomfited the Franks. And when Mourzuphles heard this he excused himself as best he could and began to say: "Now be ye not at all dismayed, for I shall make them to pay right dear, and well will I avenge myself of them!"

Chapter 68: OF THE PLAN WHICH THE PILGRIMS AND THE VENETIANS DEVISED FOR THE CHOOSING OF AN EMPEROR AND A PATRIARCH, FOR THE JUST DIVISION OF THEIR CONQUESTS, AND FOR THE MAINTAINING OF ORDER

Thereafter it came to pass that all the Franks and all the Venetians came together for to take counsel how they should proceed, and what they should do, and whom they might make emperor if they should take the city; until they agreed amongst themselves that they would take ten Franks, of the most worthy men of the host, and ten Venetians, likewise of the most worthy men that were known among them, and that whatsoever these twenty should decide, that should be observed: with the understanding that if the emperor were one of the Franks the patriarch should be one of the Venetians. And it was decreed that he who should be emperor should have the fourth part of the empire and the fourth part of the city in his demesne, and that the other three parts should so be apportioned that the Venetians should have the one-half thereof and the pilgrims the other, and that all should be held from the emperor.

When they had resolved all this, then they caused all the men of the host to swear on holy relics that all the booty of gold and of silver and of new cloth, of the value of five shillings or more, they would deliver to the host for just apportioning, save only tools and victuals; and that they would do no violence to a woman nor despoil her of any cloth that she wore; for whosoever should be convicted of this would be put to death. And they made them swear on holy relics that they would not lay hand on monk, nor clerk, nor priest, save only it were to defend themselves, nor would they break into any church or minster.

Chapter 69: HOW THE FRANKS AND THE VENETIANS REPAIRED AND EQUIPPED THEIR FLEET

Thereafter, when all this had been done, and when Yuletide was already past and the beginning of Lent was nigh, then did both the Franks and the Venetians repair and put in order again their ships; and the Venetians caused the bridges of their ships to be rebuilt, and the Franks caused certain other engines to be built, which were called "cats" and "carcasses," and "sows" for sapping the walls.  And the Venetians took timber from the houses and covered their ships there–with, joining the planks together and then covering them with vine-cuttings, so that the petraries could not break or shatter their ships.

And the Greeks strongly reinforced their city within; and without, they caused the bretesses, which were on the top of the towers of stone, to be covered over with good hides; nor was there a bretesse that had not seven storeys, or six, or five at the least.

Chapter 70: HOW THEY MADE READY TO ASSAULT THE CITY

Thereafter it came to pass upon a Friday, about ten days before Palm Sunday, that the pilgrims and the Venetians had prepared their ships and their engines and made ready for the assault. And they ranged their ships one alongside another, and the Franks caused their engines to be put on board barges and galleys and set on their way to go toward the city; and the fleet stretched over a full league of front. And all the pilgrims and the Venetians were fully armed.

And there was a hillock within the city, in that part where the assault was to be made, which could easily be seen from the ships over the top of the walls, so high was it. And to this hillock was Mourzuphles the traitor come, the emperor, and some of his people with him. And he had bid them pitch there his scarlet tents, and he caused his silver trumpets to be sounded, and his timbrels, and made great ostentation; so that the pilgrims could easily see him, and Mourzuphles could easily look down into the ships of the pilgrims.

Chapter 71: OF THE UNSUCCESSFUL BEGINNING OF THE ASSAULT; AND OF THE BOASTING OF MOURZUPHLES

When the fleet must needs come to land, then took they goodly cables and drew up their ships so nigh as they could to the walls. And the Franks caused their engines to be trained - their cats, their carcasses, and the sows for sapping the walls - and the Venetians went up on the bridges of their ships and violently stormed the walls, and the Franks likewise attacked them with their engines. When the Greeks saw that the Franks were thus assailing them, then they made haste to hurl huge bolts at the engines of the Franks, and they began to break and to crush and to shatter all these engines, so that never a man durst remain within or beneath these engines; nor could the Venetians, on the other hand, reach the walls or the towers, so lofty were they. Nor ever, on that day, were Venetians or Franks able to do any mischief either to the walls or to the city.

When they saw that they could do them no hurt, then were they very sad and withdrew themselves. And when the Greeks saw them drawing back, then began they to hoot and to shout right lustily; and they went up upon the walls and let down their breeches and showed them their buttocks.

