Thus did the Greeks and the Franks bestir themselves on the one side
and the other during the greater part of Lent.

Then those of the host spoke together, and took counsel what they
should do. Much was advanced this way and that, but in the end, they
devised that if God granted them entry into the city by force, all the
booty taken was to be brought together, and fittingly distributed; and
further, if the city fell into their power, six men should be taken
from among the Franks, and six from among the Venetians, and these
twelve should swear, on holy relics, to elect as emperor the man who,
as they deemed, would rule with most profit to the land. And whosoever
was thus elected emperor, would have one quarter of whatever was
captured, whether within the city or without, and moreover would
possess the palace of Bucoleon and that of Blachernae; and the
remaining three parts would be divided into two, and one of the halves
awarded to the Venetians and the other to those of the host.

And there should be taken twelve of the wisest and most experienced
men among the host of the pilgrims, and twelve among the Venetians,
and those twenty-four would divide fiefs and honours, and appoint the
service to be done therefor to the emperor.

This covenant was made sure and sworn to on the one side and the other
b' the Franks and the Venetians; with provision that at the end of
March, a year thence, any who so desired might depart hence and go
their way, but that those who remained in the land would be held to
the service of the emperor in such mariner as might be ordained. Thus
was the covenant devised and made sure; and such as should not observe
it were excommunicated by the clergy.