Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople by Geoffroi de Villehardouin
page 93 of 186 (50%)
page 93 of 186 (50%)
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so much booty been won in any city.
Every one took quarters where he pleased and of lodgings there was no stint. So the host of the pilgrims and of the Venetians found quarters, and greatly did they rejoice and give thanks because of the victory God had vouchsafed to them-for those who before had been poor were now in wealth and luxury. Thus they celebrated Palm Sunday and the Easter Day following (25th April 1204) in the joy and honour that God had bestowed upon them. And well miaht they praise our Lord, since in all the host there were no more than twenty thousand armed men, one with another, and with the help of God they had conquered four hundred thousand men, or more, and in the strongest city in all the world - yea, a great city - and very well fortified. DIVISION OF THE SPOIL Then was it proclaimed throughout the host by the Marquis Boniface of Montferrat, who was lord of the host, and by the barons, and by the Doge of Venice, that all the booty should be collected and brou-ht together, as had been covenanted under oath and pain of excommunication. Three churches were appointed for the receiving of the 66 spoils, and guards were set to have them in charge, both Franks and Venetians, the most upright that could be found. Then each began to bring in such booty as he had taken, and to collect it together. And some brought in loyally, and some in evil sort, |
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