Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FRANKS AND VENETIANS BEFORE ATTACKING CONSTANTINOPLE

Now let us leave speaking of those who avoided the host, and speak of
those before Constantinople. Well had these prepared all their
engines, and mounted their petraries, and mangonels on the ships and
on the transports, and got ready all such engines of war as are
needful for the taking of a city, and raised ladders from the yards
and masts of the vessels, so high that they were a marvel to behold.*
[note: This passage is obscure in the original.] And when the Greeks
saw this, they began, on their side, to strengthen the defences of the
city which was enclosed with high walls and high towers. Nor was any
tower so high that they did not raise thereon two or three stages of
wood to heighten it still more. Never was city so well fortified.

59

Thus did the Greeks and the Franks bestir themselves on the one side
and the other during the greater part of Lent.

Then those of the host spoke together, and took counsel what they
should do. Much was advanced this way and that, but in the end, they
devised that if God granted them entry into the city by force, all the
booty taken was to be brought together, and fittingly distributed; and
further, if the city fell into their power, six men should be taken
from among the Franks, and six from among the Venetians, and these
twelve should swear, on holy relics, to elect as emperor the man who,
as they deemed, would rule with most profit to the land. And whosoever
was thus elected emperor, would have one quarter of whatever was
captured, whether within the city or without, and moreover would
possess the palace of Bucoleon and that of Blachernae; and the
remaining three parts would be divided into two, and one of the halves
awarded to the Venetians and the other to those of the host.

And there should be taken twelve of the wisest and most experienced
men among the host of the pilgrims, and twelve among the Venetians,
and those twenty-four would divide fiefs and honours, and appoint the
service to be done therefor to the emperor.

This covenant was made sure and sworn to on the one side and the other
b' the Franks and the Venetians; with provision that at the end of
March, a year thence, any who so desired might depart hence and go
their way, but that those who remained in the land would be held to
the service of the emperor in such mariner as might be ordained. Thus
was the covenant devised and made sure; and such as should not observe
it were excommunicated by the clergy.

ATTACK OF THE CRUSADERS REPULSED - THEY MAKE READY FOR ANOTHER ASSAULT

The fleet was very well prepared and armed, and provisions were got
together for the pilgrims. On the Thursday after mid-Lent (8th April
1204), all entered into the vessels, and put their horses into the
transports. Each division had its own ships, and all were ranged side
by side; and the ships were separated from the galleys and transports.
A marvellous sight it was to see; and well does this book bear

60

witness that the attack, as it had been devised, extended over full
half a French league.

On the Friday morning the ships and the galleys and the other vessels
drew near to the city in due order, and then began an assault most
fell and fierce. In many places the pilgrims landed and went up to the
walls, and in many places the scaling ladders on the ships approached
so close, that those on the towers and on the walls and those on the
ladders crossed lances, hand to hand. Thus lasted the assault, in more
than a hundred places, very fierce, and very dour, and very proud,
till near upon the hour of nones.

But, for our sins, the pilgrims were repulsed in that assault, and
those who had landed from the galleys and transports were driven back
into them by main force. And you must know that on that day those of
the host lost more than the Greeks, and much were the Greeks rejoiced
thereat. And some there were who drew back from the assault, with the
ships in which they were. And some remained with their ships at anchor
so near to the city that from either side they shot at one another
with petraries and mangonels.

Then, at vesper time, those of the host and the Doge of Venice called
together a parliament, and assembled in a church on the other side of
the straits-on the side where they had been quartered. There were many
opinions given and discussed; and much were those of the host moved
for the mischief that had that day befallen them. And many advised
that they should attack the city on another side the side where it was
not so well fortified. But the Venetians, who had fuller knowledge of
the sea, said that if they went to that other side, the current would
carry them down the straits, and that they would be unable to stop
their ships. And you must know that there were those who would have
been well pleased if the current had home them down the straits, or
the wind, they cared not whither, so long -as they left that land
behind, and went on their way. Nor is this to be wondered at, for they
were in sore peril.

Enough was there spoken, this way and in that; but the conclusion of
their deliberation was this: that they would repair and refit on the
following day, which was Saturday, and during the whole of Sunday, and
that on the Monday they would return to the assault; and they devised
further that the ships that carried the scaling ladders should be

61

bound together, two and two, so that two ships should be in case to
attack one tower; for they had perceived that day how only one ship
had attacked each tower, and that this had been too heavy a task for
the ship, seeing that those in the tower were more in number than
those on the ladder. For this reason was it well seen that two ships
would attack each tower with greater effect than one. As had been
settled, so was it done, and they waited thus during the Saturday and
Sunday.

THE CRUSADERS TAKE A PART OF THE CITY

Before the assault the Emperor Mourzuphles had come to encamp, with
all his power, in an open space, and had there pitched his scarlet
tents. Thus matters remained till the Monday morning, when those on
the ships, transports, and galleys were all armed. And those of the
city stood in much less fear of them than they did at the beginning,
and were in such good spirits that on the walls and towers you could
see nothing but people. Then began an assault proud and marvellous,
and every ship went straight before it to the attack. The noise of the
battle was so great that it seemed to read the earth.

Thus did the assault last for a long while, till our Lord raised a
wind called Boreas which drove the ships and vessels further up on to
the shore. And two ships that were bound together, of which the one
was called the Pilgrim and the other the Paradise, approached so near
to a tower, the one on the one side and the other on the other-so as
God and the wind drove them-that the ladder of the Pilgrim joined on
to the tower. Immediately a Venetian, and a knight of France, whose
name was Andrew of Urboise, entered into the tower, and other people
benan to enter after them, and those in the tower were discomfited and
fled.*

[NOTE [pp. 61-63]: I should like to quote here another feat of arms
related by Robert of Clari, one of those feats that serve to
explain how the Crusaders obtained mastery - the mastery of perfect
fearlessness - over the Greeks. Robert of Clari, then, relates how
a small body of the besiegers, ten knights and nine sergeants, had
come before a postem which had been newly bricked up.-

"Now there was there a clerk, Aleaume of Clari by name, who had
shown his courage whenever there was need, and was always first in
any assault at which he might be present; and when the tower of
Galata was taken, this same clerk had performed more deeds of
prowess with his body, man for man, than any one in the host, save
only the Lord Peter of Bracuel; for the Lord Peter it was who
surpassed all others, whether of high or low degree, so that there
was none other that performed such feats of arms, or acts of
prowess with his body, as the Lord Peter of Bracuel. So when they
came to the postern they began to hew and pick at it very hardily;
but the bolts flew at them so thick, and so many stones were hurled
at them from the wall, that it seemed as if they would be buried
beneath the stones-sucb was the mass of quarries and stones thrown
from above. And those who were below held up targes and shields to
cover those who were picking and hewing underneath; and those above
threw down pots of boiling pitch, and Greek fire, and large rocks,
so that it was one of God's miracles that the assailants were not
utterly confounded; for my Lord Peter and his men suffered more
than enough of blows and grievous danger. However, so did they hack
at the postern, both above and below, with their axes and good
swords, that they made a great bole therein; and when the postern
was broken through, they all swarmed to the aperture, but saw so
many people above and below, that it seemed as if half the world
were there, and they dared not be so bold as to enter.

"Now when Aleaume, the clerk, saw that no one dared to go in, be
sprang forward, and said that go in he would. And there was there
present a knight, a brother to the clerk (the knight's name was
Robert ofClari),who-forbade him,and said he should not go in. And
the clerk said he would, and scrambled in on his hands and feet.
And when the knight saw this, he took hold upon him, by the foot,
and began to drag him back. But in his brother's despite, and
whether his brother would or not, the clerk went in. And when he
was within, many were the Greeks who ran upon him, and those on the
walls cast big stones upon him. And the clerk drew his knife, and
ran at them; and he drave them before him as if they had been
cattle, and cried to those who were without, to the Lord Peter of
Amiens and his folk, 'Sire, come in boldly, I see that they are
falling back discomfited and flying.' When my Lord Peter heard
this, he and his people who were without, they entered in; and
there were no more than ten knights with him, but there were some
sixty sergeants, and they were all on foot. And when those who were
on the wall at that place saw them, they had such fear that thev
did not dare to remain there, but avoided a great space on the
wall, and fled helter-skelter.

"Now the Emperor Mourzuphles, the traitor, was near by, at less
than a stone's throw of distance, and he caused the silver horns to
be sounded, and the cymbals, and a great noise to be made. And when
he saw my Lord Peter, and his people, who bad entered in on foot,
he made a great show of falling upon them, and spurring forward,
came about half-way to where they stood. But mv Lord Peter, when he
saw him coming, began to encourage his people, and to say: 'Now,
Lord God, grant that we may do well, and the battle is ours. Here
comes the emperor! Let no one dare to think of retreat, but each
bethink himself to do well' Then Mourzuphles, seeing that they
would in no wise give way, stayed where he was, and then turned
back to his tents."

