there city that possessed so much. Of relics it does not behove me to
speak, for at that day there were as many there as in all the rest of
the world. Thus did the Greeks and French live in good fellowship in
all things, both as regards trafficking and other matters.

By common consent of Franks and Greeks it was settled that the new
emperor should be crowned on the feast of our Lord St. Peter (1st
August 1203). So was it settled, and so it was done. He was crowned
full worthily and with honour according to the use for Greek emperors
at that time. Afterwards he began to pay the moneys due to the host;
and such moneys were divided among the host, and each repaid what had
been advanced in Venice for his passage.

ALEXIUS BEGS THE CRUSADERS TO PROLONG THEIR STAY

The new emperor went oft to see the barons in the camp, and did them
great honour, as much as he could; and this was but fitting, seeing
that they had served him right well. And one day he came to the camp,
to see the barons privily in the quarters of Count Baldwin of Hainault
and Flanders. Thither were summoned the Doge of Venice, and the great
barons, and he spoke to them and said: " Lords, I am emperor by God's
grace and yours, and you have done me the highest service that ever
yet was done by any people to Christian man. Now be it known to you
that there are folk enough who show me a fair seeming, and yet love me
not; and the Greeks are full of despite because it is by your help
that I have entered into my inheritance.

Now the term of your departure is nigh, and your fellowship with the
Venetians is timed only to last till the feast of St. Michael. And
within so short a term I cannot fulfil our covenant. Be it known to