Then they came out to the place where all the barons
were assembled, and the Doge of Venice. Now you must know that many
set eyes upon them, to know how the election had turned. And the
bishop, lifting up his voice-while all listened intentlyspoke as he
had been charged, and said: " Lords, we are agreed, let God be
thanked! upon the choice of an emperor; and you have all sworn that he
whom we shall elect as ern,,)eror shall be held by you to be emperor
indeed, and that it any one gainsay him, you will be his helpers. And
we name him now at the self-same hour when God was born, THE COUNT
BALDWIN OF FLANDERS AND HAINAULT! "
A cry of joy was raised in the palace, and they bore the count out of
the palace, and the Marquis Boniface of Montferrat bore him on one
side to the church, and showed him all the honour he could. So was the
Count Baldwin of Flanders and Hainault elected emperor, and a day
appointed for his coronation, three weeks after Easter (16th May
1204). And you must know that many a rich robe was made for the
coronation; nor did they want for the wherewithal.
BONIFACE WEDS ISAAC'S WIDOW, AND AFTER BALDWIN'S CORONATION OBTAINS THE
KINGDOM OF SALONIKA
Before the time appointed for the coronation, the Marquis Boniface of
Montferrat espoused the empress who had been the wife of the Emperor
Isaac, and was sister to the King of Hungary. And within that time
also did one of the most noble barons of the host, who bore the name
of Odo of Champlitte of Champagne, make an end and die.
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