Those inside Jerusalem were horrified when fugitives brought news of Richard’s approach. None wished to challenge him. Muslim documents assert that if he had moved forward at once he could have taken the city because one and all had fled. Saladin himself demanded the swiftest charger to escape, not anxious to see close up that English visage.
However it may be, in Richard’s army the lower order complained, as is their wont. Hitherto they had been ripe with eagerness, but now they muttered and spoke anxiously. O Lord God, what shall we do? How shall we hold out against Saladin? Lord God, how shall we accomplish the pilgrimage?
These doubts came to the notice of King Richard. Therefore he assembled the barons to discuss whether it would be expedient to go forward. If it please you to march toward Jerusalem, said he, I will not desert you. Yet that may be the height of imprudence, for Saladin’s spies lurk behind every tent. He is conscious of our weakness. That we are distant from the seacoast he knows quite well. If, when we lay siege to Jerusalem, the enemy comes down in force out of the mountains to the plain of Ramlah and defeats those who bring provision from the sea, what should we do? Then, too late, we should repent. Moreover, the walls of Jerusalem are said to be very great in circuit and our few troops judiciously deployed might well prove inadequate to surround the city. If, then, a host of Turks should attack, we would be at a loss. Do I therefore command this hazardous enterprise while misfortune overwhelms the Christian army, then should I be held accountable for blind infatuation. Wherefore, on such a dubious issue, I think it may be rash to advance without precaution. Further, since we are ignorant of this ground, little knowing defiles and roads, if we hope to attain with joy and triumph that success we have long anticipated I think we should take counsel of the natives. I think also we should ask the Templars and Hospitalers their opinion whether we should proceed on this course to Babylon or Beyrouth or Damascus. By so doing, we will not, as now, divide ourselves into quarreling parties.
With mutual consent and the king’s recommendation twenty men were sworn to advise. Five Templars, five Hospitalers, five nobles of France, five natives of Syria.
But while these twenty consulted and debated here came a spy born in Syria, Bernard, hastily returned from Egypt. He wore Saracen garments and with him two others in similar disguise who had no business except to keep watch on the Muslim host. None better resembled Saracens nor better spoke that tongue. To each King Richard had given three hundred silver marks when they departed. Now they mentioned caravans approaching Babylon and would lead him to them, which caused him to rejoice. He sent for the duke of Burgundy to bring the Franks and join him. To this the duke agreed, provided he might have one third part of the spoil. They mounted five hundred knights and with one thousand agile foot sergeants advanced to Castle Galatie. While they rested at this place a spy informed Richard of a caravan watering at the round cistern and he might capture it. However, Saladin learned of their intent and hurried up, so there were two thousand Saracen knights with the caravan, beside those afoot.
King Richard ordered barley given to the horses in the name of Saint George. And the men ate, after which they rode through moonlight until morning when they came to the round cistern and saw Turks fit for battle. The king was mounted on a tall charger conspicuous above the rest, we are told by musty parchment, and threw himself singly against these Turks, penetrating the foremost rank, pressing so hard that some fell aside with hardly a blow. And when his ashen lance shivered he drew his sword, cutting and hewing, splitting heads from skull to teeth. No sort of armor could withstand his blows. Very well also did the men of Poictou acquit themselves. Here were Angevins and Normans thrusting through eyes, through mouths, chopping off hands or feet, so many Turks dropping that pilgrims stumbled over heaps of bodies on the sand. Infidels scattered, saddles twisted, desperate for the mountains, leaving abandoned what they pledged to guard. Saracen herders now approached, stretching forth their hands in supplication, anxious to yield themselves captive, leading camels by the halter, mules and hinnies burdened with precious stuff, Greek textures, figured silk, samite from Damascus, quilted coats, pouches of money, divers weapons, gold cups, biscuit, wheat, conserves, wax, cumin, electuaries, medicaments in leathern bottles, goodly light armor, candlesticks, chess tables, cinnamon, bladders, sugar, wealth beyond counting. Pilgrims declared that never was such booty apprehended. They were much troubled to gather dromedaries and camels that got loose, God having made no other beast as swift. Neither stag nor hound can overtake these creatures have they a little start. In the end, with all together, counted by the help of sergeants, the number came to four thousand seven hundred, some animals larger than any Frank or Englishman had seen. As for Turks, seventeen hundred black souls putrefied, the sand everywhere moist with blood.
