volume one

HISTORY OF THE CRUSADES. 149
protestation. He had no difficulty in believing what he so
ardently desired, and as soon as he had agreed with Phirous
upon the means of executing the projects they had so long
meditated, he called an assembly of the principal leaders of
the Christian army. He began by laying before them with
much earnestness both the evils with which the Crusaders
had hitherto been afflicted, and the still greater evils with
which they were threatened. He added, that a powerful
army was advancing to the assistance of Antioch ; that a
retreat could not be effected v^ithout disgrace and danger
and that there remained no safety for the Christians but in
the capture of the city. It was true, the place was defended
by impregnable ramparts ; but they should recollect that aU
victories were not obtained by force of arms or in the field
of battle ; and that such as were won by address were
neither the least important nor the least glorious. They,
then, who could not be conquered must be deceived, and the
enemy must be overcome by a great but skilful enterprise.
Among the inhabitants of Antioch, so diverse in their manners
and religions, so opposed in their interests, there must
be some to be found who would be accessible to the bait of
gold, or the allurements of brilliant promises. The question
of a ser\ice so important to the Christian army, was of such
magnitude that it was right to promote every kind of undertaking.
The possession of Antioch itself did not appear to
him to be too high a reward for the zeal of him who should
be sufficiently adroit, or sufficiently fortunate, as to throw
open the gates of the city to the Crusaders.
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. E-aymond, particidarly, 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
COlKJuests some gross artifice or shameful stratagem worthy
;