After this, according to Robert of Clari, Lord Peter's men break
open a gate, and.the Crusaders enter into the city. See Li Estoires
de chiaus qus conquisent Constantinoble. de Robert de Clari en
aminois, chevalier, pp. 60-62. The volume in the British Museum is
undated, and there is this note in the catalogue, " No more
printed." The volume itself is noteless, though there are printed
marks here and there which would suggest that notes were intended.
The Chronicle of Robert of Clari win also be found in Hopf's
Chroniques Grιco-romanes inιdites ou peu connues, etc., pp. 1-85,
Berlin, 1873.]

62

When the knights see this, who are in the transports, they land, and
raise their ladders against the wall, and scale the top of the wall by
main force, and so take four of the towers. And all begin to leap out
of the ships and transports and galleys, helter-skelter, each as best
he can; and they break in some three of the gates and enter in; and
they draw the horses out of the transports; and the knights mount and
ride straight to the quarters of the Emperor Mourzuphles. He had his
battalions arrayed before his tents, and when his men see the mounted
knights coming, they lose heart and fly; and so goes the emperor
flying through the streets to the castle of Bucoleon.

Then might you have seen the Greeks beaten down; and horses and
palfreys captured, and mules, and other booty. Of killed and wounded
there was neither end nor measure. A great part of the Greek lords had
fled towards the gate of

63

Blachernae. And vesper-time was already past, and those of the host
were wear of the battle and of the slaying,. And they began to
assemble in a great open space that was in Constantinople, and decided
that they would take up their quarters near the walls and towers they
had captured. Never had they thought that in a whole month they should
be able to take the city, with its great churches, and great palaces,
and the people that were in it.

FLIGHT OF MOURZUPHLES - SECOND FIRE IN CONSTANTINOPLE

As they had settled, so was it done, and they encamped before the
walls and before the towers by their ships. Count Baldwin of Flanders
and Hainault quartered himself in the scarlet tents that the Emperor
Mourzuphles had left standing, and Henry his brother before the palace
of Blachernae; and Boniface, Marquis of Montferrat, he and his men,
towards the thickest part of the city. So were the host encamped as
you have heard, and Constantinople taken on the Monday after Palm
Sunday (12th April 1204).

Now Count Louis of Blois and Chartres had languished all the winter
with a q ' uartan fever, and could not bear his armour. And you must
know that this was a great misfor-

64

tune to the host, seeing he was a good knight of his body; and he lay
in one of the transports.

Thus did those of the host, who were very weary, rest that night. But
the Emperor Mourzuphles rested not, for he assembled all his people,
and said he would go and attack the Franks. Nevertheless he did not do
as he had said, for he rode along other streets, as far as he could
from those held by the host, and came to a gate which is called the
Golden Gate, whereby he escaped, and avoided the city; and afterwards
all who could fled also. And of all this those of the host knew
nothing.

During that night, towards the quarters of Boniface Marquis of
Montfcrrat, certain people, whose names are unknown to me, being in
fear lest the Greeks should attack them, set fire to the buildings
between themselves and the Greeks. And the city began to take fire,
and to burn very direfully; and it burned all that night and all the
next day, till vesper-time. And this was the third fire there had been
in Constantinople since the Franks arrived in the land; and more
houses had been burned in the city than there are houses in any three
of the greatest cities in the kingdom of France.

That night passed and the next day came, which was a Tuesday morning
(13th April 1204); and all armed themselves throughout the host, both
knights and sergeants, and each repaired to his post. Then they issued
from their quarters, and thought to find a sorer battle than the day
before, for no word had come to them that the emperor had fled during
the night. But they found none to oppose them.

THE CRUSADERS OCCUPY THE CITY

The Marquis Boniface of Montferrat rode all along the shore to the
palace of Bucoleon, and when he arrived there it surrendered, on
condition that the lives of all therein should be spared. At Bucoleon
were found the larger number of the great ladies who had fled to the
castle, for there were found the sister [Agnes, sister of Philip
Augustus, married successively to Alexius II., to Andronicus, and to
Theodore Branas] of the King of France, who had been empress, and the
sister [Margaret, sister of Emeric, King of Hungary, married to the
Emperor Isaac, and afterwards to the Marquis of Montferrat.] of the
King of Hungary, who

65

had also been empress, and other ladies very many. Of the treasure
that was found in that palace I cannot well speak, for there was so
much that it was beyond end or counting.

At the same time that this palace was surrendered to the Marquis
Boniface of Montferrat, did the palace of Blachernae surrender to
Henry, the brother of Count Baldwin of Flanders, on condition that no
hurt should be done to the bodies of those who were therein. There too
was found much treasure, not less than in the palace of Bucoleon. Each
garrisoned with his own people the castle that had been surrendered to
him, and set a auard over the treasure. And the other people, spread
abroad throughout the city, also gained much booty. The booty gained
was so great that none could tell you the end of it: gold and silver,
and vessels and precious stones, and samite, and cloth of silk, and
robes vair and grey, and ermine, and every choicest thing found upon
the earth. And well does Geoffry of Villehardouin the Marshal of
Champagne, bear witness, that never, since the world was created, had
so much booty been won in any city.

Every one took quarters where he pleased and of lodgings there was no
stint. So the host of the pilgrims and of the Venetians found
quarters, and greatly did they rejoice and give thanks because of the
victory God had vouchsafed to them-for those who before had been poor
were now in wealth and luxury. Thus they celebrated Palm Sunday and
the Easter Day following (25th April 1204) in the joy and honour that
God had bestowed upon them. And well miaht they praise our Lord, since
in all the host there were no more than twenty thousand armed men, one
with another, and with the help of God they had conquered four hundred
thousand men, or more, and in the strongest city in all the world -
yea, a great city - and very well fortified.

DIVISION OF THE SPOIL

Then was it proclaimed throughout the host by the Marquis Boniface of
Montferrat, who was lord of the host, and by the barons, and by the
Doge of Venice, that all the booty should be collected and brou-ht
together, as had been covenanted under oath and pain of
excommunication. Three churches were appointed for the receiving of
the

66

spoils, and guards were set to have them in charge, both Franks and
Venetians, the most upright that could be found.

Then each began to bring in such booty as he had taken, and to collect
it together. And some brought in loyally, and some in evil sort,
because covetousness, which is the root of all evil, let and hindered
them. So from that time forth the covetous began to keep things back,
and our Lord began to love them less. Ah God! how loyally they had
borne themselves up to now! And well had the Lord God shown them that
in all things He was ready to honour and exalt them above all people.
But full oft do the good suffer for the sins of the wicked.

The spoils and booty were collected together, and you must know that
all was not brought into the common stock, for not a few kept thin-s
back, maugre the excommunication of the Pope. That which was brought
to the churches was collected together and divided, in equal parts,
between the Franks and the Venetians, according to the sworn covenant.
And you must know further that the pilgrims, after the division had
been made, paid out of their share fifty thousand marks of silver to
the Venetians, and then divided at least one hundred thousand marks
between themselves, among their own people. And shall I tell you in
what wise? Two sergeants on foot counted as one mounted, and two
sergeants mounted as one knight. And you must know that no man
received more, either on account of his rank or because of his deeds,
than that which had been so settled and orderedsave in so far as he
may have stolen it.

And as to theft, and those who were convicted thereof, you must know
that stem justice was meted out to such as were found guilty, and not
a few were hung. The Count of St. Paul hung one of his knights, who
had kept back certain spoils, with his shield to his neck; but many
there were, both great and small, who kept back part of the spoils,
and it was never known. Well may you be assured that the spoil wa-
very great, for if it had not been for what was stolet- and for the
part given to the Venetians, there would if have been at least four
hundred thousand marks of silver and at least ten thousand horses-one
with another. Thus were divided the spoils of Constantinople, as you
have heard.

67

BALDWIN, COUNT OF FLANDERS, ELECTED EMPEROR

Then a parliament assembled, and the commons of the host declared that
an emperor must be elected, as had been settled aforetime. And they
parliamented so long that the matter was adjourned to another day, and
on that day would they choose the twelve electors who were to make the
election. Nor was it possible that there should be lack of candidates,
or of men covetous, seeing that so great an honour was in question as
the imperial throne of Constantinople. But the greatest discord that
arose was the discord concerning Count Baldwin of Flanders and
Hainault and the Marquis Boniface of Montferrat; for all the people
said that either of those two should be elected.

