The seventh division, which was very large, was under the command of
the Marquis of Montferrat. In it were the Lombards and Tuscans and the
Germans, and all the people who were from beyond Mont Cenis to Lyons
on the Rhone. All these formed part of the division under the marquis,
and it was settled that they should form the rearguard.
THE CRUSADERS SEIZE THE PORT
The day was fixed on which the host should embark on the ships and
transports to take the land by force, and either live or die. And be
it known to you that the enterprise to be achieved was one of the most
redoubtable ever attempted. Then did the bishops and clergy speak to
the people, and tell them how they must confess, and make each one his
testament, seeing that no one knew what might be the will of God
concerning him. And this was done right willingly throughout the host,
and very piously.
The term fixed was now come; and the knights went on board the
transports with their war-horses; and they were fully armed, with
their helmets laced, and the horses covered with their housings, and
saddled. All the other folk, who were of less consequence in battle,
were on the great ships; and the galleys were fully armed and made
ready.
The morning was fair a little after the rising of the sun; and the
Emperor Alexius stood waiting for them on the other side, with great
forces, and everything in order.
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