Frederick and the princes realized that they must meet a formidable foe. His orders for the disposition of his forces showed great skill and experience. The superior numbers of the enemy, which were continually increasing, and the fact that the ground was specially favorable to the latter, particularly to their cavalry, called for the highest skill and most persistent courage on the part of the Christians. On the other side, in the rear of the enemy, lay a rich fertile region, for the protection of which they would exhaust their resources in order not to crowd upon their neighbor, the Sultan Saladin, who might be willing enough to help them, but who would not, under any circumstances, be disposed to share the country with them if they were defeated. The only alternatives for the Christians were victory or death; for behind them was a malignant, perfidious people, who had harassed and plundered them when they were victorious. What, then, might they expect, if they were defeated, disarmed, and exhausted? Battle was inevitable, and all were certain it must be a life-and-death struggle. On the evening of May thirteen, the Emperor held another council of war; preparations for the struggle were thoroughly discussed. Nothing was overlooked, and every one was asked for his opinion. As soon as the plans had been settled upon and it was decided to attack in the morning, all betook themselves to rest. Morning dawned after a short, cool May night. The first faint streaks of light were barely visible when the outposts noticed a great bustle in the enemy’s camp. As soon as Conrad was informed of it he ordered Raymond to carry the news to the Emperor’s tent. Raymond found the Emperor already busily making his preparations. After a hurried observation of the enemy he ordered that attack should be made as quickly as possible. The camp was at once astir. Noiselessly, but with astonishing rapidity, the eagerly expected commands were executed, the various divisions led by the princes and the nobles were massed, and messengers hurried in all directions conveying the orders of the Emperor, who meanwhile mounted his battle-horse in full armor and rode to the front with Raymond. Cheers greeted the grizzled old hero faring forth to battle as fresh and vigorous as in the days of his youthful strength. Victory shone in his eyes and declared itself in his general bearing. The faintest-hearted must have been emboldened by his look. The enemy in the meantime were busily engaged with their own preparations.