King Philip, of France, and Richard I., of England, engaged in a crusade
for the relief of the Christians. Philip arrived first, and proceeded
to Ptolemais, which King Guy, having obtained his liberty, was then
besieging. King Richard, in his passage, was driven with his fleet upon
the coast of Cyprus, but was not permitted to land; this so highly
offended him, that he landed his whole army by force, and soon over-ran
the island. He was at length opposed by the king of Cyprus, whom he took
prisoner, and carried in chains to Ptolemais, where he was welcomed with
great rejoicings by the besiegers, who stood in much need of assistance.
It would he superfluous to relate here the particulars of the siege; let
it suffice to say, that after a general assault had been given, a breach
was made, so that the assailants were enabled to enter the city, which
Saladin surrendered to them upon articles, on the 12th of July, 1191.
King Richard here obtained the title of _Coeur de Lion_, for having
taken down Duke Leopold's standard, that was first fixed in the breach,
and placed his own in its stead.

After the taking of Ptolemais, King Philip and many other princes
returned home, leaving King Richard in Palestine to prosecute the war in
concert with Guy, whom Richard, in a short time afterwards, persuaded to
accept of the crown of Cyprus, in lieu of his pretences to Jerusalem.
By these crafty means, Richard caused himself to be proclaimed King of
Jerusalem; but while he was preparing to besiege that city, he received
news that the French were about to invade England. He was therefore
compelled to conclude a peace with Saladin, not very advantageous to
Christendom, and to return to Europe. But meeting with bad weather, he
was driven on the coast of Histria; and, while endeavouring to travel
through the country in the habit of a templar, was taken prisoner
by Duke Leopold, of Austria, who became his enemy at the siege of
Ptolemais. The duke sold him for forty thousand pounds to the emperor,