And when the chief men of the host saw that all held either for Count
Baldwin or for the Marquis of Montferrat, they conferred together and
said: " Lords, if we elect one of these two great men, the other will
be so filled with envy that he will take away with him all his people.
And then the land that we have won may be lost, just as the land of
Jerusalem came nigh to be lost when, after it had been conquered,
Godfrey of Bouillon was elected king, and the Count of St. Giles
became so fulfilled with envy that he enticed the other barons, and
whomsoever he could, to abandon the host. Then did many people depart,
and there remained so few that, if God had not sustained them, the
land of Jerusalem wouldhavebeenlost. Letusthereforebewarelestthesame
mischance befall us also, and rather bethink ourselves how we may keep
both these lords in the host. Let the one on whom God shall bestow the
empire so devise that the other is well content; let him grant to that
other all the land on the further side of the straits, towards Turkey,
and the Isle of Greece, and that other shall be his liegeman. Thus
shall we keep both lords in the host."

As had been proposed, so was it settled, and both consented right
willingly. Then came the day for the parliament, and the parliament
assembled. And the twelve electors were chosen, six on one side and
six on the other; and they swore on holy relics to elect, duly, and in
good faith, whomsoever would best meet the needs of the host, and bear
rule over the empire most worthily.

68

Thus were the twelve chosen, and a day appointed for the election of
the emperor; and on the appointed day the twelve electors met at a
rich palace, one of the fairest in the world, where the Doge of Venice
had his quarters. Great and marvellous was the concourse, for every
one wished to see who should be elected. Then were the twelve electors
called, and set in a very rich chapel within the palace, and the door
was shut, so that no one remained with them. The barons and knights
stayed without in a great palace.

The council lasted till they were agreed; and by consent' of all they
appointed Nevelon, Bishop of Soissons, who was one of the twelve, to
act as spokesman. Then they came out to the place where all the barons
were assembled, and the Doge of Venice. Now you must know that many
set eyes upon them, to know how the election had turned. And the
bishop, lifting up his voice-while all listened intentlyspoke as he
had been charged, and said: " Lords, we are agreed, let God be
thanked! upon the choice of an emperor; and you have all sworn that he
whom we shall elect as ern,,)eror shall be held by you to be emperor
indeed, and that it any one gainsay him, you will be his helpers. And
we name him now at the self-same hour when God was born, THE COUNT
BALDWIN OF FLANDERS AND HAINAULT! "

A cry of joy was raised in the palace, and they bore the count out of
the palace, and the Marquis Boniface of Montferrat bore him on one
side to the church, and showed him all the honour he could. So was the
Count Baldwin of Flanders and Hainault elected emperor, and a day
appointed for his coronation, three weeks after Easter (16th May
1204). And you must know that many a rich robe was made for the
coronation; nor did they want for the wherewithal.

BONIFACE WEDS ISAAC'S WIDOW, AND AFTER BALDWIN'S CORONATION OBTAINS THE
KINGDOM OF SALONIKA

Before the time appointed for the coronation, the Marquis Boniface of
Montferrat espoused the empress who had been the wife of the Emperor
Isaac, and was sister to the King of Hungary. And within that time
also did one of the most noble barons of the host, who bore the name
of Odo of Champlitte of Champagne, make an end and die. Much was he
mourned and bewept by William his brother, and by his

69

other friends; and he was buried in the church of the Apostles with
great honour.

The time for the coronation drew near, and the Emperor Baldwin was
crowned with great joy and great honour in the church of St. Sophia,
in the year of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ one thousand twelve
hundred and four. Of the rejoicings and feasting there is no need to
speak further, for the barons and knights did all they could; and the
Marquis Boniface of Montferrat and Count Louis of Blois and Chartres
did homage to the emperor as their lord. After the great rejoicings
and ceremonies of the coronation, he was taken in great pomp, and with
a great procession, to the rich palace of Bucoleon. And when the
feastings were over he began to discuss his affairs.

Boniface the Marquis of Montferrat called upon him to carry out the
covenant made, and give him, as he was bound to do, the land on the
other side of the straits towards Turkey and the Isle of Greece. And
the emperor acknowledged that he was bound so to do, and said he would
do it right willingly. And when the Marquis of Montferrat saw that the
emperor was willing to carry out this covenant so debonairly, he
besought him, in exchange for this land, to bestow upon him the
kingdom of Salonika, because it lay near the land of the King of
Hungary, whose sister he had taken to wife.

Much was this matter debated in various ways; but in the end the
emperor granted the land of Salonika to the marquis, and the marquis
did homage therefor. And at this there was much joy thr oughout , the
host, because the marquis was one of the knights most highly prized in
all the world, and one whom the knights most loved, inasmuch as no one
dealt with them more liberally than he. Thus the marquis remained in
the land, as you have heard.

BALDWIN MARCHES AGAINST MOURZUPHLES

The Emperor Mourzuphles had not yet removed more than four days'
journey from Constantinople; and he had taken with him the empress who
had been the wife of the Emperor Alexius, who aforetime had fled, and
his daughter. This Emperor Alexius was in a city called Messinopolis,
with all his people, and still held a great part of the land. And at
that

70

time the men of note in Greece departed, and a large number passed
over the straits towards Turkey; and each one, for his own advantage,
made himself master of such lands as he could lay hands upon; and the
same thing happened also throughout the other parts of the empire.

The Emperor Mourzuphles made no long tarrying before he took a city
which had surrendered to my lord the Emperor Baldwin, a city called
Tchorlu. So he took it and sacked it, and seized whatever he found
there. When the news thereof came to the Emperor Baldwin, he took
counsel with the barons, and with the Doge of Venice, and they agreed
to this, that he should issue forth, with all his host, to make
conquest of the land, and leave a garrison in Constantinople to keep
it sure, seeing that the city had been newly taken and was peopled
with the Greeks.

So did they decide, and the host was called together, and decision
made as to who should remain in Constantinople, and who should go in
the host with the Emperor Baldwin. In Constantinople remained Count
Louis of Blois and Chartres, who had been sick, and was not yet
recovered, and the Doge of Venice. And Conon of Bιthune remained in
the palaces of Blachemoe and Bucoleon to keep the city; and with him
Geoffry the Marshal of Champagne, and Miles the Brabant of Provins,
and Manasses of l'Isle, and all their people. All the rest made ready
to go in the host with the emperor.

Before the Emperor Baldwin left Constantinople, his brother Henry
departed thence, by his command, with a hundred very good knights; and
he rode from city to city, and in every city to which he came the
people swore fealty to the emperor. So he fared forward till he came
to Adrianople, which was a good city, and wealthy; and those of the
city received him right willingly and swore fealty to the emperor.
Then he lodged in the city, he and his people, and sojoumed there till
the Emperor Baldwin came thither.

MOURZUPHLES TAKES REFUGE WITH ALEXIUS, THE BROTHER OF ISAAC, WHO PUTS OUT
HIS EYES

The Emperor Mourzuphles, when he heard that they thus advanced against
him, did not dare to abide their coming, but remained always two or
three days' march in advance.

71

So he fared forward till he came near Messinopolis, where the Emperor
Alexius was sojourning, and he sent on messengers, telling Alexius
that he would give him help, and do all his behests. And the Emperor
Alexius answered that he should be as welcome as if he were his own
son, and that he would give him his daughter to wife, and make of him
his son. So the Emperor Mourzuphles encamped before Messinopolis, and
pitched his tents and pavilions, and Alexius was quartere within the
city. So they conferred together, and Alexius gave him his daughter to
wife, and they entered into alliance, and said they should be as one.

They sojourned thus for I know not how many days, the one in the camp
and the other in the city, and then did the Emperor Alexius invite the
Emperor MourzupWes to come and eat with him, and to go with him to the
baths. So were matters settled. The Emperor Mourzuphles came
privately, and with few people, and when he was within the house, the
Emperor Alexius called him into a privy chamber, and had him thrown on
to the ground, and the eyes drawn out of his head. And this was done
in such treacherous wise as you have heard. Now say whether this
people, who wrought such cruelty one to another, were fit to have
lands in possession I And when the host of the Emperor Mourzuphles
heard what had been done, they scattered, and fled this way and that;
and some joined themselves to the Emperor Alexius, and obeyed him as
their lord, and remained with him.

BALDWIN MARCHES AGAINST ALEXIUS-HE IS JOINED BY BONIFACE

Then the Emperor Baldwin moved from Constantinople, with all his host,
and rode forward till he came to Adrianople. There he found Henry his
brother, and the men with him. All the people whithersoever the
emperor passed, came to him, and put themselves at his mercy and under
his rule. And while they were at Adrianople, they heard the news that
the Emperor Alexius had pulled out the eyes of the Emperor
Mourzuphles. Of this there was much talk among them; and well did all
say that those who betrayed one another so disloyally and
treacherously had no right to hold land in possession.