King Richard distributed these dromedaries and camels among his soldiers, a fine thing to do. They stuffed the flesh of young camels with lard before roasting so it was white and palatable. Nevertheless many pilgrims complained, saying the beasts ate too much grain and provender. Also they objected to the decision reached by twenty counselors that it would be unwise to besiege Jerusalem. Hitherto they felt alarmed by the power of Saladin. Yet now, but two leagues distant and learning they should not proceed, they raged and argued. Why have we traveled this far, they asked, if not to complete the journey? They cursed their leaders, claiming life itself mattered less than salvation of the Holy Land. Some mistook this world for the next, confusing earthly with heavenly Jerusalem.
Mistrust and jealousy of Richard caused many in the host to draw apart. Indeed the duke of Burgundy, provoked by malice, ordered a song trolled in public which was taken up by soldiers and lewd women. Yet the stream runs turbid or clear, according to its source. Those that mouthed vile poetry were not pilgrims of an earlier day who conquered Antioch, whose victories are even now recounted. Such were Bohemond, Tancred, Lord Joscelin, Godfrey de Bouillon, and their like, who held constant in the service of God, whose deeds jongleurs would forever extol.
Saladin rode to the summit of a hill so that he might watch these Christians retreat. What he thought or said, no chronicle reports. It is known that he despatched letters sealed by his own ring to Muslim princes, urging all to assemble at Jerusalem. And here came a multitude of unbelievers thick as locusts.
On Sunday that preceded the feast of Saint Peter, while Richard with his discontented army was in retreat to Acre, Saladin arrived at the gates of Joppa. Mangonels and petraries began to stroke the walls until those inside wept and held up their hands. After five days the gate opening on the road to Jerusalem broke apart, the wall crumbled. Pagans dashed about the city doing what they liked, slaughtering, robbing. They knocked holes in wine casks and wine trickled through the streets. Citizens rushed to the harbor, among them Alberic de Reims who had been charged with defense of the city, who would climb aboard ship to protect his skin. He was reproached for cowardice, forcibly brought back. They say he was thrust physically into a turret. Then seeing no help for it, danger all around, he gathered himself. Here shall we devote our lives to the service of God! he shouted.
However, the patriarch of Joppa decided to negotiate, proposing that a respite be granted until next day, hopeful King Richard might appear. In exchange, each man should pay ten bezants, each woman five, each child three. Further, he and other nobles would give up themselves hostage. Saladin felt agreeable. The patriarch surrendered, as did Theobald de Trèves, Osbert Waldin, Augustin de Londres, and others whose names are lost, all taken away captive to Damascus. Now when those in the turret paid ransom, once they delivered the gold their heads were cut off. Seven had been slain when this was found out. Whereupon the rest lifted their hands to God and confessed to each other because they could hope for nothing but salvation of their souls. Lamenting, weeping, they awaited the stroke of martyrdom.
King Richard was preparing to depart the Holy Land when news arrived from Joppa. Messengers came while he was in his tent discussing with his captains when they
should embark. Joppa is taken, the messengers cried and tore their garments. All but the citadel where some few hold out. I will be with them! Richard swore. As God Lives!
He sought the lords of Acre to see if they would go. Aye, said they, for the good of Christendom. And it was decided he should go by sea with his fleet of galleys. The nobles would proceed by land, Hugh from Tiberias to lead, Balian d’Ibelin to command the rear guard.
Because of contrary wind Richard put in three days at Cayphas. Geoffrey relates that he was much vexed and exclaimed. Lord God, why dost Thou detain us? Consider, I pray, the urgency of our cause! And no more did he speak than a compelling breeze was felt, wafting the fleet toward Joppa.
Turks when they perceived these galleys rushed to oppose him at the harbor. They thronged the shore, launched clouds of arrows, screamed insults. Saracen cavalry spurred into the water with drawn swords, creating much anxiety throughout the fleet. Some argued it would be useless to land because the citizens by now were dead. Therefore, they argued, why sacrifice ourselves? It is said that King Richard looked thoughtfully all around, when just at this moment he saw a priest from Joppa come swimming toward the royal galley. As the priest was helped on board he told about Christians still alive.
