The same prayers, with tears and weeping, that had been addressed to
them at Constantinople-those same prayers were now addressed to them
at Rodosto; and Geoffry the Marshal, and those who were with him,
besought them to have mercy and pity on the land, and remain, for
never would they be able to succour any land in such dire need. They
replied that they would consult together, and give an answer on the
morrow.
And now listen to the adventure which befell that night in the city.
There was a knight from the land of Count Louis, called Peter of
Frouville, who was held in honour, and of great name. The same fled by
night, and left all his baggage and his people, and gat himself to the
ship of John of Virsin, who was from the land of Count Louis of Blois
and Chartres. And those on board the five ships, who in the morning
were to give their answer to Geoffry the Marshal and to the Doge of
Venice, so soon as they saw the day, they spread their sails, and went
their way without word said to any one. Much and great blame did they
receive, both in the land whither they went, and in the land they had
left; and he who received most blame of all was Peter of Frouville.
For well has it been said that he is but ill-advised who, through fear
of death, does what will be a reproach to him for ever.
100
MEETING OF MANY OF THE CRUSADERS-HENRY, THE BROTHER OF BALDWIN, IS MADE
REGENT
Now let us speak of these last no farther, but speak of Henry, brother
to the Emperor Baldwin of Constantinople, who had left Adramittium,
which he had conquered, and passed the straits at the city of Abydos,
and was coming towards Adrianople to succour the Emperor Baldwin, his
brother.
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