Then was the Emperor Baldwin minded to ride straight to

72

Messinopolis, where the Emperor Alexius was. And the Greeks of
Adrianople besought him, as their lord, to leave a garrison in their
city because of Johannizza, King of Wallachia and Bulgaria, who
ofttimes made war upon them. And the' Emperor Baldwin left there
Eustace of Saubruic, who was a knight of Flanders, very worthy and
very valiant, together with forty right good knights, and a hundred
mounted sergeants.

So departed the Emperor Baldwin from Adrianople, and rode towards
Messinopolis, where he thought to find the Emperor Alexius. All the
people of the lands through which he passed put themselves under his
rule and at his mercyand when the Emperor Alexius saw this, he avoided
Messl-' nopolis and fled. And the Emperor Baldwin rode on till he came
before Messinopolis; and those of the city went out to meet him and
surrendered the city to his commandment.

Then the Emperor Baldwin said he would sojourn there, wafting for the
arrival of Boniface, Marquis of Montferrat, who had not yet joined the
host, seeing he could not move as fast as the emperor, because he was
bringing with him the empress, his wife. However, he also rode forward
till he came to Messinopolis, by the river, and there encamped, and
pitched his tents and pavilions. And on the morrow he went to speak to
the Emperor Baldwin, and to see him, and reminded him of his promise.

"Sire," said he, "tidings have come to me from Salonika that the
people of the land would have me know that they are ready to receive
me willingly as their lord. And I am your liegeman, and hold the land
from you. Therefore, I pray you, let me go thither; and when I am in
possession of my land and of my city, I will bring you out such
supplies as you may need, and come ready prepared to do your behests.
But do not go and ruin my land. Let us rather, if it so pleases you,
march against Johannizz', the King of Wallachia and Bulgaria, who
holds a great part of the land wrongfully."

RUPTURE BETWEEN BALDWIN AND B0NIFACE - THE ONE MARCHES ON SALONIKA, THE
OTHER ON DEMOTICA

I know not by whose counsel it was that the emperor replied that he
was determined to march towards Salonika,

73

and would afterwards attend to his other affairs. Sire," said
Boniface, Marquis of Montferrat, " I pray thee, since I am able
without thee to get possession of my land, that thou wilt not enter
therein; but if thou dost enter therein, I shall deem that thou art
not acting for my good. And be it known to thee that I shall not go
with thee, but depart from among you." And the Emperor Baldwin replied
that, notwithstanding all this, he should most certainly go.

Alas! how ill-advised were they, both the one and the other, and how
great was the sin of those who caused this quarrel! For if God had not
taken pity upon them, now would they have lost all the conquests they
had made, and Christendom been in danger of ruin. So by ill fortune
was there division between the Emperor Baldwin of Constantinople and
Boniface, Marquis of Montferrat,-and by illadvice. . The Emperor Bal
dwin rode towards Salonika, as he devised, with all his people, and
with all his power. And Boniface, the Marquis of Montferrat, went
back, and he took with him a great number of right worthy people. With
him went James of Avesnes, William of Champlitte, Hugh of Colemi,
Count Berthold of Katzenellenbogen, and the greater part of those who
came from the Empire of Germany and held with the marquis. Thus did
the marquis ride back till he came to a castle, very goodly, very
strong, and very rich, which is called Demotica; and it was
surrendered by a Greek of the city, and when the marquis had entered
therein he garrisoned it. Then because of their knowledge of the
empress (his wife), the Greeks began to turn towards him, and to
surrender to his rule from all the country round about, within a day
or two's journey.

The Emperor Baldwin rode straight on to Salonika, and came to a castle
called Christopolis, one of the strongest in the world. And it
surrendered, and those of the city did homage to him. Afterwards he
came to another place called Blache, which was very strong and very
rich, and this too surrendered, and the people did homage. Next he
came to Cetros, a city strong and rich, and it also came to his rule
and order, and did homage. Then he rode to Salonika, and encamped
before the city, and was there for three days. And those within
surrendered the city, which was one of the best and wealthiest in
Christendom at that day, on condition that

74

he would maintain the uses and customs theretofore observed by the
Greek emperor.

MESSAGE OF THE CRUSADERS TO BONIFACE - HE SUSPENDS THE SIEGE OF ADRIANOPLE

While the Emperor Baldwin was thus at Salonika, and the land
surrendering to his good pleasure and commandment, the Marquis
Boniface of Montferrat, with all his people and a great quantity of
Greeks who held to his side, marched to Adrianople and besieged it,
and pitched his tents and pavilions round about. Now Eustace of
Saubruic was therein, with the people whom the emperor had left there,
and they mounted the walls and towers and made ready to defend
themselves.

Then took Eustace of Saubruic two messengers and sent them, riding
night and day, to Constantinople. And they came to the Doge of Venice,
and to Count Louis, and to those who had been left in the city by the
Emperor Baldwin, and told them that Eustace of Saubruic would have
them know that the emperor and the marquis were embroiled together,
and that the marquis had seized Demotica, which was one of the
strongest castles in Roumania, and one of the richest, and that he was
besieging them in Adrianople. And when those in Constantinople heard
this they were moved with anger, for they thought most surely that all
their conquests would be lost.

Then assembled in the palace of Blachernae the Doge of Venice, and
Count Louis of Blois and Chartres, and the other barons that were in
Constantinople; and much were they distraught, and greatly were they
angered, and fiercely did they complain of those who had put enmity
between the emperor and the marquis. At the prayer of the Doge of
Venice and of Count Louis, Geoffry of Villehardouin, the Marshal of
Champagne, was enjoined to go to the siege of Adrianople, and appease
the war, if he could, because he was well in favour with the marquis,
and therefore they thought he would have more influence than any
other. And he, because of their prayers, and of their great need, said
he would go willingly; and he took with him Manasses of l'Isle, who
was one of the good knights of the host, and one of the most honoured.

75

So they departed from Constantinople, and rode day by day till they
came to Adrianople, where the siege was going on. And when the marquis
heard thereof, he came out of the camp and went to meet them. With him
came James of Avesnes, and William of Champlitte, and Hugh of Colemi,
and Otho of la Roche, who were the chief counsellors of the marquis.
And when he saw the envoys, he did them much honour and showed them
much fair seeming.

Geoffry the Marshal, with whom he was on very good terms, spoke to him
very sharply, reproaching him with the fashion in which he had taken
the land of the emperor and besieged the emperor's people in
Adrianople, and that without apprising those in Constantinople, who
surely would have obtained such redress as was due if the emperor had
done him any wrong. And the marquis disculpated himself much, and said
it was because of the wrong the emperor had done him that he had acted
in such sort.

So wrought Geoffry, the Marshal of Champagne, with the help of God,
and of the barons who were in the confidence of the marquis, and who
loved the said Geoffry well, that the marquis assured him he would
leave the matter in the hands of the Doge of Venice, and of Count
Louis of Blois and Chartres, and of Conon of Bιthune, and of Geoffry
of Villehardouin, the Marshal-all of whom well knew what was the
covenant made between himself and the emperor. So was a truce
established between those in the camp and those in the city.

And you must know that Geoffry the Marshal, and Manasses of l'Isle,
were right joyously looked upon, both by those in the camp and those
in the city, for very strongly did either side wish for peace. And in
such measure as the Franks rejoiced, so were the Greeks dolent,
because right willingly would they have seen the Franks quarrelling
and at war. Thus was the siege of Adrianople raised, and the marquis
returned with all his people to Demotica, where was the empress his
wife.

MESSAGE OF THE CRUSADERS TO BALDWIN - DEATH OF SEVERAL KNIGHTS

The envoys returned to Constantinople, and told what they had done.
Greatly did the Doge of Venice, and Count Louis

76

of Blois, and all besides, then rejoice that to these envoys had been
committed the negotiations for a peace; and they chose good
messengers, and wrote a letter, and sent it to the Emperor Baldwin,
tellin- him that the marquis had referred himself to them, with
assurances that he would accept their arbitration, and that he (the
emperor) was even more strongly bound to do the same, and that they
besought him to do so-for they would in no wise countenance war-and
promise to accept their arbitration, as the marquis had done.

While this was in progress the Emperor Baldwin had settled matters at
Salonika and departed thence, garrisoning it with his people, and had
left there as chief Renier of Mons, who was a good knight and a
valiant. And tidings had come to him that the marquis had taken
Demotica, and established himself therein, an(f conquered a great part
of the land lying round about, and besieged the emperor's people in
Adrianople. Greatly enraged was the Emperor Baldwin when these tidings
came to him, and much did he hasten so as to raise the siege of
Adrianople, and do to the marquis all the -harm that he could. Ah God!
what mischief their discord might have caused! If God had not seen to
it, Christendom would have been undone.

