On hearing this the
lady was minded to come to him forthwith. Then a sickness took her,
and she made an end and died, whereof there was great dole throughout
all Christendom, for she was a gracious and virtuous lady and greatly
honoured. And those who came in this company brought the tidings of
her death, whereof the Emperor Baldwin had sore affliction, as also
the barons of the land, for much did they desire to have her for their
lady.
DEFEAT OF THEODORE AND CONSTANTINE LASCARIS
At that time those who had gone to the city of Piga - Peter of
Bracieux and Payen of Orl?ans being the chiefs - fortified a castle
called Palormo; and they left therein a garrison of their people, and
rode forward to conquer the land. Theodore Lascaris had collected all
the people he could, and on the day of the feast,of our Lord St.
Nicholas (6th December 1204), which is before the Nativity, he joined
battle in the plain before a castle called Poemaninon. The battle was
engaged with great disadvantage to our people, for those of the other
part were in such numbers as was marvellous; and on our side there
were but one hundred and forty knights, without counting the mounted
sergeants.
But our Lord orders battles as it pleases Him. By His grace and by His
will, the Franks vanquished the Greeks and discomfited them, so that
they suff ered very great loss. And within the week, they surrendered
a very large part of the land.
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