part of the Emperor Alexius of Constantinople, and tendered his
letters to the Marquis of Montferrat-who received them. And the
letters were read before all the barons; and there were in them words,
written after various manners, which the book does not (here) relate,
and at the end of the other words so written, came words of credit,
accrediting the bearer of the letters, whose name was Nicholas Roux.

"Fair Sir," said the barons, "we have seen your letters, and they tell
us that we are to give credit to what you say, and we credit you right
well. Now speak as it pleases you."

And the envoy was standing before the barons, and spoke thus: "Lords,"
said he, "the Emperor Alexius would have you know that he is well
aware that you are the best people

35

uncrowned, and come from the best land on earth. And he marvels much
why, and for what purpose, you have come into his land and kingdom.
For you are Christians, and he is a Christian, and well he knows that
you are on your way to deliver the Holy Land overseass and the Holy
Cross, and the Sepulchre. If you are poor and in want, he will right
willmgly give you of his food and substance, provided you depart out
of his land. Neither would he otherwise wish to do you any hurt,
though he has full power therein, seeing that if you were twenty times
as numerous as you are, you would not be able to get away without
utter discomfiture if so be that he wished to harm you."

By agreement and desire of the other barons, and of the Doge of
Venice, then rose to his feet Conon of Béthune, who was a good knight,