So did the Emperor Baldwin journey day by day. And a very great
mischance had befallen those who were before Salonika, for many people
of the host were stricken down with sickness. Many who could not be
moved had to remain in the castles by which the emperor passed, and
many were brought along in litters, journeying in sore pain; and many
there were who died at Cetros (La Serre). Among those who so died at
Cetros was Master ' John of Noyon, chancellor to the Emperor Baldwin.
He was a good clerk, and very wise, and much had he comforted the host
by the word of God, which he well knew how to preach. And you must
know that by his death the good men of the host were much
discomforted.

Nor was it long ere another great misfortune befell the host, for
Peter of Amiens died, who was a man rich and noble, and a good and
brave knight, and great dole was made for him by Hugh of St. Paul, who
was his cousin-german; and heavily did his death weigh upon the host.
Shortly after died Gerard of Mancicourt, who was a knight much

77

prized, and Giles of Annoy, and many other good people. Forty knights
died during this expedition, and by their death was the host greatly
enfeebled.

BALDWIN'S REPLY TO THE MESSAGE OF THE CRUSADERS

The Emperor Baldwin journeyed so day by day that he met the messengers
sent by those of Constantinople. One of the messengers was a knight
belonging to the land of Count Louis of Blois, and the count's
liegeman; his name was Bθgue of Fransures, and he was wise and
eloquent. He spoke the message of his lord and the other barons right
manfully, and said: " Sire, the Doge of Venice, and Count Louis, my
lord, and the other barons who are in Constantinople send you health
and greeting as to their lord, and they complain to God and to you of
those who have raised discord between you and the Marquis of
Montferrat, whereby it failed but little that Christendom was not
undone; and they tell you that you did very ill when you listened to
such counsellors. Now they apprise you that the marquis has referred
to them the quarrel that there is between him and you, and they pray
you, as their lord, to refer that quarrel to them likewise, and to
promise to abide by their ruling. And be it known to you that they
will in no wise, nor on any ground, suffer that you should go to war."

The Emperor Baldwin went to confer with his council, and said he would
reply anon. Many there were in the emperor's council who had helped to
cause the quarrel, and they were greatly outraged by the declaration
sent by those at Constantinople, and they said: " Sire, you hear what
they declare to you, that they will not suffer you to take vengeance
of your enemy. Truly it seems that if you will not do as they order,
they will set themselves against you."

Very many big words were then spoken; but, in the end, the council
agreed that the emperor had no wish to lose the friendship of the Doge
of Venice, and Count Louis, and the others who were in Constantinople;
and the emperor replied to the envoys: " I will not promise to refer
the quarrel to those who sent you, but I will go to Constantinople
without doing aught to injure the marquis." So the Emperor Baldwin
journeyed day by day till he came to Constantinople, and

78

the barons, and the other people, went to meet him, and received him
as their lord with great honour.

RECONCILIATION OF BALDWIN AND BONIFACE

On the fourth day the emperor knew clearly that he had been
ill-advised to quarrel with the marquis, and then the Doge of Venice
and Count Louis came to speak to him and said: "Sire, we would pray
you to refer this matter to us, as the marquis has done." And the
emperor said he would do so right willingly. Then were envoys chosen
to fetch the marquis, and bring him thither. Of them envoys one was
Gervais of Chatel, and the second Renier of Trit, and Geoffry, Marshal
of Champagne the third, and the Doge of Venice sent two of his people.

The envoys rode day by day till they came to Demotica, and they found
the marquis with the empress his wife, and a great number of right
worthy people, and they told him how they had come to fetch him. Then
did Geoffry the Marshal desire him to come to Constantinople, as he
had promised, and make peace in such wise as might be settled by those
in whose hands he had remitted his cause; and they promised him safe
conduct, as also to those who might go with him.

The marquis took counsel with his men. Some there were who agreed that
he should go, and some who advised that he should not go. But the end
of the debate was such that he went with the envoys to Constantinople,
and took full a hundred knights with him; and they rode day by day
till they came to Constantinople. Very gladly were they received in
the city; and Count Louis of Blois and Chartres, and the Doge of
Venice went out to meet the marquis, together with many other right
worthy people, for he was much loved in the host.

Then was a parliament assembled, and the covenants were rehearsed
between the Emperor Baldwin and the Marquis Boniface; and Salonika was
restored to Boniface, with the land, he placing Demotica, which he had
seized, in the hands of Geoffry the Marshal of Champagne, who
undertook to keep it till he heard, by accredited messenger, or
letters duly sealed, that the marquis was seized of Salonika, when he
would give back Demotica to the emperor, or to whomsoever the emperor
might appoint. Thus was peace made between the emperor and the
marquis, as you have heard. And great was the joy

79

thereof throughout the host, for out of this quarrel might very great
evil have arisen.

THE KINGDOM OF SALONIKA IS RESTORED TO BONIFACE - DIVISION OF THE LAND
BETWEEN THE CRUSADERS

The marquis then took leave, and went towards Salonika with his
people, and with his wife; and with him rode the envoys of the
emperor; and as they went from castle to castle, each, with all its
lordship, was restored to the marquis on the part of the emperor. So
they came to Salonika, and those who held the place for the emperor
surrendered it. Now the governor, whom the emperor had left there, and
whose name was Renier of Mons, had died; he was a man most worthy, and
his death a great mischance.

Then the land and country began to surrender to the marquis, and a
great part thereof to come under his rule. But a Greek, a man of great
rank, whose name was Leon Sgure, would in no wise come under the rule
of the marquis, for he had seized Corinth and Napoli, two cities that
lie upon the sea, and are among the strongest cities under heaven. He
then refused to surrender, but began to make war against the marquis,
and a very great many of the Greeks held with him. And another Greek,
whose name was Michael, and who had come with the marquis from
Constantinople, and was thought by the marquis to be his friend, he
departed, without any word said, and went to a city called Arthe (?
Durazzo) and took to wife the daughter of a rich Greek, who held the
land from the emperor, and seized the land, and began to make war on
the marquis.

Now the land from Constantinople to Salonika was quiet and at peace,
for the ways were so safe that all could come and go at their
pleasure, and from the one city to the other there were full twelve
long days' journey. And so much time had now passed that we were at
the beginning of September (1204). And the Emperor Baldwin was in
Constantinople, and the land at peace, and under his rule. Then died
two right good knights in Constantinople, Eustace of Canteleu, and
Aimery of Villeroi, whereof their friends had great sorrow.

Then did they begin to divide the land. The Venetians had their
part,and the pilgrims the other. And when each

80

one was able to go to his own land, the covetousness of this world,
which has worked so great evil, suffered them not to be at peace, for
each began to deal wickedly in his land, some more, and some less, and
the Greeks began to hate them and to nourish a bitter heart.

Then did the Emperor Baldwin bestow on Count Louis the duchy of Nice,
which was one of the greatest lordships in the land of Roumania, and
situate on the other side of the straits, towards Turkey. Now all the
land on the other side of the straits had not surrendered to the
emperor, but was against him. Then afterwards he gave the duchy of
Philippopolis to Renier of Trit.

So Count Louis sent his men to conquer his land-some h.undred and
twenty knights. And over them were set Peter of Bracieux and Payen of
Orleans. They left Constantinople on All Saints Day (1st November
1204), and passed over the Straits of St. George on ship-board, and
came to Piga, a city that lies on the sea, and is inhabited by Latins.
And they began to war against the Greeks.

EXECUTION OF MOURZUPHLES AND IMPRISONMENT OF ALEXIUS

In those days it happened that the Emperor Mourzuphles, whose eyes had
been put out-the same who had murdered his lord, the Emperor Isaac's
son, the Emperor Alexius, whom the pilgrims had brought with them to
that land-it happened, I say, that the Emperor Mourzuphles fled
privily, and with but few people, and took refuge beyond the straits.
But Thierri of Loos heard of it, for Mourzuphles' flight was revealed
to him, and he took Mourzuphles and brought him to the Emperor Baldwin
at Constantinople,. And the Emperor Baldwin rejoiced thereat, and took
counsel with his men what he should do with a man who had been guilty
of such a murder upon his lord.

And the council agreed to this: There was in Constantinople, towards
the middle of the city, a column, one of the highest and the most
finely wrought in marble that eye had ever seen; and Mourzuphles
should be taken to the top of that column and made to leap down, in
the sight of all the people, because it was fit that an act of justice
so notable should be seen of the whole world. So they led the Emperor

81

Mourzuphles to the column, and took him to the top, and all the people
in the city ran together to behold the event. Then they cast him down,
and he fell from such a height that when he came to the earth he was
all shattered and broken.

