So did the Emperor Baldwin journey day by day. And a very great
mischance had befallen those who were before Salonika, for many people
of the host were stricken down with sickness. Many who could not be
moved had to remain in the castles by which the emperor passed, and
many were brought along in litters, journeying in sore pain; and many
there were who died at Cetros (La Serre). Among those who so died at
Cetros was Master ' John of Noyon, chancellor to the Emperor Baldwin.
He was a good clerk, and very wise, and much had he comforted the host
by the word of God, which he well knew how to preach. And you must
know that by his death the good men of the host were much
discomforted.
Nor was it long ere another great misfortune befell the host, for
Peter of Amiens died, who was a man rich and noble, and a good and
brave knight, and great dole was made for him by Hugh of St. Paul, who
was his cousin-german; and heavily did his death weigh upon the host.
Shortly after died Gerard of Mancicourt, who was a knight much
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prized, and Giles of Annoy, and many other good people. Forty knights
died during this expedition, and by their death was the host greatly
enfeebled.
BALDWIN'S REPLY TO THE MESSAGE OF THE CRUSADERS
The Emperor Baldwin journeyed so day by day that he met the messengers
sent by those of Constantinople. One of the messengers was a knight
belonging to the land of Count Louis of Blois, and the count's
liegeman; his name was B?gue of Fransures, and he was wise and
eloquent.
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