Now let us bethink ourselves how to save what is left. For if
God does not take pity of them, we are but lost."
And in the end they settled it thus: that the Doge would return to the
camp, and put heart into the people, and order that every one should
arm and remain quiet in his tent or
96
pavilion; and that Geoffry the Marshal would remain in full order of
battle before the camp till it was night, so that their enemies might
not see the host move; and that when it was night all would move from
before the city; the Doge of Venice would go before, and Geoffry the
Marshal would form the rear-guard, with those who were with him.
RETREAT OF THE CRUSADERS
Thus they waited till it was night; and when it was night the Doge of
Venice left the camp, as had been arranged, and Geoffry the Marshal
formed the rear-guard. And they departed at foot pace, and took with
them all their people mounted and dismounted, the wounded as well
those who were whole-they left not one behind. And they journeyed
towards a city that lies upon the sea, called Rodosto, and that was
full three days' journey distant. So they departed from Adrianople, as
you have heard; and this adventure befell in the year of the
Incarnation of Jesus Christ twelve hundred and five.
And in the night that the host left Adrianople, it happened that a
company started to get to Constantinople earlier, and by a more direct
way; and they were greatly blamed therefor.
Pages:
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153