And this was but right, seeing he was very honourable and
valiant, and a good knight.
86
EXPLOITS OF WILLIAM OF CHAMPLITTE AND GEOFFRY OF VILLEHARDOUIN, THE NEPHEW,
IN MOREA
The marquis would have given him land and possessions so that he might
remain with him, but he would not, and spoke to William of Champlitte,
who was his friend, and said: " Sir, I come from a land that is very
rich, and is called Morea. Take as many men as you can collect, and
leave this host, and let us go and conquer that land by the help of
God. And that which you will give me out of our conquests, I will hold
from you, and I will be your liegeman." knd William of Champlitte, who
greatly trusted and loved him, went to the marquis, and told him of
the matter, and the marquis allowed of their going.
So William of Champlitte and Geoffry of Villehardouin (the nephew)
departed from the host, and took with them about a hundred knights,
and a great number of mounted sergeants, and entered into the land of
Morea, and rode onwards till they came to the city of Modon. Michael
heard that they were in the land with so few people, and he collected
together a great number of people, a number that was marvellous, and
he rode after them as one thinking they were all no better than
prisoners, and in his hand.
And when they heard'tell that he was coming, they refortified Modon,
where the defences had long since been pulled down, and there left
their baggage, and the lesser folk.
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