volume one

310 niSTOHY OF THE CErSADE3.
of these great interests, or rather all of these interests united,
constantly occupied the Franks established in Asia, without
their having any other policy but that of circumstances, and
without their employing, in order to succeed, any other
means but their swords. It is in this view we must admire
their efforts, and find the bravery, which supplied the place
of everything, wonderful.
Among the illustrious pilgrims who at this time repaired
to Palestine, and took part in the labours of the Christian
knights, histor}' ought not to forget Foulque, count of
Anjou. He was the son of Foulque le Eechin and Bertrade
de Montfort, who became the wife of Philip I., and
for whose sake the king of Prance had braved all the
thunders of the Church. Poulque of Anjou could not be
consoled for the death of his wife Eremberge, daughter of
Elie, count of Maine. His grief led him into Palestine,
where he maintained during a year a hundred men-at-arms,
whom he led to battle. He united piety with valour, and
attracted admiration by displacing all the qualities of a good
prince. Baldwin, who had no male offspring, oflfered him
his daughter Melisende in marriage, and promised to have
him nominated his successor. Poulque accepted the proposition
with joy, and became son-in-law to the king of
Jerusalem.
Prom that time the two princes gave all their attention
to promote the prosperity of the kingdom and to defend it
against the Saracens. Their union served as a model to
Christian princes, and lasted till the death of Baldwin, who,
seeing his last hour approach, ordered himself to be carried
to the spot where Christ had risen again, and died in the
arms of his daughter and his son-in-law, to whom, with his
latest breath, he recommended the glory of the Christians
of the East.
Baldwin had a right mind, a lofty spirit, and unalterable
mildness. Eehgion presided over his least actions and
inspired all his thoughts ; but he perhaps had more devotion
than was suited to a prince or a warrior. He was constantly
seen prostrated on the earth, and, if we may believe Wilham
of Tyre, his hands and knees were hardened by practices of
piety. He passed eighteen years on the throne of Edessa,
and twelve on that of Jerusalem; he was made prisoner