Now hear of a great marvel! On that column from which he fell were
images of divers kinds, wrought in the marble. And among these images
was one, worked in the shape of an emperor, falling headlong; for of a
long time it had been prophesied that from that column an emperor of
Constantinople should be cast down. So did the semblance and the
prophecy come true.

It came to pass, at this time also, that the Marquis Boniface of
Montferrat, who was near Salonika, took prisoner the Emperor
Alexius-the same who had put out the eyes of the Emperor Isaac-and the
empress his wife with him. And he sent the scarlet buskins, and the
imperial vestments, to the Emperor Baldwin, his lord, at
Constantinople, and the emperor took the act in very good part.
Shortly after the marquis sent the Emperor Alexius and the empress his
wife, to Montferrat, there to be imprisoned.

CAPTURE OF ABYDOS, OF PHILIPPOPOLIS, AND OF NICOMEDIA - THEODORE LASCARIS
PRETENDS TO THE EMPIRE

At the feast of St. Martin after this (11th November 1204), Henry, the
brother of the Emperor Baldwin, went forth from Constantinople, and
marched down by the straits to the mouth of Abydos; and he took with
him some hundred and twenty good knights. He crossed the straits near
a city which is called Abydos, and found it well furnished with good
things, with corn and meats, and with all things of which man has
need. So he seized the city, and lodged therein, and then began to war
with the Greeks who were before him. And the Armenians of the land, of
whom there were many, began to turn towards him, for they greatly
hated the Greeks.

At that time Renier of Trit left Constantinople, and went towards
Philippopolis, which the emperor had given him; and he took with him
some hundred and twenty very good knights, and rode day by day till he
passed beyond Adrianople, and came to Philippopolis. And the people of
the land received him, and obeyed him as their lord, for they beheld
his coming very willingly. And they stood in great

82

need of succour, for Johannizza, the King of Wallachia, had mightily
oppressed them with war. So Renier helped them right well, and held a
great part of the land, and most of those who had sided with
Johannizza, now turned to him. In those parts the war with Johannizza
raged fiercely.

Tle emperor had sent some hundred knights over the straits of Saint
George opposite Constantinople. Macaire of SainteMen,ehould was in
command, and with him went Matthew of Wallincourt, and Robert of
Ronsoi. They rode to a city called Nicomedia, which lies on a gulf of
the sea, and is well two days' journey from Constantinople. When the
Greeks saw them coming, they avoided the city, and went away; so the
pilgrims lodged therein, and garrisoned it, and enclosed it with
walls, and began to wage war before them, on that side also.

The land on the other side of the straits had for lord a Greek named
Theodore Lascaris. He had for wife the daughter of the Emperor
Alexius, through whom he laid claim to the land - this was the Alexius
whom the Franks had driven from Constantinople, and who had put out
his brother's eyes. The same Lascaris maintained the war against the
Franks on the other side of the straits, in whatsoever part they might
be.

In Constantinople remained the Emperor Baldwin and Count Louis, with
but few people, and the Count of St. Paul, who was grievously sick
with gout, that held him by the knees and feet; and the Doge of
Venice, who saw naught.

REINFORCEMENTS FROM SYRIA - DEATH OF MARY, THE WIFE OF BALDWIN

After this time came from the land of Syria a great company of those
who had abandoned the host, and gone thither from other ports than
Venice. With this company came Stephen of Perche, and Renaud of
Montmirail, who was cousin to Count Louis, and they were by him much
honoured, for he was very glad of their coming. And the Emperor
Baldwin, and the rest of the people also received them very gladly,
for they were of high rank, and very rich, and brouaht very many good
people with them.

From the land of Syria came Hugh of Tabarie, and Raoul his brother,
and Thierri of Tenremonde, and very many people of the land, knights
and light horsemen, and sergeants.

83

And the Emperor Baldwin gave to Stephen of Perche the duchy of
Philadelphia.

Among other tidings came news at this time to the Emperor Baldwin
whereby he was made very sorrowful; for the Countess Mary [She was the
daughter of Henry Count of Champagne and of Mary, daughter of Philip
Augustus, King of France] his wife, whom he had left in Flanders,
seeIng she could not go with him because she was with childhe was then
but count-had brought forth a daughter-and afterwards, on her
recovery, she started to go to her lord overseass and passed to the
port of Marseilles, and coming to Acre, she had but just landed, when
the tidings came to her from Constantinople-told by the messengers
whom her lord had sent-that Constantinople was taken, and her lord
made emperor, to the great joy of all Christendom. On hearing this the
lady was minded to come to him forthwith. Then a sickness took her,
and she made an end and died, whereof there was great dole throughout
all Christendom, for she was a gracious and virtuous lady and greatly
honoured. And those who came in this company brought the tidings of
her death, whereof the Emperor Baldwin had sore affliction, as also
the barons of the land, for much did they desire to have her for their
lady.

DEFEAT OF THEODORE AND CONSTANTINE LASCARIS

At that time those who had gone to the city of Piga - Peter of
Bracieux and Payen of Orlιans being the chiefs - fortified a castle
called Palormo; and they left therein a garrison of their people, and
rode forward to conquer the land. Theodore Lascaris had collected all
the people he could, and on the day of the feast,of our Lord St.
Nicholas (6th December 1204), which is before the Nativity, he joined
battle in the plain before a castle called Poemaninon. The battle was
engaged with great disadvantage to our people, for those of the other
part were in such numbers as was marvellous; and on our side there
were but one hundred and forty knights, without counting the mounted
sergeants.

But our Lord orders battles as it pleases Him. By His grace and by His
will, the Franks vanquished the Greeks and discomfited them, so that
they suff ered very great loss. And within the week, they surrendered
a very large part of the land. They surrendered Poemaninon, which was
a very

84

strong castle, and Lopadium, which was one of the best cities of the
land, and Polychna, which is seated on a lake of fresh water, and is
one of the strongest and best castles that can be found. And you must
know that our people fared very excellently, and by God's help had
their will of that land.

Shortly after-, by the advice of the Armenians, Henry, the brother of
the Emperor Baldwin of Constantinople, started from the city of
Abydos, leaving therein a garrison of his people, and rode to a city
called Adramittium, which lies on the sea, a two days' journey from
Abydos. This city yielded to him, and he lodged therein, and a great
part of the land surrendered; for the city was well supplied with corn
and meats, and other goods. Then he maintained the war in those parts
against the Greeks.

Theodore Lascaris, who had been discomfited at Poemaninon, collected
as many people as he could, and assembled a very great army, and gave
the command thereof to Constantine, his brother, who was one of the
best Greeks in Roumania, and then rode straight towards Adramittium.
And Henry, the brother of the Emperor Baldwin, had knowledge, through
the Armenians, that a great host was marching against him, so he made
ready to meet them, and set his battalions in order; and he had with
him some very good men, as Baldwin of Beauvoir, and Nicholas of
Mailly, and Anseau of Cayeux, and Thierri of Loos, and Thierri of
Tenremonde.

So it happened that on the Saturday which is before mid Lent (19th
March 1205), came Constantine Lascaris with his great host, before
Adramittium. And Henry, when he knew of his coming, took counsel, and
said he would not suff er himself to be shut up in the city, but would
issue forth. And those of the other part came on with all their host,
in great companies of horse and foot, and those on our part went out
to meet them, and began the onslaught. Then was there a dour battle
and fighting hand to hand; but by God's help the Franks prevailed, and
discomfited their foes, so that many were killed and taken captive,
and there was much booty. Then were the Franks at ease, and very rich,
so that the people of the land turned to them, and began to bring in
their rents.

85

BONIFACE ATTACKS LEON SGURE; HE IS JOINED BY GEOFFRY OF VILLEHARDOUIN, THE
NEPHEW

Now let us leave speaking further (for the nonce), of those at
Constantinople, and return to the Marquis Boniface of Montferrat. The
marquis had gone, as you have heard, towards Salonika, and then ridden
forth against Leon Sgure, who held Napoli and Corinth, two of the
strongest cities in the world. Boniface besieged both cities at once.
James of Avesnes, with many other good men, remained before Corinth,
and the rest encamped before Napoli, and laid siege to it.

