Concerning Bartholomew, although he had been vigorous and robust, twelve days later he succumbed and was buried at the place where he underwent trial, giving up his body to worms near the citadel of Archas. Some thought he died from the pernicious effect of fire while attempting to validate a falsehood, others that he died from injuries caused by so many pressing against him in a transport of devotion. As for the lance, Count Raymond ever afterward carried it about in a jeweled casket guarded by priests.
Now the emir of Tripoli, informed through spies of Frankish discord, thought to himself he would not pay tribute. Who are these Christians? he asked himself. How great is their strength? Behold, they camp but four leagues distant and do not assault me. Let them come hither. Let them demonstrate their skill. Why should I become tributary to those whose faces I have not seen, whose bravery I doubt?
This being reported to the host, they talked furiously. See what we have accomplished by quarreling! The emir of Tripoli blasphemes God while we are despised! Therefore all agreed that Tripoli should be attacked.
However, the people of this city are content to remain inside if threatened because they are nearly surrounded and protected by the sea while a capacious aqueduct delivers water from land. According to the Gesta, numerous Turks and Arabs discovered outside the walls were sent flying or quickly tasted the Christian blade. So much pagan blood flowed that water in the aqueduct turned red, frothed and bubbled with headless corpses of those who did not believe. Indeed, the cisterns of Tripoli changed color. We are told how the scornful emir, thinking his numbers adequate, sent forth his knights to confront the living host. Out from Tripoli they rode, thrusting from the gate like a stag thrusting his antlers, but our Lord cast fear against them. How many wicked lives ended sharply may not be known. They were choked by sinfulness.
This day, said the Frankish princes, have they met us and learned what we are. Tomorrow, because we have acquired knowledge of roads and fortification, the emir will learn to pay tribute.
Next day no Turk ventured outside, albeit the emir sent word. If the siege were lifted he would supply food, garments, horses, fifteen thousand gold coins, and he would provide a market and would release every Christian captive. This seemed good to the princes. Besides, all were anxious to pursue the journey.
According to chaplain Raymond, they inquired how best to reach Jerusalem and learned of three roads. Inland through Damascus was level, with food enough, but they would not find water for two days. They might go south through the mountains of Lebanon with safety, yet this was very hard on camels and sumpter beasts. Or they might proceed south along the coast but would find such narrow passes that fifty or a hundred Saracens might hold the road against all mankind. They learned also of Christians who lived among the mountains close by the city of Tyre, or as many call it Sur, whence they were called Surians. These people had managed the land for centuries until dispossessed by Turks. Now they were prohibited from observing Christian law. If by the grace of God one persisted he must give up his sons for circumcision or be killed and the mother of his child corrupted. These Turks riddled holy images with arrows, gouged out eyes, overthrew altars. If some true believer kept an image of our Lord in his home it was flung down into the dust, broken, mutilated. Christian boys were sold to brothels, their sisters exchanged for wine.
How shall we reach the Holy City? Count Raymond wondered.
In the gospel of Saint Peter, the Surians replied, it is written that if you are meant to take Jerusalem you will pass along the coast, however impossible that seems to us.
On the sixteenth of May, therefore, the living host marched south from Tripoli and came at length into Palestine, to Caesarea, in which city Saint Peter once preached at the house of the centurion Cornelius. Also in this city Herod Agrippa wretchedly gave up the ghost. And while they were encamped they saw a hawk attack a pigeon that dropped wounded to the earth. A silver tube had been fastened to one of its legs. Inside was a scroll with writing.
To the Lord of Caesarea the Emir of Akka sends greetings. A pack of quarrelsome dogs hath in disorderly fashion passed by here. As thou lovest Allah, send word to other citadels and fortresses that every injury be done to them.
Thus, God in heaven by means of the very birds had chosen to warn and protect these travelers during the arduous journey.
Until the thirtieth of May the host remained at Caesarea in order that Whitsun might be celebrated, after which they continued south to Ramlah, eight leagues from the Holy City. Ramlah they found deserted except for Samaritans. Advocates of the devil had fled after burning the White Mosque so it could not be torn apart and the timber used to make siege engines. Under the marble floor of this mosque lay the spotless body of Saint George who happily embraced martyrdom. The Franks purified this place of unholy worship, consecrated it anew, made it a bishopric dedicated to our Lord. Some now argued they should not proceed to
