And the counts and barons said that they had
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already served him in so many ways that they would not now refuse any
request of his. So they went and quartered themselves on the other
side, and sojoumed there in peace and quiet, and with great store of
good provisions.
Now you must know that many of those in the host went to see
Constantinople, and the rich palaces and great churches, of which
there were many, and all the great wealth of the city-for never was
there city that possessed so much. Of relics it does not behove me to
speak, for at that day there were as many there as in all the rest of
the world. Thus did the Greeks and French live in good fellowship in
all things, both as regards trafficking and other matters.
By common consent of Franks and Greeks it was settled that the new
emperor should be crowned on the feast of our Lord St. Peter (1st
August 1203). So was it settled, and so it was done. He was crowned
full worthily and with honour according to the use for Greek emperors
at that time. Afterwards he began to pay the moneys due to the host;
and such moneys were divided among the host, and each repaid what had
been advanced in Venice for his passage.
ALEXIUS BEGS THE CRUSADERS TO PROLONG THEIR STAY
The new emperor went oft to see the barons in the camp, and did them
great honour, as much as he could; and this was but fitting, seeing
that they had served him right well.
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