volume one

190 HISTOEY OF Til£ CPa'SAJD£S.
country, and lived on pillage ; but those whom age, sex, or
mfirmities would not permit to cany arms, had no hope but
in the charitv of the Christian soldiers. The army freelv
assisted them, and gave up to them the tenth part of the
booty obtained from the infidels.
A great number of the Crusaders ^-ielded to the fatigues
of the siege, and perished M-ith misery and disease, whilst
many fell by the hands of the enemy, who defended themselves
with obstinate valour. Among those whose loss was
most regretted, histoiy has preserved the name of Pons de
Balasu : he was his^hlv esteemed in the army for his intelhgence,
and up to his death had written the history of the
crusade, in conjunction with ^Raymond d'Agiles. The Crusaders
also irave their tears to the memory of Anselme de
Eibemont, count de Bonchain, whose piety and courage are
much praised in the chronicles of the tunes. Contemporary
authors relate his death as attended Avith such wonderful
circumstances as deserve to be preserved, because they aftbrd
a strong idea of the spiiit which animated the Crusaders.
One day (we follow the relation of [Raymond d'Agiles)
Anselm saw enter into his tent young Angelram, son of the
count de St. Paul, who had been killed at the siege of
Maarah.* '' How is it," said he, " that I see you still living
whom I saw dead on the field of battle r" " Know," replied
Anorelram, ' that thev who fiirht for Jesus Christ do not die."
'' But whence comes that strange splendour with which I see
you surrounded?" Then Angelraia pointed out to him in
the heavens a palace of crystal and diamonds. " It is
thence," he added, " that I derive the beauty which surprises
you ; that is my abode, and there is a much more beautiful
one being prepared for you, which you will soon inhabit.
Farewell ; we shall meet again to-morrow." At these words,
adds the historian, Angeh-am returned to heaven. Anselm,
struck with this apparition, the next morning sent for several
ecclesiastics, and received the sacraments ; and, although in
full health, took leave of his friends, telling them he was
* Raymond d'Agiles, before relating this and several other similar
facts, expresses himself thus :—Quod si quicquam ^s.o prseter credita et
visa studeo referre, vel odio alicujus apposui, apponat mihi Deus omnes
inferni plagas, et deleat me de libro vitae. The same fact is reported in
Raoul de Caen.