to obtain their due by all the means in their

54

Power. And of this they now give you warning, seeing that they would
not injure you, nor any one, without first defiance given; for never
have they acted treacherously, nor in their land is it customary to do
so. You have heard what we have said. It is for you to take counsel
thereon according to your pleasure."

Much were the Greeks amazed and greatly outraged by this open
defiance; and they said that never had any one been so hardy as to
dare defy the Emperor of Constantinople in his own hall. Very evil
were the looks now cast on the envoys by the Emperor Alexius and by
all the Greeks, who aforetime were wont to regard them very
favourably.

Great was the tumult there within, and the envoys turned about and
came to the gate and mounted their horses. When they got outside the
gate, there was not one of them but felt glad at heart; nor is that to
be marvelled at, for they had escaped from very great peril, and it
held to very little that they were not all killed or taken. So they
returned to the camp, and told the barons how they had fared.

THE WAR BEGINS - THE GREEKS ENDEAVOUR TO SET FIRE TO THE FLEET OF THE
CRUSADERS

Thus did the war begin; and each side did to the other as much harm as
they could, by sea and by land. The Franks and the Greeks fought
often; but never did they fight, let God be praised therefor I that