May it please God at whose direction we have come, said Richard, let us die with our brothers. A curse on him who hesitates.
With his shield hung at his neck the king of England grasped a Danish axe and hopped into the sea, followed by Geoffrey du Bois, Peter de Pratelles, and other brave knights. And now these Turks stood aghast when they saw King Richard rise out of the water with his axe. They retreated, blood and havoc claimed the shore. The king pursued them and gave no terms but despatched them groaning into hell. They say the haft of his Danish axe splintered and he defended himself with the mailed sleeve of his hauberk or his gauntlet, and whichever pagan he struck fell bloody. Not in the history of this world was any man born of woman who abhorred cowardice so much as he.
Saladin asked those flying into camp why they had returned and they said Richard was ashore. Malik al-Adil told them to point him out so they pointed at him where he stood on rising ground. Malik directed that a horse be sent to him, charging the ostler to say that a king should not fight on foot.
But the king looked shrewdly at this animal. Thank your lord in my name, said he to the ostler. It is not through affection that he sends a restive mount, since thereby he hopes to take me. Having said as much, Richard bade an ironsmith draw several of the horse’s teeth. When this was accomplished he found the creature easy enough to rein.
Inside Joppa lay a vast quantity of slaughtered pigs, which Turks despise since they think Mahomet was devoured by swine. They say Mahomet was troubled by the falling sickness and his body shaken would fall to earth, eyes rolling, face twisting, mouth foaming, teeth grinding. This happens because the bodily frame trembles when God glides into the mind of a prophet, because weak flesh cannot endure the visitation of divine majesty. They say this overtook Mahomet while he walked by himself and as he writhed on the earth he was found by pigs who ate him, eating all of him except the heels.
Is it not fit that a Prophet of Filth should meet filthy death? Did he not loose the reins of wickedness to deceive uncertain minds? Every license permitted and no thought of rectitude. Christian morality condemned by a thousand reproofs, our Holy Gospel called harsh and cruel. Enough. Turks in Joppa threw the bodies of butchered Christians on the carcasses of swine to show contempt. But when Richard’s men seized control of Joppa these martyrs were tenderly buried. Turkish corpses were left to rot and stink among slaughtered hogs.
Turks boast fraternities, Cordivi and Menelones. Certain of these took counsel because they were ashamed that Richard with such few men at his back could defeat them. They reproached themselves. They vowed to catch him while he slept and lead him fettered to Saladin who would reward them. Hence they rode toward the Christian camp by moonlight. Yet our merciful Lord through divers and wondrous method keeps watch over those who trust in Him. These Cordivi and Menelones became afflicted with the spirit of dissent. You proceed afoot to seize him, said the Cordivi, while we prevent others from escaping. Nay, you must go afoot, replied the Menelones, because your rank is less exalted. So they paused to quarrel and did not approach the enclave until near dawn. And a certain Genoese went out to empty his bowel in the field when he observed helmets glister against the first light and heard the sound of animals. Back to camp he flew as though streaking from Satan. Up leapt Richard off his pallet as did others who rushed from the tents, sword in hand, albeit some had not time enough to don their cuishes. Very quickly did the king mount. Ralph de Mauléon, Gerald de Finival, Roger de Sacy, Count Henry of Leicester, and other valiants whose names are remembered by our Lord went with him as he spurred toward the enemy. Be it said that few in those days had greaves or bacinet, nor pointed coif nor helmet with a visor unless he were a prince or king. Most went lightly armored and if unhorsed might account himself very well afoot. Now, God be merciful, armor fits so tight and weighs so heavily that a knight tumbled from his mount is dead. But here was Richard Lionheart, more fierce than his sobriquet, pouncing on Cordivi, on Menelones, striking with such vigor that the skin of his right hand cracked and bled. He lopped off the head and arm of some iron-clad emir with a single stroke, despatched the vile spirit. Afterward they gave the king much room, sang Ambroise, albeit his mount and harness bristled enough with arrows that he looked the part of an hedgehog.
