people as he could.

Thus, for a long space, the armies of the pilgrims and of the Greeks
stood one against the other; for the Greeks did not dare to throw
themselves upon our ranks, and our people would not move from their
palisades. And when the Emperor Alexius saw this, he began to withdraw
his people, and when he had rallied them, he turned back. And seeing
this, the host of the pilgrims began to march towards him with slow
steps, and the Greek troops began to move backwards, and retreated to
a palace called Philopas.

And be it known to you, that never did God save any people from such
peril as He saved the host that day; and be it known to you further
that there was none in the host so hardy but he had great joy thereof.
Thus did the battle remain for that day. As it pleased God nothing
further was done. The Emperor Alexius returned to the city, and those
of the host to their quarters-the latter taking off their armour, for
they were weary and overwrought; and they ate and drank little, seeing
that their store of food was but scanty.

45

ALEXIUS ABANDONS CONSTANTINOPLE - HIS BROTHER ISAAC IS REPLACED ON THE
THRONE - THE CRUSADERS SEND HIM A MESSAGE

Now listen to the miracles of our Lord-how gracious are they
whithersoever it pleases Him to perform them! That very might the
Emperor Alexius of Constantinople took of his treasure as much as he
could carry, and took with him as many of his people as would go, and
so fled and abandoned the city. And those of the city remained