volume one

HISTORY OF THE CRUSADES. 167
his enemies. Every mind became excited, and doubts were
no longer entertained of the protection of Heaven. Enthusiasm
gave new life to the army, and restored strength and
vigour to the Crusaders. All the horrors of famine, and
even tVie numbers of their enemies were forgotten. The
most pusillanimous thirsted for the blood of the Saracens,
and all demanded with loud cries to be led forth to battle.
The leaders of the Christian army who had prepared
the enthusiasm of the soldiers, now employed themselves in
taking advantage of it. They sent deputies to the general
of the Saracens, to offer him either a single combat or a
general battle. Peter the Hermit, who had evinced more
exaltation than any other person, was chosen for this embassy.
Although received with contempt in the camp of
the infidels, he delivered himself no less haughtily or
boldly. " The princes assembled in Antioch," said Peter,
addressing the Saracen leaders, " have sent me to demand
justice of you. These provinces, stained with the
blood of martyrs, have belonged to Christian nations, and as
all Christian people are brothers, we are come into Asia to
avenge the injuries of those who have been persecuted, and
to defend the heritage of Christ and his disciples. Heaven
has allowed the cities of Syria to fall for a time into the
power of infidels, in order to chastise the offences of his
people ; but learn that the vengeance of the Most High is
appeased ; learn that the tears and penitence of the Christians
have turned aside the sword of divine justice, and that
the God of armies has arisen to fight on our side. Nevertheless
we still consent to speak of peace. I conjure you,
in the name of the all-powerful Grod, to abandon the territory
of Antioch and retiu-n to your own country. The
Christians promise you, by my voice, not to molest you in
your retreat. We will even put up prayers for you that
the true Grod may touch your hearts, and permit you to see
the truth of our faith. If Heaven deigns to listen to us,
how delightful it will be to us to give you the name of
brethren, and to conclude Avith you a lasting peace ! But
if you are not willing to accept either the blessings of peace
or the benefits of the Christian religion, let the fate of
battle at length decide the justice of our cause. As the
Christians will not be taken by surprise, and as they are