volume one

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HISTORY OF THE CRUSADES. 459
Belus and the sea, and left tliem no means of retreat if fortune
should favour his arms.
The archers and cavalry of the Christians commenced the
conflict. At the first clmrge they broke the right "vving of
the Mussulmans, commanded by the nephew of Saladin.
The cavalry and infantry of the marquis of Tyre advanced
upon the field of battle, the Saracens giving way before
them as they proceeded. Pursuing the enemy, who fled in
disorder, the Christians ascended the hill of the Mosque,
and planted theii' standards in the camp of the infidels. The
count of Bar even penetrated to the tent of the sultan,
which was given up to pillage. An Arabian historian,* who
followed the army, says of himself, that upon beholding the
rout of the Mussulmans, he took to flight, and did not stop
till he came to Tiberias. The terror was so great, that
several Saracens fled as far as Damascus. Saladin remained
almost alone upon the field of battle, and was several times
in great danger.f
Followed by a few of his faithful IMamelukes, he endeavoured
to rally his scattered forces, and at length succeeded
in reviving their courage. No sooner had he the
means of support, than he returned to the fight with characteristic
energy, rushing down upon the Christians, whom
he surprised in all the disorder of victory. The Mussulman
cavalry now charged in their turn, and dispersed the cavalry
of the Franks. The different bodies of the Christian armybecame
soon separated from one another, and in vain endeavoured
to rally in their flight. The grand master of the
Templars then advanced with the reserve, to support the
* This (lay I was among the holy men, and I was upon the hill with
them, looking at the tight, and watching for what would happen to the
enemy. We had no idea that the battle would reach us ; but when the
enemy became mingled with us, we mounted on our mules, without any
warlike equipments, and seeing that all the army had turned their backs,
we fled away. We reached Tiberias, with others who had taken the same
road. Every one of us had forgotten to either eat or drink. Other
fugitives went as far as Damascus without stopping on their way, con-
stantly pursued by fear. Chehaheddin.
t The author of the Roudatains says that one thousand Mussulman
horsemen were all that maintained and recovered the battle. Saladin,
adds the same author, remained alone upon the field, and angels defended
him.
21*