volume one

HISTORY OF THE CRUSADES. 399
Saladiii from the uneasiness which a jealous and vindictive
master naturally inspired.
At the death of Noureddiu, the empire founded b_y the
Attabeks declined towards its rain. The sultan of the
Attabeks only left a child to succeed him, the emirs abeady
began to quarrel for the divisions of his power, and Syria
was about to return to the chaos into which the fall of the
Seljoucides had plunged it. The Mussulman nations, ter-
rified at the evils before them, eagerly sought the yoke of
Saladin, and recognised with joy for their master a warrior
who was the only person capable of defending their religion
or their dominions. Saladin inherited not only the power of
JNToiu-eddin, but was anxious to follow up the projects of his
predecessor, and nothing pleased his ambition more than the
idea of pursuing the war against the Christians.
Amaury, instead of taking advantage of the troubles of
Syria, was desirous of resuming his projects against Egypt
and requesting the aid of the emperor of Constantinople,
the latter sent him a fleet and some troops. The Christians
laid siege to Damietta ; but the eternal divisions between the
G-reeks and Latins prevented the success of the enterprise.
Amaiury, entertaining still the hope of succeeding in his
designs, sent ambassadors into Europe, thinking that the
prospect of the conquest of Egypt would arm the knights
of the West. As the deputies of Amaury returned without
obtaining aid, he himself repaired to Constantinople to
solicit fresh succours. He was received with magnificence
and great promises were made him ; but he died wdthout
seeino: them realized. Thus King Amaurv, during the whole
of his reign, had but one single thought, for which he
exhausted all the resources of his kingdom. The obstinacy
which he evinced for the execution of an unfortunate project,
advanced the progress of the Mussulmans, and must
have recalled to the Christians of the West the words which
the prophets repeated to the Hebrews,— " Children of
Israel, direct neither your looks nor your steps towards
JEgyptr
Amauiy, at his death, left a distressed kingdom, and as
the governor of its states a son, thii'teen years of age, sick
and covered with leprosy. Ba^nnond, count of Tripoli, and
Milo de Plansy, lord of Carac and Montroyal, disputed the
;