volume one

HISTOET OP THE CRUSADES. 433
After having recapitulated tlie wonders and miracles of
Jerusalem, the preacher of Islamism addressed himself to
the soldiers of Saladin, and congratulated them with having
braved so many perils, and having shed their blood to
accomplish the will of Mahomet. " The soldiers of the
prophet," added he, " the companions of Omar and Aboubeker,
have appointed you places in their holy bands, and
expect you amongst the elect of Islamism. AVitnesses of
your last triumph, the angels on the right hand of the
Eternal have rejoiced ; the hearts of the messengers of God
have leaped with jo}'. Praise, then, with me the Lord ; but
yield not to the weaknesses of pride, and do not, above
everything, believe that it was your swords of steel, with
your horses, rapid as the wind, that have triumphed over
the infidels. God is God; God alone is powerfid ; God
alone has given you the victory ; he orders you not to stop
in a glorious career in which he himself leads you by the
hand. The lioh/ war ! the holy war ! that is the most pure
of your adorations, tlie most noble of your duties. Cut
down all the branches of impiety ; cause Islamism to triumph
everywhere ; deliver the earth of the nations against which
God is angry."
The chief of tlie imauus then prayed for the caliph of
Bagdad, and terminated his prayer by naming Saladin. " O
" cried he, " watch over the days of thy faithfid servant,
! God
who is thy sharp sword, thy resplendent star, the defender
of thy worship, the liberator of thy sacred dwelling. O God !
let thy angels surround liis empire, and prolong his days for
the glory of thy name !"
Thus Jerusalem had changed its worship on changing its
masters. Whilst the holy places resounded with the sacri-
legious praises of the prophet, the Christians departed sadly,
plunged in profound grief, and detesting the life which the
Saracens had spared. Hepulsed by their brethren of the
East, who accused them of having given up the tomb of
their God to the infidels, they wandered about SjTia, without
assistance and without asylum ; many died of grief and
hunger ; the city of Tripoli shut its gates against them.
Among this distracted multitude, one woman, urged by
despair, cast her infant into the sea, cursing the Christians
who refused them succour. They who directed their course