And thus did they celebrate Easter (10th April)
before Adrianople, being but few in number and scant of provisions.
93
JOHANNIZZA, KING OF WALLACHIA, COMES TO RELIEVE ADRIANOPLE
Then came tidings that Johannizza, King of Wallachia, was coming upon
them to relieve the city. So they set their affairs in order, and it
was arranged that Geoffry the Marshal, and Manasses of l'Isle should
guard the camp, and that the Emperor Baldwin and all the remainder of
the host should issue from the camp if so be that johanizza came and
offered battle.
Thus they remained till the Wednesday of Easter week, and Johannizza
had by that time approached so near that he encamped at about five
leagues from us. And he sent his Comans running before our camp, and a
cry was raised throughout the camp, and our men issued therefrom
helterskelter, and pursued the Comans for a full league very
foolishly; for when they wished to return, the Comans began to shoot
at them in grievous wise, and wounded a good many of their horses.
So our men returned to the camp, and the barons were summoned to the
quarters of the Emperor Baldwin. And they took counsel, and all said
that they had dealt foolishly in thus pursuing people who were so
lightly armed. And in the end they settled that if Johannizza came on
again, they would issue forth, and set themselves in array of battle
before the camp, and there wait for him, and not move from thence.
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