Doge Enrico’s galley from beak to stern was painted vermilion and a vermilion canopy to protect him from rain or sunlight. Cymbals clashed, drums rattled, four trumpeters stood before him playing silver instruments, and here was the banner of Saint Mark fluttering. Priests and clerics stood on the high afterdecks chanting Veni Creator Spiritus. So there was great rejoicing, albeit many wept, unable to staunch their tears. In the eyes of Robert de Clari there could be no finer spectacle since the beginning of the world. Yet that famous nave assigned to Stephen de Perche, which was called Violet, listed and sank, as if our Lord would strike these pilgrims in their pride. Thus we see how the King of Kings holds all things unto Himself, how His nets are stretched across mountaintops and beneath the waves.
Now the brass and silver trumpets brayed, producing majestic noise. Now urged by clashing cymbals and pounding drums these two hundred vessels slid through Venetian lagoons. At sea they hoisted bright ensigns and opened sail until the water trembling with color might have been afire.
Anon they came to the city of Pola where they made port to refresh themselves, to secure provisions. The citizens of Pola were astonished by such a noble fleet.
Next to Zara and came in view on the eve of the feast of Saint Martin. At once these people closed the city gates and raised a chain across the harbor mouth. And because they knew Venetians hated them, they had obtained a letter from His Holiness Innocent stating that whoever made war against them would be anathema.
How shall we take Zara, asked the pilgrims, since it is guarded by formidable ramparts. How shall we subdue and pillage this ancient city, which is very rich, unless with divine help? After consulting together they rowed straightway toward the chain and broke it. Other vessels came gliding into the harbor, knights and sergeants waded ashore, blindfolded chargers walked down the ramps. Siege engines were quickly mounted, pavilions organized.
In a little while here came a deputation of citizens to the scarlet tent of Enrico Dandolo, offering to surrender Zara if the people would be spared. The doge answered that he would speak with his allies. But the Franks were bitterly divided. Many set their faces against this conquest of a Christian city, seeing how they must explain to God. Abbot Guy of Vaux-de-Cernay, Lord Enguerrand de Boves, and Count Simon de Montfort all objected, which angered the doge. Zara lay within his palm. These Franks had vowed to help. Yet they refused. He demanded that the barons keep their word, whether all should be excommunicate or not.
Then the abbot of Vaux got up to speak. My lords, said he, on behalf of the pontiff at Rome I forbid you to assault the city of Zara, for within are Christians and you are pilgrims.
You have covenanted to help me conquer Zara, the doge responded. Therefore I summon you.
The high lords all began to speak at once. Many condemned Abbot Guy for wishing to dissuade the host, arguing that they would feel shamed if they did not take Zara, and told the doge they would help him. Lord Enguerrand and Count Simon, however, set their tents apart to disengage themselves from a sinful act.
Frankish mangonels, petraries, and other engines undertook a bombardment. Venetian ships attacked from Val di Maestro to the Porta Terraferma. Abbot Martin relates how they went about this sadly yet vigorously in order to complete the hateful business. Before long the terrified inhabitants understood that the body of Saint Chrysogonus, which lay within the walls, could not protect them and they tried once more to surrender. This time the proposal was accepted. The gates of Zara opened. Jerusalemfarers rushed through the streets stealing what they wanted, sacked churches, spoiled what they could not use, murdered as it pleased them. Citizens who angered Doge Enrico were decapitated. Many fled to the hills, sought refuge in Arbe or Belgrade. Some few reached a monastery, Saint Damien of the Mountain. According to Archdeacon Thomas of Spalato, in Zara not enough remained alive to bury the dead.
These pilgrims full of virtue had left home to prosecute a war against unbelievers. Now, sick with guilt, helped Venetian merchants to strip and gut a Christian city. And so, despising themselves, turned about to fight Venetians and claimed the merchants responsible. What is this but a record of present days? What is this but a palimpsest? Men in their blindness do not know where to find the wealth they seek.
These shameless pilgrims, troubled by the anathema laid upon any who would attack Zara, sought absolution. Robert de Boves and the bishop of Soissons were delegated to visit the pontiff at Rome. Also, Doge Enrico addressed a letter to His Holiness explaining how cold weather was imminent and they must winter at Zara whose people had long been intractable, hence it was no impiety to wreak vengeance.
That winter many pilgrims deserted, mistrusting not only Venetians but their own Frankish lords who seemed more adept at lining their pockets than consummating the journey. We have not come to battle other Christians, said they, but to fight on behalf of Christ. Reluctantly, therefore, the barons authorized some to go and fulfill their vows however they might. But then, with so many preparing to depart, the barons announced that no more might leave. Still the pilgrim host dwindled. Some marched away to vanish in Sclavonia, starved, murdered. Those with money enough bought passage on merchant ships, yet one such vessel carrying five hundred pilgrims overturned so they drowned. God who orders things from their beginning as He sees fit brings all to conclusion. It is not for us to question His intent.
In spring when snows began to melt the barons contemplated their army and knew they could not stay month after month
