volume one

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HISTOKY OF THE CRUSADES. 477
a state of sullen repose.* The besieged had never more
than one of the monarchs to contend with at once, and the
Christian army, after it had received such powerful auxiliaries,
became much less redoubtable to the Saracens.
Amidst the disputes which divided the Crusaders, both
kings fell dangerously ill, and their hatred and suspicion
were so great, that each accused the other of having made
an attempt upon his life. As Saladin sent them refreshments
and physicians, and as they addressed frequent
messages to him, each party reproached the monarch who
was opposed to him with keeping up an impious understanding
with the Saracens.
The perils of the army, however, with the glory of religion
and the interests of the crusade, for a moment stifled the
voice of faction, and induced the Crusaders to unite against
the common enemy. After long debates, it was decided
that Guy de Lusignan should retain the title of king during
his life, and that Conrad and his descendants should succeed
to the kingdom of Jerusalem. It was at the same time
agreed that when one of the two monarchs should attack
the city, the other should watch over the safety of the camp,
and keep the army of Saladin in check. This agreement
re-established harmony ;
and the Christian warriors, who had
been upon the point of taking arms against each other, now
only contended for the glory of conquering the infidels.
The siege was resumed with fresh ardour, but the Mussulmans
had employed the time wasted by the Christians in
vain disputes, in strengthening the city. When the besiegers
appeared before the walls, they met with a resistance entirely
unexpected, whilst the army of Saladin continued
indefatigable and unceasing in its attacks. At the earliest
break of day, the drums and trumpets constantly sounded
the signal for battle, both from the walls of Ptolemais and
* Could not the reader imagine these kings were playing the siege of
Troy, and that Richard was the sulky Achilles ? There is a strong resemblance
in the constitution of the forces before Troy and the independent
nations, baronies, and counties of the Crusaders—thence the dis^sensions,
delays, and disasters of both. History becomes the test of poetry, and
Homer shines forth not only the great poet, but the veracious historian
and clear-sighted philosopher.
Trans.