When Mourzuphles saw that the pilgrims had turned back, then he made haste to sound his trumpets and his timbrels and to make as great a show as he could; and he summoned his people and began to say, "Behold, sirs. Am I not a good emperor? Never yet have ye had an emperor so good! Have I not done well? Now have we no more cause for concern; I will cause them all to be hanged and put to shame."

Chapter 72: HOW THE BISHOPS ASSURED THE PILGRIMS YET AGAIN THAT IT WAS A WORK OF MERIT TO FIGHT THE GREEKS

When the pilgrims saw these things they were sore distressed and exceeding sad, and they went back to their lodgings on the other side of the harbour. And when the barons were come back and had disembarked from their ships, then they gathered together; and they were much cast down and said that it was because of their sin that they had been able to do nothing nor had wrought any mischief on the city. But at last the bishops and the clerks of the host spoke together and adjudged that the battle was a righteous one, and that they ought in sooth to attack the Greeks; for in olden time they of the city had been obedient to the religion of Rome, but now were they disobedient thereto, since they said that the religion of Rome was of none account, and that all they who believed in it were dogs. And the bishops said that for this reason the Greeks ought to be attacked, and that this was no sin, but rather was it a good work and of great merit.

Chapter 73: HOW SERMONS WERE PREACHED THROUGHOUT THE HOST; AND HOW THE EVIL WOMEN WERE DRIVEN OUT

Then was it cried throughout the host that all should come to the sermons - both Venetians and all and sundry - on Sunday, in the morning. And so did they. Then did the bishops preach sermons throughout the host - the Bishop of Soissons, the Bishop of Troyes, the Bishop of Halberstadt, Master John Faicete, and the Abbot of Loos - and they showed the pilgrims that the battle was a righteous one, for that the Greeks were traitors and murderers, and that they were faithless, since they had murdered their lawful lord, and that they were worse than Jews. And the bishops said that they absolved, in the name of God and of the Pontiff, all those that should attack the Greeks. And the bishops commanded the pilgrims all to confess themselves and freely to partake of the sacrament; and let them not be at all afraid to attack the Greeks, for these were God's enemies. And an order was given that they should seek out and remove all the light women from the host, and send them very far away from the host; so they caused all these to he nut into a chin anal sent away far from the host.

Chapter 74: OF THE CONTINUATION OF THE FIGHTING; AND OF THE VALIANT DEEDS OF ANDREW OF URBOISE AND PETER OF BRACHEUX

Thereafter, when the bishops had preached and had shown the pilgrims that the battle was a righteous one, then did all freely confess themselves and receive the sacrament. And when Monday morning came, then did all the pilgrims array themselves right well and arm themselves, and the Venetians also, and they mended the bridges of their ships and their transports and their galleys, and they ranged these side by side and set out to go forward and attack the city. And the fleet had a front a full league in length. And when they were come to land and had drawn as nigh to the walls as they could, they cast anchor. And when they were at anchor they began to attack fiercely and to discharge arrows and hurl missiles and to throw Greek fire at the towers. But the fire could not take hold there because of the hides wherewith the towers were covered. And those within the city were defending themselves right sturdily and were discharging some three score petraries, and at every discharge they were hurling stones upon the ships; but the ships were so well covered with timber and with vine-cuttings that these did them no great mischief, though the stones were so large that one man could not lift one from the ground.

And Mourzuphles the traitor was standing on his hillock and causing his trumpets to sound, and his timbrels, and making great display; and he was en–couraging his men and saying, "Go thither! Come hither!" and sending them wheresoever he saw that the need was the greatest. And there were not in all the fleet above four or five ships that could reach the towers, so high were these. And every storey of the wooden towers that were built above the towers of stone, of which there were some five or six or seven, was also garrisoned with men at arms who were defending the towers.