But here were more pagans to assault the Lion standard. Richard’s men dug their heels in the sand, announced themselves over leveled lances. He set them two by two, an archer between. Ralph de Mauléon fell captive and Turks would lead him off until Richard cut a highway with his sword to bring back this knight. Chronicles tell how Saladin watched, lost in angry wonder, but those who covet the Lord know not how to be conquered. It is related that Saladin mocked his fearful men. Where are those who would bring Melech Richard before me in shackles? Who was first to seize him? Where is he? To which a Turk from the extremity of the empire responded. Melech Richard is unlike other men. He is first to attack, last to retreat. Truly we meant to seize him, all in vain. His onset is terrible. It is death to engage him.
Now filled with triumph Richard enjoined certain mameluks to go and address Saladin. Grant us peace, he charged these envoys to say. It is time for the war to end. I have heard of civil discord in England and wish to return. This war can be of no use to either of us. Then the king added that he would remain throughout that summer and the next winter if Saladin would not agree.
Saladin replied that he did not intend to yield. The English king might stay the winter if he wished, far from his family and his home, and that in the flower of manhood with all its pleasures. If so, continued Saladin, why should I be less valiant? I, in my own realm, with my wife and children, able to obtain whatever in life is sweet. Furthermore, I have reached the years of decline when one grows indifferent to gratification, weary of experience, and detests the world. And may the king of England know that in pursuit of this war I do what is pleasing to Allah. For these reasons I say to King Richard that I will not yield. Let Allah decide between him and me.
Some assert that Richard sought out the Muslim host, galloping along its ranks with his lance at rest but no infidel would measure his strength. Perhaps.
When I was a child very ancient men would speak of Richard Lionheart as if they had known him. On one occasion, they said, he went disguised as a Muslim beggar into the Holy City where Saladin gave him food. All such gaudy tales from the past I think resonant and strange.
However it was, Richard wearied of slaughter. He felt illness creep through his body. He asked Saladin’s brother to seek a truce. Therefore, after speaking with the sultan, Malik returned. Ascalon should be razed to the ground and not rebuilt for three years, after which it might be occupied by Muslim or Christian, whichever gained hegemony. Joppa, together with the seacoast and mountains adjacent, should bel
ong to Christians who might pursue their lives without molestation. Captives would be exchanged. Templars and Hospitalers would regain their franchise. Nor would tribute be exacted nor passage withheld from Christians on pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulcher.
This seemed good to Richard and he offered his youngest sister Joanna in marriage to the heathen Malik, if Malik would become Christian. Jointly they should rule as king and queen of Jerusalem. She would bring as her dowry those coastal lands. He would bring to this union the Holy City and such territories as Muslim armies had captured. Malik, when it was proposed that he renounce his fealty to Islam, asked for time to meditate, answering finally that he could not. Joanna, on her part, objected bitterly to such a marriage.
As for the rest, when all was put in writing and confirmed by oath King Richard betook himself to Cayphas by the edge of the sea to take medicine and improve his health.
Many pilgrims wished to complete the pilgrimage under Saladin’s warrant. Hence they were organized in three companies. The first, led by Andrew de Chavegui, proceeded into Saracen land with letters from the king. When they got to Ramlah they despatched envoys to notify Saladin. But these men halted at the Tower of Soldiers, thinking it best to obtain safe conduct from Malik before going on. And while they loitered, wondering about their heads, they fell asleep until sunset, and waking up saw the pilgrims already had passed by and marched across the plain and were near the hills. Andrew de Chavegui and others now looked back to see their ambassadors hurrying forward and felt much alarmed because of Turks all around. So when these tardy couriers arrived they were showered with insults and told to make haste and do as they were instructed. Off they went to Jerusalem where two thousand Turks or more encamped around the city. They inquired for Malik and having found him explained the situation. He rebuked them smartly. Soon enough here came the pilgrims, ill at ease what with armed Turks everywhere grinning or frowning, by such looks indicating what enmity they nourished. That night it is said the pilgrims wished themselves anywhere else. Next day certain Turks gained audience with the sultan, asking leave to avenge the death of brothers, fathers, sons, and other relatives slain at Joppa, Acre, and elsewhere. Saladin took counsel with emirs such as Mestoc, Bedriden, and Doredin, together with Malik. They agreed the Latins should not be molested. For, said they, you would be disgraced if that treaty made with the king of England should be infringed. Ever afterward the good faith of Turks would be doubted. Saladin therefore directed that the pilgrims should not be harmed. Malik, at his own request, was deputed to escort them to the Sepulcher, after which they left Jerusalem and returned joyously to Acre.
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