volume one

66 niSTOET OF THE CEUSADES.
-vN-itli the "bulk of his armv. The eves of the Crusaders,
on approaching the city, -were shocked everywhere by beholding
the most sorroTvful spectacle. They recognized
amons: the dead friends and brothers, and burned to revencre
them.
The cenobite, however, who feared fresh reverses, had
recourse to negotiations and prayers. Deputies were sent
into Xissa, to demand the prisoners and the baggage of his
armv, which had been taken bv the Bulo:arians. These
deputies reminded the governor that they had taken up the
cross, and that they were going to fight in the East for the
cause of Jesus Christ. They appealed to the religion and
humanity' of the inhabitants of Xissa, whom thev called
their brethren.
The governor, who saw nothing in these peaceful words
but the language of fear, showed himself inflexible to their
prayers. He sternly sent them back to their general, telling
them that the Crusaders had themselves given the signal
for the war, and that he could see in them nothing but
enemies. AVhen this answer was reported to the army of
Peter, ever}' soldier was fii-ed with indii]:nation. In vain the
cenobite endeavoured to calm their spirits and attempt fresh
negotiations ; they accused his fidehty, they suspected his
courage. The most ardent ilew to arms ; nothing was heard
but complaints and menaces ; and no Crusader would submit
to any directions but those of his own angry will. AVhilst
Peter was conferring Avith the governor of Xissa, two thousand
soldiers approached the ramparts, and endeavoured to
scale them. They were repulsed by the Bulgarians, and
supported by a p^reat number of their companions. The
fight became general, and the fire of carnage blazed on all
parts around the chiefs, who were still speaking of conditions
of peace. In vain the hermit had recourse to supplications,
to stop the mad progress of his soldiers, in vain he placed
himself between the combatants ; his voice, so well known
to the Crusaders, was lost in the din of arms. They braved
liis authority ; they despised his prayers. His army, which
fought Tsithout order and without leaders, was routed and
cut to pieces. The women, the children, who followed the
Crusaders, their horses, their camp equipages, the chest of
the army, which contained the numerous oflerings of the