Knowest thou me? the splendid visitor asked.
I do not, the priest replied. But at his words a cross shone on the face of the visitor.
Knowest thou me? the visitor asked again.
I do not, said the priest. Except I see on thy head a cross like that of our Savior.
I am He, said the Lord.
Then the priest dropped humbly at His feet, beseeching help for the oppression upon them.
I have given you the city of Nicaea. So far have I attended you, said the Lord. I deplore your adversity and have brought you into the city of Antioch. Yet you take evil pleasure with corrupted women, whereof arises a stench unto heaven. Now go and tell the people. Return to me and I will return to them. Let them chant the response to Congregati sunt, including the verse, each day.
Men wept for joy throughout the ranks when they heard of our Lord’s intervention. Now overhead blazed a star, dividing into three parts that fell on the Turkish camp. Thus encouraged and reassured, the pilgrims consulted. They resolved to send Kerbogha a message demanding to know why he encamped haughtily before Antioch, why he assailed the servants of Christ. There was a Frank called Herlvin who could speak both languages, so the barons addressed him. Go to this Turk, they said. Tell him we wonder at his insolent conduct. Has he arrived for the purpose of molesting us? Or does he wish to be converted?
Away went Herlvin to the assemblage of Turks and spoke as directed, demanding to know why they invaded Christian land. Our leaders would have you depart at once, said he. They grant you leave to collect your possessions, your mules, horses, camels, cattle and sheep. Take them with you as you wish.
And when Herlvin returned he told how Kerbogha answered fiercely.
Your God and your religion we neither seek nor desire. Both do we spurn absolutely. We have come hither because we reject your claim to this land, which we took from weak and effeminate people. Therefore if you wish to become Turks and deny the God you worship with heads bowed, and renounce your laws, we shall generously give you this land and more, castles and cities. If you do so you will become knights and we will esteem your friendship. But if you do not, know this. You will be led captive in chains to Chorosan where you will serve us and our children and their children forever.
Then the Franks prayed and fasted for three days, after which they swung open the gates and in unison marched forth, singing as one, led by clerics and bishops in surplice and cap who invoked the saints and held up crosses. They called on God to strengthen His children, granting them victory to affirm the sanctity of His blood. Documents from those days relate that few Frankish knights were mounted on chargers, most bestrode donkeys or camels, so impoverished were they. Behind this army walked servants and peasants armed with cudgels, bills, pikes. And among pilgrims of low estate marched women carrying rocks in their sleeves, accompanied by children who meant to die with their parents.
Kerbogha remained in his tent playing at chess after a black flag hoisted from the highest tower of Antioch gave notice that the Franks would sally forth, such was the contempt he felt. But when he saw them outside the walls he sent for Mirdalin, a noble celebrated for courage. Did you not tell me, Kerbogha asked, that the Franks were few in number and afraid to fight?
I did not say so, Mirdalin replied. But I will consider them and tell you if we may defeat them.
When Mirdalin saw how they advanced in serried lines, foot soldiers preceding the knights, commanded by the counts of Normandy and Flanders and other brave lords, when he had observed them he returned to Kerbogha. These Franks may be killed, he said, but I do not think they can be put to flight.
Kerbogha asked if they could be driven back.
They will not yield, Mirdalin replied.
Kerbogha notified an emir that if light burned at the head of the Turkish army he should sound trumpets and retreat.
Amid a shower of arrows and clashing swords this battle was joined. Mules brayed, camels grumbled. Down from the hills rode dead Christians bearing white standards who uttered no battle cry, astride white destriers, preceded by Mercurius and Demetrius and Saint George. Then the Franks knew they would triumph. And the Turks, understanding that they could not prevail, set fire to the grass, which was a signal to flee. Thus the siege of Antioch was broken, the devil’s army scattered.
Mahometans, too, behold resurrected knights at perilous times, albeit they wear the pagan color of martyrdom, green. Similarly, as Christians wear amulets around their necks beseeching the help of our Lord, so do unbelievers wear amulets addressed to Allah. Moreover, both copy sacred verse on parchment. Yet afterward the heathen washes ink from his parchment and drinks blackened water, expecting thereby to consecrate himself, which is false and abominable.
What of Kerbogha? Amply provided with warriors, why should he give up the field? Because he endeavored to contend against God. And the Lord discerning his arrogance, observing his pomp, crushed Kerbogha.
Franks who inspected his vast pavilion were overcome by amazement since it was constructed like a castle with ramparts and turrets, with sumptuous silk furnishing. In the midst they found his private quarters while partitions extended like rays of the sun, forming miniature streets with sleeping places that resembled hostels sufficient to accommodate two thousand men. Colorful rugs, splendid saddles, and other costly items were discovered along with grain, wine, sheep, butter, camels, and good horses. Also, many women had been left behind. According to Fulcher de Chartres, pilgrims did not abuse these women save to pierce