And so did they continue the assault, until the ship of the Bishop of Soissons fell foul of one of these towers by a miracle of God, even as the sea, which is never quiet, bare it on. And on the bridge of the ship were a Venetian and two armed knights. And so soon as the ship hath fallen foul of this tower, the Venetian layeth hold with hands and feet, as best he can, and getting himself at last within the tower. When he was within, and when the men at arms who were in this storey - English, Danes, and Greeks, who were keeping guard there - when these espied him, then rushed they upon him with axes and swords and cut him all in pieces. And as the sea bare the ship forward again, again did she fall foul of the tower; and when she was thus afoul of it, what did one of the two knights do - Andrew of Dureboise was his name - but lay hold with feet and hands to the tower until he gat himself up inside it, upon his knees. But when he was inside, upon his knees, the foe fell upon him with axes and with swords and smote him sore; but since he wore his armour, thanks be to God, they wounded him not; for so was God guarding him, who would not consent that the Greeks should longer endure or that this man should die. Nay, rather, it was God's will, because of their treason and because of the murder that Mourzuphles had committed and because of their faithlessness, that the city should be taken and that they should all be put to shame. For the knight rose up on his feet, and when he was on his feet he drew his sword. When these saw him on his feet again, so dumfounded were they, and so greatly afraid, that they fled thence into the other storey underneath. And when they that were in this other storey saw that those from above them were fleeing, then did they quit this storey also, nor ever durst they remain there any longer.

And the other knight came in after the first, and after him came in folk a plenty. And when they were within, they took strong ropes and stoutly lashed that ship to the tower, and when they had made her fast, there came in yet other folk a plenty. But when the sea again bare the ship backward, then did the tower quake so violently that it seemed certain that the ship must pull it down, so that perforce, because of this fear, it behooved them to cut the ship adrift.

And when they that were in the other storeys beneath saw that the tower was filling with Franks, then were they so greatly afraid that never a one of them durst remain there, but they forsook the whole tower. And Mourzuphles indeed saw all this, but he encouraged his people and sent them thither where he saw that the chiefest assault was made.

In the mean time, when this tower had been taken by such a miracle, the ship of my Lord Peter of Bracheux fell afoul of another tower; and when it had fallen foul thereof, then began they that were upon the bridge of the ship to storm this tower so exceeding fiercely that, by a miracle of God, this tower also was taken.

Chapter 75: OF THE DEEDS OF PROWESS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY MY LORD PETER OF AMIENS

When these two towers had been taken, then were they garrisoned with our own men; and these remained in the towers, nor durst they remove thence because of the great multitude of folk that they saw on the wall round about them and inside the other towers and below the walls, which was a fair marvel, so many were there of them.

When my Lord Peter of Amiens saw that they that were within the towers moved not themselves, and when he perceived the purpose of the Greeks, what did he do but come down on foot to the land - he and his people with him - in a little space of ground that lay betwixt the sea and the wall. When they were come down thither, they looked before them and espied a false postern gate, the doors whereof had been taken away and the gateway itself walled up anew. And thither he came, having with him some ten knights and three score men at arms. And there was a certain clerk, Aleaume of Clari by name, who was a right good man in all times of need and was ever the first in all the assaults wherein he was engaged. And at the taking of the Tower of Galata had this clerk Derformed more deeds of prowess with his own body, one by one, than had all others of the host save only my Lord Peter of Bracheux. For he it was that outdid all others, of both high and low degree, for never was there one among them that wrought so many deeds of arms or acts of prowess as did Peter of Bracheux.

Now when they were come to this postern gate they began to hack away at it right valiantly; but so thick flew the bolts and so many were the stones hurled down from the walls that it seemed in all likelihood they would be buried in the stones, so many were there cast at them. And they that were below had shields and targes wherewith they covered those that were hacking at the postern gate. And from above were cast down upon them pots of boiling pitch, and Greek fire, and very great stones, so that it was a miracle of God that they were not all destroyed, so many hardships did my Lord Peter and his people suffer there, and such multitude of grievous perils. Yet did they hack away at that postern gate with axes and good swords, with timbers and bars and picks, until at last they made a great breach therein. And when this postern was pierced through, then looked they through it and saw so many folk, both of high and of low estate, that it seemed that half the world were there; wherefore they durst not venture to enter there.

Chapter 76: OF THE VERY VALIANT DEED OF ALEAUME THE CLERK

But when Aleaume the Clerk saw that none dare enter there, he sprang forward and said that he would go in. Now there was present a knight, his brother, Robert of Clari by name, who forbade him and said that he should by no means go in. And the clerk said that he would do so, and he gat himself in on his hands and feet. And when his brother saw this, he took him by the foot and began to drag him toward himself; but at last, despite his brother, whether his brother would or would not, the clerk went in. And when he was within, a multitude of the Greeks fell upon him, and they that were upon the walls began to cast down great stones at him. When the clerk saw this, he drew his knife and rushed upon them and made them to flee before him like cattle.

Then cried he to them that were without, to my Lord Peter and his people, "Sirs, enter boldly! For I see that they are utterly confounded and are fleeing away."

