The History of the Crusades (vol. 1 of 3)Michaud, J. Fr. (Joseph Fr.)
History
The History of the Crusades (vol. 1 of 3)
Michaud, J. Fr. (Joseph Fr.)
Crusades
Bohemond was careful not to explain himself more clearly, but his
purpose was easily divined by the jealous ambition of some of the
leaders, who perhaps entertained the same views as himself. Raymond,
particularly, warmly refuted the artful insinuations of the prince of
Tarentum. “We are all,” said he, “brothers and companions, and it would
be unjust, after all have run the same risks, that one alone should
gather the fruits of our joint labours. For myself,” added he, casting
a look of anger and contempt upon Bohemond, “I have not traversed so
many countries, braved so many perils, lavished so much blood and
treasure, or sacrificed so many of my soldiers, to repay with the price
of our conquests some gross artifice or shameful stratagem worthy only
of women.” These vehement words had all the success to be expected
among warriors accustomed to prevail by force of arms, and who esteemed
no conquest that was not the reward of valour. The greater number of
the leaders rejected the proposition of the prince of Tarentum, and
added their railleries to those of Raymond. Bohemond, whom history has
surnamed the Ulysses of the Latins, did all in his power to restrain
himself and conceal his vexation. He went out from the council smiling,
persuaded that necessity would soon bring the Crusaders to his opinion.
As soon as he had regained his tent, he sent emissaries through all the
quarters of the camp to spread secretly the most alarming intelligence.
As he foresaw, consternation seized the Christians. Some of the leaders
were sent to ascertain the truth of the reports prevalent in the camp;
and soon returned with an account that Kerboghâ, sultan of Mossoul, was
advancing towards Antioch with an army of two hundred thousand men,
collected on the banks of the Euphrates and the Tigris. This army,
which had threatened the city of Edessa and ravaged Mesopotamia, was
at a distance of only seven days’ march. At this recital the fears
of the Crusaders were redoubled. Bohemond passed through the ranks,
exaggerating the danger, and affecting to show more depression and
terror than all the rest; but in his heart he was delighted, and smiled
at the idea of soon seeing all his hopes accomplished. The leaders
again assembled to deliberate upon the means necessary to be taken in
such perilous circumstances. Two opinions divided the council. Some
wished that the siege should be raised, and that they should march
to meet the Saracens; whilst others were of opinion that the army
should be formed into two bodies, one of which should act against
Kerboghâ, whilst the other should remain to guard the camp. This last
opinion appeared likely to prevail, when Bohemond demanded permission
to speak. He had not much difficulty in making them sensible of the
impracticability of both the plans proposed. If they raised the siege,
they would be placed between the garrison of Antioch and a formidable
army. If they continued the blockade of the city, and half of the army
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