And
they had it proclaimed throughout the host that none should be so rash
as to disregard this order, and move from his post for any cry or
tumult that might come to his ears. And it was settled that Geoffry
the Marshal should keep guard on the side of the city, with Manasses
of l'Isle.
So they passed that night till the Thursday morning in Easter week,
when they heard mass and ate their dinner. And the Comans ran up to
their tents, and a cry arose, and they ran to arms, and issued from
the camp with all their battalions in array, as had afore been
devised.
94
DEFEAT OF THE CRUSADERS-BALDWIN TAKEN PRISONER
Count Louis went out first with his battalion, and began to follow
after the Comans, and sent to urge the emperor to come after him.
Alas! how ill did they keep to what had been settled the night before!
For they ran in pursuit of the Comans for at least two leagues, and
joined issue with them, and chased them a long space. And then the
Comans turned back upon them, and began to cry out and to shoot.
On our side there were battalions made up of other people than
knights, people having too little knowledge of arms, and they began to
wax afraid and be discomfited. And Count Louis, who had been the first
to attack, was wounded in two places full sorely; and the Comans and
Wallachians began to invade our ranks; and the count had fallen, and
one of his knights, whose name was John of Friaise, dismounted, and
set him on his horse.
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