When my Lord Peter heard this he and his people, who were without then did my Lord Peter and his people come in. And there were not more than nine knights with him; nevertheless, there were some three score men at arms with him, and they were all on foot inside the walls.

And when they were within and they that were standing upon the walls in that place beheld them, then were these so greatly terrified that they durst not tarry in that place, but abandoned a great portion of the wall and fled, every man for himself.

And the Emperor Mourzuphles, the traitor, was very near at hand, less than a stone's throw away; and he caused his silver trumpets to sound, and his timbrels, and made an exceeding great noise.

Chapter 77: HOW MY LORD PETER ENCOURAGED HIS MEN

And when Mourzuphles saw my Lord Peter and his people, who were on foot within the city, then he made a great pretence of falling upon them and of spurring his horse, and he came about half-way up to them. When my Lord Peter saw him coming, he began to hearten his people and to say, "Now, sirs, let us acquit ourselves well! Then shall we already have won the battle. Lo, yonder cometh the emperor! See to it that there be not one that dared to draw back, but bethink you now to acquit yourselves well!"

Chapter 78: HOW CONSTANTINOPLE WAS TAKEN

When Mourzuphles the traitor saw that they would in no wise flee, he halted, and then he turned back to his tents. And when my Lord Peter saw that the emperor had turned back, he sent a troop of his men at arms to a gate that stood hard by and commanded it to be broken in pieces and opened. And these men went and began to beat and to drive in this gate with axes and with swords until they brake the iron bolts, which were very strong, and the bars, and opened the gate. And when the gate was opened and they that were without saw this, then they brought up their transports and led forth their horses and mounted them, and they began to ride apace into the city through the midst of the gate. And when the Emperor Mourzuphles, the traitor, saw them, then had he so great fear that he left his tents, and his jewels in them, and fled forth into the city, which was very great, and long, and broad. For they say there that the circuit of the walls covered full nine leagues, so great a compass have the walls that surround the city, and within hath the city a length of two French leagues and a breadth of two. And so did my Lord Peter of Bracheux get Mourzuphles' tents and his cof–fers and his jewels that he left behind.

Now when they who were defending the walls saw that the Franks were entered into the city and that the emperor had fled, they durst tarry no longer but fled away, every man for himself.

            When the city had been taken in this manner and when the Franks were therein, they all remained quiet. Then did the high barons come together and take counsel amongst themselves what they should do; until they let it be cried throughout the host that none should be so foolhardy as to venture into the city, for there was danger in going thither that stones would be cast down upon them from the palaces, which were very great and high, or that they would be slain in the streets, which were so exceeding narrow that they could not defend themselves therein, or that fire would be hurled down on their backs and they would be burned. And because of such hazards and perils they durst not set foot there–in nor scatter themselves about; rather, they all remained quiet where they were. And the barons agreed upon this plan: that if the Greeks desired to fight on the morrow (who numbered an hundred times as many men able to bear arms as did the Franks), then would they arm themselves on the morrow morn, and order their battalions, and await them in certain squares which lay open before them in the city; but if these desired not to fight, yet would not yield up the city, then would the Franks observe from which quarter the wind was blowing, and would hurl fire adown the wind, and so burn them. Thus would they take them by force. To this plan did all the barons agree.

And when eventide was come, the pilgrims laid aside their armour, and re–posed themselves, and supped; and they lay there that night before their fleet and within the walls.

Chapter 79: HOW MOURZUPHLES FLED FROM CONSTANTINOPLE; HOW LASCARIS WAS MADE EMPEROR AND FLED LIKEWISE

But when it drew near to midnight and the Emperor Mourzuphles, the trai–tor, knew that all the Franks were in the city, then had he great fear nor durst he tarry there any longer, but he fled away at midnight or ever one knew a word thereof. When the Greeks saw that their emperor had fled away, then they pitched upon a certain nobleman of the city, Lascaris by name, straightway that selfsame night, and made him emperor. And when he was made emperor he durst not remain there, but he gat himself on board a galley before it was yet day and crossed over beyond the Strait of Saint George and went on to Nicaea the Great, which is a goodly city. There did he abide, and he was lord thereof and emperor.