Then befell a certain adventure in the land. For Geoffry of
Villehardouin, who was nephew to Geofiry of Villehardouin, Marshal of
Roumania and Champagne, being his brother's son, was moved to leave
Syria with the company that came to Constantinople. But wind and
chance carried him to the port of Modon, and there his ship was
injured, so that, of necessity, it behoved him to winter in that
country. And a Greek, who was a great lord of the land, knew of it,
and came to him, and did him much honour, and said: " Fair Sir, the
Franks have conquered Constantinople, and elected an emperor. If thou
wilt make alliance with me, I will deal with thee in all good faith,
and we together Will conquer much land." So they made alliance on
oath, the Greek and Geoffry of Villehardouin, and conquered together a
great part of the country, and Geoffry of Villehardouin found much
good faith in the Greek.

But adventures happen as God wills, and sickness laid hold of the
Greek, and he made an end and died. And the Greek's son rebelled
against Geoffry of ViHehardouin, and betrayed him, and the castles in
which Geoffry had set a garrison turned against him. Now he heard tell
that the marquis was besieging Napoli, so he went towards him with as
many men as he could collect, and rode through the land for some six
days in very great peril, and thus came to the carnp, where he was
received right willingly, and much honoured by the marquis and all who
were there. And this was but right, seeing he was very honourable and
valiant, and a good knight.

86

EXPLOITS OF WILLIAM OF CHAMPLITTE AND GEOFFRY OF VILLEHARDOUIN, THE NEPHEW,
IN MOREA

The marquis would have given him land and possessions so that he might
remain with him, but he would not, and spoke to William of Champlitte,
who was his friend, and said: " Sir, I come from a land that is very
rich, and is called Morea. Take as many men as you can collect, and
leave this host, and let us go and conquer that land by the help of
God. And that which you will give me out of our conquests, I will hold
from you, and I will be your liegeman." knd William of Champlitte, who
greatly trusted and loved him, went to the marquis, and told him of
the matter, and the marquis allowed of their going.

So William of Champlitte and Geoffry of Villehardouin (the nephew)
departed from the host, and took with them about a hundred knights,
and a great number of mounted sergeants, and entered into the land of
Morea, and rode onwards till they came to the city of Modon. Michael
heard that they were in the land with so few people, and he collected
together a great number of people, a number that was marvellous, and
he rode after them as one thinking they were all no better than
prisoners, and in his hand.

And when they heard'tell that he was coming, they refortified Modon,
where the defences had long since been pulled down, and there left
their baggage, and the lesser folk. Then they rode out a day's march,
and ordered their array with as many people as they had. But the odds
seemed too great, for they had no more than five hundred men mounted,
whereas on the other part there were well over five thousand. But
events happen as God pleases; for our people fought with the Greeks '
and discomfited and conquered them. And the Greeks lost very heavily,
while those on our side gained horses and arms enough, and other goods
in very great plenty, and so returned very happy, and very joyously,
to the city of Modon.

Afterwards they rode to a city called Coron, on the sea, and besieged
it. And they had not besieged it long before it surrendered, and
William gave it to Geoffry of Villehardouin (the nephew) and he became
his liegeman, and set therein a garrison of his men. Next they went to
a castle called Chale-

87

mate which was very strong and fair, and besieged it. This castle
troubled them for a very long space, but they remained before it till
it was taken. Then did more of the Greeks of that land surrender than
had done aforetiine.

SIEGE OF NAPOLI AND CORINTH; ALLIANCE BETWEEN THE GREEKS AND JOHANNIZZA

The Marquis of Montferrat besieged Napoli, but he could there do
nothing, for the place was too strong, and his men suffered greatly.
James of Avesnes, meanwhile, continued to besiege Corinth, where he
had been left by the marquis. Leon Sgure, who was in Corinth, and very
wise and wily, saw that James had not many people with him, and did
not keep good watch. So one morning, at the break of day, he issued
from the city in force, and got as far as the tents, and killed many
before they could get to their armour. . There was killed Dreux of
Estruen, who was very honourable and valiant, and greatly was he
lamented. And James of Avesnes, who was in command, waxed very wroth
at the death of his knight, and did not leave the fray till he was
wounded in the leg right grievously. And well did those who were
present bear witness that it was to his doughtiness that they owed
their safety; for you must know that they came very near to being all
lost. But by God's help they drove the Greeks back into the castle by
force.

Now the Greeks, who were very disloyal, still nourished treachery in
their hearts. They perceived at that time that the Franks were so
scattered over the land that each had his own matters to attend to. So
they thought they could the more easily betray them. They took envoys
therefore privily, from all the cities in the land, and sent them to
Johannizza, the King of Wallachia and Bulgaria, who was still at war
with them as he had been aforetime. And they told Johannizza they
would make him emperor, and give themselves wholly to him, and slay
all the Franks. So they swore that they would obey him as their lord,
and he swore that he would defend them as though they were his own
people. Such was the oath sworn.

88

UPRISING OF THE GREEKS AT DEMOTICA AND ADRIANOPLE; THEIR DEFEAT AT
ARCADIOPOLIS

At that time there happened a great misfortune at Constantinople, for
Count Hugh of St. Paul, who had long been in bed, sick of the gout,
made an end and died; and this caused great sorrow, and was a great
mishap, and much was he bewept by his men and by his friends. He was
buried with great honour in the church of our Lord St. George of
Mangana.

Now Count Hugh in his lifetime had held a castle called Demotica,
which was very strong and rich, and he had therein some of his knights
and sergeants. The Greeks, who had made oath to the King of Wallachia
that they would kill and betray the Franks, betrayed them in that
castle, and slaughtered many and took many captive. Few escaped, and
those who escaped went flying to a city called Adrianople, which the
Venetians held at that time.

Not long after the Greeks in Adrianople rose in arms; and such of our
men as were therein, and had been set to guard it, came out in great
peril, and left the city. Tidings thereof came to the Emperor Baldwin
of Constantinople, who had but few men with him, he and Count Louis of
Blois. Much were they then troubled and dismayed. And thenceforth,
from day to day, did evil tidings begin to come to them, that
everywhere the Greeks were rising, and that wherever the Greeks found
Franks occupying the land, they killed them.

And those who had left Adrianople, the Venetians and the others who
were there, came to a city called Tzurulum, that belonged to the
Emperor Baldwin. There they found William of Blanvel, who kept the
place for the emperor. By the help and comfort that he gave them, and
because he accompanied them with as many men as he could, they turned
back to a city, some twelve lea-ues distant, called Arcadiopolis,
which belonged to the Venetians, and they found it empty. So they
entered in, and put a garrison there.

On the third day the Greeks of the land gathered together, and came at
the break of dawn before Arcadiopohs; and then began, from all sides,
an assault, great and marvellous. The Franks defended themselves right
well, and opened their

89

gates, and issued forth, attacking vigorously. As was God's will, the
Greeks were discomfited, and those on our side began to cut them down
and to slay them, and then chased them for a league, and killed many,
and captured many horses and much other spoil.

So the Franks returned with great joy to Arcadiopolis, and sent
tidings of their victory to the Emperor Baldwin, in Constantinople,
who was much rejoiced tliereat. Nevertheless they dared not hold the
city of Arcadiopolis, but left it on the morrow, and abandoned it, and
returned to the city of Tzurulum. Here they remained in very great
doubt, for they misdoubted the Greeks who were in the city as much as
those who were without, because the Greeks in the city had also taken
part in the oath sworn to the King of Wallachia, and were bound to
betray the Franks. And manv there were who did not dare to abide in
Tzurulum, but made their way back to Constantinople.

THE CRUSADERS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STRAITS ARE RECALLED TO MARCH ON
ADRIANOPLE - EXPEDITION OF GEOFFRY OF VILLEHARDOUIN

Then the Emperor Baldwin and the Doge of Venice, and Count Louis took
counsel together, for they saw they were losing the whole land. And
they settled that the emperor should tell his brother Henry, who was
at Adramittium, to abandon whatsoever conquests he had made, and come
to their succour.

Count Louis, on his side, sent to Payen of Orlιans and Peter of
Bracieux, who were at Lopadium, and to all the people that were with
them, telling them to leave whatsoever conquests they had made, save
Pioa only, that lay on the sea, where they were to set a garrison -
the smallest they could - and that the remainder were to come to their
succour.

The emperor directed Macaire of Sainte-Menchould, and Matthew of
Wallincourt, and Robert of Ronsoi, who had some hundred knights with
them in Nicomedia, to leave Nicomedia and come to their succour.

By command of the Emperor Baldwin, Geoffry of Villehardouin, Marshal
of Champagne and of Roumania, issued from Constantinople, with
Manasses of l'Isle, and Nvith as many men as they could corect, and
these were few enough, seeing

90

that all the land was being lost. And they rode to the city of
Tzurulum, which is distant a three days' journey. There they found
William of Blanvel, and those that were with him, in very great fear,
and much were these reassured at their coming. At that place they
remained four days. The Emperor Baldwin sent after Geoffry the Marshal
as many as he could, of such people as were coming into
Constantinople, so that on the fourth day there were at Tzurulum
eighty knights.

