volume one

506 nisTOEY or the crusades.
The third crusade, -which was so glorious for Saladin, was
not entirelv -uithout advantages for Europe. Manv Crusaders
on the way to Palestine, stopped in Spain, and by
their rictories over the Moors, prepared the deliverance of
the kingdoms situated beyond the Pyrenees. A great
number of Germans, as in the second crusade, prevailed
upon by the solicitations of the pope, made war upon the
barbarous inhabitants of the shores of the Baltic, and thus,
by useful exploits, extended the limits of the Christian republic
in the AVest. As in this war the greater part of the
Crusaders went to Palestine bv sea, the art of navig^ation
made a sensible advance ; the maritime nations of Europe
acquired an accession of prosperity, their fleets became more
formidable, and they were able, with glory, to dispute the
empire of the sea with the Saracens.
In several states of Europe, commerce, and the spirit of
the holy wars contributed to the enfranchisement of the
lower classes. Many serfs, upon becoming free, took up
arms. It was not one of the least interesting spectacles of
this crusade, to see the standards of several cities of Erance
and Germany floating in the Christian army amongst the
banners of lords and barons.
This crusade was particularly beneficial to Erance, from
which it banished both civil and foreign wars. By prolonging
the absence of the great vassals and the enemies of the
kkigdom, it weakened their power, and gave Philip Augustus
authority to levy imposts, even upon the clergy. It afforded
him an opportunity of surrounding his throne with a faithful
guard, to keep up regular armies, and prepare, though at a
distance,* that victory of Bovines which proved so fatal to
the enemies of Erance.
A long captirity awaited Eichard on his return to Europe.
The vessel in which he embarked was shipwrecked on the
coast of Italy, and fearing to pass through Erance, he took
Achilles downward. I greatly fear it is his successful rivalry with the
more astute French monarch that is the cause of this bias. Against the
comparison with Saladin I say nothing— Saladin was a greater man than
Richard.
—
Trans.
* This crusade terminated in 1192 ; the battle of Bovines was fought
in 1214.—Trans.