Chapter 80: HOW THE MEN OF THE CROSS TOOK UP THEIR ABODE IN CONSTANTINOPLE

But when came the morrow, early in the morning, lo, priests and clerks in all their vestments - English and Danes were they, and folk of other nations - came forth in procession to the host of the Franks, and cried them mercy, and let them know all things that the Greeks had done. And they said that all the Greeks had fled away and none remained in the city save only poor folk. When the Franks heard this they were all rejoiced thereat; and immediately thereafter they caused it to be cried throughout the host that none should take up his abode there until it should have been decided in what manner they would take them. Then came together the noblemen, the rich men, and took counsel amongst themselves (and neither the lowly folk of the host nor the poor knights wist a word thereof) how they might take the best habitations of the city. And straightway began they to deal treacherously with the lowly folk and to show them bad faith and ill comradeship - for which they paid thereafter right dear, as we will tell you presently. So did they send and seize all the best habitations and the richest ones of the city, so that they had already seized all these or ever the poor knights or the lowly folk of the host were aware thereof. And when the poor folk were made aware thereof, they went then, every man for himself, and took whatsoever they chanced upon; for places enough did they find there, and places a many did they take, and many yet remained, for the city was very great and abundantly peopled.

And the marquis took the Palace of the Lion's Mouth, and the Minster of Saint Sophia, and the houses of the Patriarch; and the other noblemen, like the counts, took the richest palaces and the richest abbeys that could be found there; howbeit, after the city was taken no mischief was done to poor or to rich. Nay, he departed who desired to depart, and who so desired, remained; but the richest men departed from the city.

Chapter 81: OF THE DIVISION OF THE SPOIL

Thereafter, a command went forth that all the substance of the body be brought to a certain abbey which was within the city. Thither was the substance brought, and they chose ten noble knights from amongst the pilgrims, and ten Venetians who were reputed to be honourable men, and set them to guard this substance. And when the booty was brought thither, which was so rich and contained such wealth of gold and of silver and of cloth of gold, and so many rich jewels, that it was a fair marvel to behold the great riches that had been brought thither - then, never since the world was established was so great wealth, or so noble, or so magnificent, either seen or won - no, not in the days of Alexander, or of Charles the Great, or before, or after. Nor do I believe, of my own knowledge that in the fifty richest cities of the world could there be so much wealth as was found in the body of Constantinople. For the Greeks also bore witness that two-thirds of all the wealth of the world was in Constantinople, and that the other third was scattered throughout the world.

But those selfsame ones who ought to have guarded this wealth took the jewels of gold and whatsoever else they desired, and robbed the spoil. And of the rich men did every one take either jewels of gold, or silken cloth of gold, or whatsoever liked him best, and carried them away. In this wise did they begin to steal the treasure, so that no division thereof was ever made amongst the commonalty of the host, nor amongst the poor knights, nor amongst the men at arms, who had all helped to win it - save only of the coarser silver, such as silver ewers that the ladies of the city carried to the baths. But all the rest of the treasure which remained to divide was carried away in such base fashion as I have told you; nevertheless, the Venetians had their half thereof. So the precious stones, and all the greater treasure which remained to divide, went such base ways as we shall presently describe to you.

Chapter 82: OF THE MARVELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE. OF THE PALACE OF THE LION'S MOUTH

When the city was taken and the pilgrims had lodged themselves, even as I have told you, and when the palaces were taken, then were there found in these palaces riches without number. And how rich was the Palace of the Lion's Mouth, and how built, I will tell you now. There were, forsooth, within this palace (which the marquis now held) five hundred chambers, which were all joined one to another; and they were all wrought in mosaic work of gold. More–over, there were full thirty chapels there, both large and small; and there was one of these which was called the Holy Chapel, that was so rich and so noble that it contained neither hinge nor socket, nor any other appurtenance such as is wont to be wrought of iron, that was not all of silver; nor was there a pillar there that was not of jasper or porphyry or such like rich and precious stone. And the pave–ment of the chapel was of white marble, so smooth and so clear that it seemed that it was of crystal. And this chapel was so rich that one could not describe to you the great beauty and the great magnificence thereof. Within this chapel were found many precious relics; for therein were found two pieces of the True Cross, as thick as a man's leg and a fathom in length. And there was found the lance wherewith Our Lord had His side pierced, and the two nails that were driven through the midst of His hands and through the midst of His feet. And there was also found, in a crystal phial, a great part of His blood. And there was found the tunic that he wore, which was stripped from Him when He had been led to the Mount of Calvary. And there, too, was found the blessed crown wherewith He was crowned, which was wrought of sea rushes, sharp as dagger blades. There also was found the raiment of Our Lady, and the head of my Lord Saint John Baptist, and so many other precious relics that I could never describe them to you or tell you the truth concerning them.