Then did Geoffry the Marshal move forward, and Manasses of l'Isle, and
their people, and they rode on, and came to the city of Arcadiopolis,
and quartered themselves therein. There they remained a day, and then
moved to a city called Bulgaropolis. The Greeks had avoided this city
and the Franks quartered themselves therein. The following day they
rode to a city called Neguise, which was very fair and strong, and
well furnished with all good things. And they found that the Greeks
had abandoned it, and were all gone to Adrianople. Now Adrianople was
distant nine French leagues, and therein were gathered all the great
multitude of the Greeks. And the Franks decided that they should wait
where they were till the coming of the Emperor Baldwin.

RENIER OF TRIT ABANDONED AT PHILIPPOPOLIS BY HIS SON AND THE GREATER PART OF
HIS PEOPLE

Now does this book relate a great marvel: for Renier of Trit, who was
at Philippopolis, a good nine days' journey from Constantinople, with
at least one hundred and twenty knights, was deserted by Reginald his
son, and Giles his brother, and James of Bondies, who was his nephew,
and Achard of Verdun, who had his daughter to wife. And they had taken
some thirty of his knights, and thought to come to Constantinople; and
they had left him, you must know, in great peril. But they found the
country raised against them, and were discomfited; and the Greeks took
them, and afterwards handed them over to the King of Wallachia, who
had their heads cut off. And you must know that they were but little
pitied by the people, because they had behaved in such evil sort to
one whom they were bound to treat quite otherwise.

And when the other knights of Renier de Trit saw that he

91

was thus abandoned by those who were much more bound to him than
themselves, they felt the less shame, and some eighty together left
him, and departed by another way. So Renier of Trit remained among the
Greeks with very few men, for he had not more than fifteen knights at
Philippopolis and Stanimac-which is a very strong castle which he
held, and where he was for a long time besieged.

BALDWIN UNDERTAKES THE SIEGE OF ADRIANOPLE

We will speak no further now of Renier of Trit but return to the
Emperor Baldwin, who is in Constantinople, with but very few people,
and greatly angered and much distracted. He was waiting for Henry his
brother, and all the people on the other side of the straits, and the
first who came to him from the other side of the straits came from
Nicomedia, viz.: Macaire of Sainte-Menehould, and Matthew of
Wallincourt, and Robert of Ronsoi, and with them full a hundred
knights.

When the emperor saw them, he was right glad, and he consulted with
Count Louis, who was Count of Blois and Chartres. And they settled to
go forth, with as many men as they had, to follow Geoffry the Marshal
of Champagne, who had gone before. Alas 1 what a pity it was they did
not wait till all had joined them who were on the other side of the
straits, seeing how few people they had, and how perilous the
adventure on which they were bound.

So they started from Constantinople, some one hundred and forty
knights, and rode from day to day till they came to the castle of
Neguise, where Geoffry the Marshal was quartered. That night they took
counsel together, and the decision to which they came was, that on the
morrow they should go before Adrianople, and lay siege to it. So they
ordered their battalions, and did for the best with such people as
they had.

When the morning came, and full daylight, they rode as had been
arranged, and came before Adrianople. And they found it very well
defended, and saw the flags of Johannizza, King of Wallachia and
Bulgaria, on the walls and towers; and the city was very strong and
very rich, and very full of people. Then they made an assault, with
very few people, before two of the gates, and this was on the Tuesday
of

92

Palmtide (29th March I205). So did they remain before the city for
three days, in great discomfort, and but few in number.

THE SIEGE OF ADRIANOPLE CONTINUED WITHOUT RESULT

Then came Henry Dandolo, the Doge of Venice, who was' an old man and
saw naught. And he brought with him as many people as he had, and
these were quite as many as the Emperor Baldwin and Count Louis had
brought, and he encamped before one of the gates. On the morrow they
were joined by a troop of mounted sergeants, but these might well have
been better men than they proved themselves to be. And the host [note:
meaning here a little obscure. I think, however, the intention of the
origin'd is to state that the host, and not only the sergeants, lacked
supplies] had small store of provisions, because the merchants could
not come with them; nor could they go foraginc, because of the many
Greeks that were spread throughout the land.

Johannizza, King of Wallachia, was coming to succour Adrianople with a
very great host; for he brought with him Wallachians and Bulgarians,
and full fourteen thousand Comans who had never been baptised.

Now because of the dearth of provisions, Count Louis of Blois and
Chartres went foraging on Palm Sunday. With him went Stephen of
Perche, brother of Count Geoffry of Perche, and Renaud of Montmirail,
who was brother of Count Hervιe of Nevers, and Gervais of Chβtel, and
more than half of the host. They went to a castle called Peutace, and
found it well garrisoned with Greeks, and assailed it with great force
and fury; but they were able to achieve nothing, and so retreated
without taking anv spoils. Thus they remained during the week of the
two'Easters (Palm Sunday to Easter Day), and fashioned engines of
divers sorts, and set such miners as they had to work underground and
so undermine the wall. And thus did they celebrate Easter (10th April)
before Adrianople, being but few in number and scant of provisions.

93

JOHANNIZZA, KING OF WALLACHIA, COMES TO RELIEVE ADRIANOPLE

Then came tidings that Johannizza, King of Wallachia, was coming upon
them to relieve the city. So they set their affairs in order, and it
was arranged that Geoffry the Marshal, and Manasses of l'Isle should
guard the camp, and that the Emperor Baldwin and all the remainder of
the host should issue from the camp if so be that johanizza came and
offered battle.

Thus they remained till the Wednesday of Easter week, and Johannizza
had by that time approached so near that he encamped at about five
leagues from us. And he sent his Comans running before our camp, and a
cry was raised throughout the camp, and our men issued therefrom
helterskelter, and pursued the Comans for a full league very
foolishly; for when they wished to return, the Comans began to shoot
at them in grievous wise, and wounded a good many of their horses.

So our men returned to the camp, and the barons were summoned to the
quarters of the Emperor Baldwin. And they took counsel, and all said
that they had dealt foolishly in thus pursuing people who were so
lightly armed. And in the end they settled that if Johannizza came on
again, they would issue forth, and set themselves in array of battle
before the camp, and there wait for him, and not move from thence. And
they had it proclaimed throughout the host that none should be so rash
as to disregard this order, and move from his post for any cry or
tumult that might come to his ears. And it was settled that Geoffry
the Marshal should keep guard on the side of the city, with Manasses
of l'Isle.

So they passed that night till the Thursday morning in Easter week,
when they heard mass and ate their dinner. And the Comans ran up to
their tents, and a cry arose, and they ran to arms, and issued from
the camp with all their battalions in array, as had afore been
devised.

94

DEFEAT OF THE CRUSADERS-BALDWIN TAKEN PRISONER

Count Louis went out first with his battalion, and began to follow
after the Comans, and sent to urge the emperor to come after him.
Alas! how ill did they keep to what had been settled the night before!
For they ran in pursuit of the Comans for at least two leagues, and
joined issue with them, and chased them a long space. And then the
Comans turned back upon them, and began to cry out and to shoot.

On our side there were battalions made up of other people than
knights, people having too little knowledge of arms, and they began to
wax afraid and be discomfited. And Count Louis, who had been the first
to attack, was wounded in two places full sorely; and the Comans and
Wallachians began to invade our ranks; and the count had fallen, and
one of his knights, whose name was John of Friaise, dismounted, and
set him on his horse. Many were Count Louis' people who said: "Sir,
get you hence, for you are too sorely wounded, and in two places." And
he said: "The Lord God forbid that ever I should be reproached with
flying from the field, and abandoning the emperor."

The emperor, who was in great straits on his side, recalled his
people, and he told them that he would not fly, and that they were to
remain with him: and well do those who were there present bear witness
that never did knight defend himself better with his hands than did
the emperor. This combat lasted a long time. Some were there who did
well, and some were there who fled. In the end, for so God suffers
misadventures to occur, they were discomfited. There on the field
remained the Emperor Baldwin, who never would fly, and Count Louis;
the Emperor Baldwin was taken alive and Count Louis was slain.

Alas! how woful was our loss! There was lost the Bishop Peter of
Bethlehem, and Stephen of Perche, brother to Count Geoffry, and Renaud
of Montmirail, brother of the Count of Nevers, and Matthew of
Wallincourt, and Robert of Ronsoi, John of Friaise, Walter of Neuilli,
Ferri of Yerres, John his brother, Eustace of Heumont, John his
brother, Baldwin of Neuville, and many more of whom the book does

95

not here make mention. Those who were able to escape, they came back
flying to the camp.