Chapter 83: OF THE PALACE OF BLACHERNAE

Now there were yet other holy relics in this chapel, of which we had forgotten to tell you. For there were two rich vessels of gold which hung in the midst of the chapel by two great chains of silver, and in the one of these vessels was a tile, and in the other a towel. And we will tell you whence these relics had come.

There lived of yore, in Constantinople, a certain holy man. And it chanced that this holy man was mending with tiles the roof of a widow woman's house, for the love of God. And as he was mending it, lo, Our Lord appeared to him and spoke to him; and the good man had a towel girt about him.  "Give thither," said Our Lord, "that towel."

And the good man yielded it to Him. And Our Lord wrapped His own face therein, so that the likeness thereof was imprinted upon the towel; then gave He it back to him. And He told him that he should carry it away, and lay it on sick folk, and that whosoever had faith therein, he would be cleansed of his sickness. And the good man took it and carried it away. But before he carried it away, when God had given his towel back to him, the good man took it and hid it under a tile until the evening. In the evening, when he went thence, he took the towel; but as he lifted up the tile, he saw the likeness imprinted upon the tile also, even as upon the towel. And he carried away both the tile and the towel, and thereafter were many sick folk healed by them. And these relics hung in the midst of the chapel, even as I have told you.

Now there was also in this chapel another holy relic, for there was to be seen therein a likeness of Saint Demetrius, which was painted upon a board. This likeness gave forth so much oil that it was not possible to remove all the oil that flowed ever downward from this picture.

And there were some twenty of these chapels, and there were some two hundred chambers, or three hundred, which all adjoined one to another, and they were all wrought in mosaic of gold. And this palace was so rich and so magnifi–cent that one could not describe or relate to you the magnificence and richness thereof.

And in the palace of Blachernae also was very great treasure found, and very rich. For here were found the rich crowns that belonged to the emperors who dwelt there aforetime, and their rich jewels of gold, and their rich raiment of silken cloth, and their rich imperial robes, and rich and precious stones, and other riches so great that one could not number the great treasure of gold and of silver that was found in the palaces and in many places elsewhere in the city.

Chapter 84: HAW THE PILGRIMS MARVELED AT THE WONDERS OF THE CITY

Then did the pilgrims gaze upon the greatness of the city, and the palaces, and the rich abbeys, and the rich minsters, and the great wonders that were in the city; and they marveled very greatly thereat, and much did they marvel at the Minster of Saint Sophia and at the riches that were there.

Chapter 85: OF THE MINSTER OF SAINT SOPHIA

Now will I tell you of the Minster of Saint Sophia, how it was built (Saint Sophia, in Greek, signifieth Holy Trinity in our own tongue). The Minster of Saint Sophia was altogether round. And there were on the inside of the minster, all round about, arches which were borne up by great pillars - very rich pillars, for there was not a pillar that was not either of jasper, or of porphyry, or of other rich and precious stones, nor was there one of these pillars that had not some virtue of healing. For one there was that healed a man of the disease of the reins when he rubbed himself against it, and one that healed folk of the disease of the side; and some that healed them of other diseases. Nor was there any door of this minster, or hinge, or socket, or other furnishing such as is wont to be made of iron, that was not all of silver. And the high altar of this minster was so rich that the price thereof could not be reckoned; for the table which lay upon the altar was of gold, and of precious stones all squared and ground, and all fast joined together; which a certain rich emperor caused to be made. And this table was full fourteen feet in length; and about the altar were pillars of silver, which upheld a canopy above the altar, made like to a bell-tower, and all of massive silver. And so rich was it that one could not reckon the price that it was worth.

And the place where the Gospel was read was so rich and so magnificent that we could not describe to you how it was made. Then, adown the minster hung full an hundred lustres, nor was there a lustre that hung not by a great chain of silver, as thick as a man's arm; and in each lustre were some five and twenty lamps, or more; nor was there a lustre that was not worth full two hundred silver marks.

By the socket of the great door of the minster, which was all of silver, there hung a tube - of what alloy wrought, no man knows - and it was of the size of one of those pipes such as shepherds pipe upon. That tube had this virtue, of which I will tell you. When a sick man who had some disease within his body –as some swelling whereof his belly was swollen within - when such an one put the tube to his mouth, then this tube would lay hold on him, and would suck out all that disease from him, and would make the poison thereof to run out through his throat. And it kept such fast hold on him that it made his eyes to roll and to turn in his head; nor could he release himself there from or ever the tube had sucked all that disease clean out of him. Nevertheless, albeit he that was sickest was longest held by the tube, when a man who was not sick at all put it to his mouth, it held him in no wise whatsoever.

Chapter 86: OF THE GREAT PILLAR THAT WAS BEFORE THE MINSTER OF SAINT SOPHIA AND THE STATUE OF AN EMPEROR THAT STOOD THEREON

Furthermore, in front of the Minster of Saint Sophia there was a thick pillar, having in sooth a thickness of thrice the spread of a man's arms, and it was full fifty fathoms high. And it was made of marble, and then of copper laid over the marble; and it was very stoutly bound with goodly bands of iron. And above, on the top of this pillar, was a stone some fifteen feet long and as many wide. And upon this stone stood an emperor, cast in copper, on a great copper horse, who was stretching out his hand toward Heathendom. And there were letters graven upon him, which said that he was swearing an oath that the Saracens should never have rest or respite from him. And in the other hand he held a golden apple, and on the apple, a cross. And the Greeks said that this was the Emperor Heraclius. Furthermore, both on the horse's croup, and on its head, and round about it, were ten aeries of herons, which nested there every year.

Chapter 87: OF THE CHURCH OF THE SEVEN APOSTLES

Furthermore, in another part of the city was another minster, which was called the Minster of the Seven Apostles. And it was said that this minster was yet richer and more magnificent than the Minster of Saint Sophia; and so great riches and such magnificence were therein that one could in no wise describe the half of the richness and magnificence of this minster. And there lay within this minster the bodies of seven apostles; and therein also stood the pillar whereto Our Lord was bound or ever He was put upon the cross. And it was said that there also lay the Emperor Constantine, and Helena, and other emperors a many.

Chapter 88: OF THE GATE OF THE GOLDEN MANTLE

Now in another part of the city was a gate which was called the Golden Mantle. Above this gate was a golden ball, which was made by enchantment; for the Greeks said that never, so long as this ball should remain there, would thunder–bolts fall within the city. And over and above the ball was an image cast in cop–per, which had a golden mantle wrapped about it, and it leaned forward upon one arm, and there were letters graven upon it, which said, "All they" (so spoke the image) "that tarry in Constantinople for one year ought to have a mantle of gold, even as I have."

Chapter 89: OF THE GOLDEN GATE

In yet another part of the city is another gate, called the Golden Gate. Above this gate were two elephants, cast in copper, which were so huge that it was a fair marvel to behold them. This gate was never opened, save when the emperor re–turned from battle after he had conquered some land. And whenever he thus returned from battle, having conquered some land, then came forth the clergy of the city in procession to meet the emperor; and the gate was opened, and a chariot was brought, which was made like to a four-wheeled waggon and was called a triumphal chariot. And in the midst of this chariot was a high dais, and on the dais was a throne, and round about the throne were four pillars that bare up a canopy that overshadowed the throne, which seemed to be all of gold. So sate there the emperor, upon this throne, wearing his crown; and he came in by this gate and was brought on this chariot, amid great joy and rejoicing, even unto his own pal–ace.

Chapter 90: OF THE EMPEROR'S GAMES

Now in another part of the city was yet another wonder, for there was an open space, hard by the Palace of the Lion's Mouth, which was called the Em–peror's Games. This space was full a crossbow-shot and a half in length, and about one in breadth. Round about this open space were thirty or forty tiers of stairs, where the Greeks. went up for to see the games; and there were lodges there, very magnificent and very noble, where sat the emperor and the empress whilst the games were playing, together with other nobles and ladies. And if two games were playing together, then would the emperor and the empress make a wager together that the one of these games would be better played than the other; so, likewise, did all they that were watching the games.

            Lengthwise of this space ran a wall, full fifteen feet high and ten feet wide; and on the top of this wall were images of men and of women, of horses, and oxen, and camels, and bears, and lions, and all manner of other beasts, cast in copper, which were so cunningly wrought and so naturally shaped that there is not, in Heathendom or in Christendom, a master so skilled that he could portray or shape images so skillfully as these images were shaped. And these images were wont erstwhile to play, by enchantment; but afterward they played no more at all.

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