If people assert they are not permitted for any reason to take up arms against enemies of the Church, to fight bodily in defense of their belief, it becomes clear that they have been inspired and directed by Satan. If they misuse the authority of Scripture to produce false interpretation, that must be Satan’s voice. So egregious arguments are brought forth to debauch and seduce the credulous or inattentive. Certainly the Church would be devastated by heretics if these were not annihilated since they are without number, past counting, because they renew themselves. What could be more evident? For this reason do we excise decadent flesh, sever putrid limbs. Otherwise what is substantial would deteriorate. Hence the wicked must be destroyed that the good may flourish. Is not the strength of a man’s right arm bequeathed by God? Surely. Therefore the good do not seek peace in order to make war, but rather to arrest the wicked so that all may enjoy the fruits of peace. Consequently the good do not shrink from shedding blood nor inhibit the power of the sword.
Again, some that oppose holy war declare it not in accord with Christian principle since our Lord told Peter to sheathe his sword. Yet has not the Church two functions? Surely. One of production, one of conservation. When the vineyard is planted and bears fruit, must it not be defended? Surely. Or again, has not Christianity differing stages of growth? Does not a man develop out of infancy to old age? Is not this evident? At first our Church was poor and defenseless, now she is rich and able to defend herself. When Christ bade Peter to put up his sword He spoke for that occasion only since the time for use had not arrived. Thus, to make war against Saracens, who are enemies of the Messiah, must not be incompatible with Christianity.
Roger Bacon avows that to attack the infidel will but hinder and delay his conversion, yet such argument is lamentably weak. Just as every man learns through adverse experience, so will the Saracen learn to distrust Mahomet when he is wholly defeated. Nor does any Christian wish him ill but desires to see him get what he deserves, as a judge decrees merited punishment to a thief. Hence, for Saracens to be slain is good and necessary that their turpitude not increase.
Now the living army of God advanced, the hearts of all fired by a single purpose. They would restore Jerusalem to the righteous or give up their lives. Nor could one be found in that zealous host, sick, aged, feeble, young, who did not anticipate what was to come. So did women, disdaining their natural weakliness, pick up arms to fight beyond their strength. And the host marched, holding wicker screens and shields to guard against arrows, stones, and iron darts. They brought forth siege engines but Muslims on the ramparts hung bags of straw and chaff from the walls, tapestries, nets, mattresses stuffed with silk to thwart Christian missiles. The pagans fought bitterly, flung spears, hurled wood bolts wrapped in fiery rags with protruding nails that clung to every surface. Through the air flew clumps of hay drenched in oil and wax, burning pitch, sulfur, clots of flame. Saracen and Christian missiles crashed against each other making a noise that afternoon like the death of Satan. But at nightfall the city held.
Next day two sorceresses leapt and capered among the turrets because of a catapult inflicting much damage. They gesticulated, pranced, shrieked, by evil incantation seeking to bewitch it. And while they summoned the acolytes of darkness a millstone came down, crushed them together with three apprentices. So a hideous spectacle vanished from sight. Exultation filled every Christian heart. Applause was heard throughout the ranks. Groans and sighs emanated from Jerusalem.
Anon a spy was caught because a Greek pointed him out. Ma te Christo caco Sarrazin! said he. By Christ, there goes a filthy Saracen!
They demanded of the spy to know his business. He replied that he had been sent to learn what machines the Franks were building. So they trussed him and laid him in a petrary to throw him back where he came from. What happened but ropes broke when the machine hurled him out. Halfway to Jerusalem the spy came apart, feet, legs, arms flying all directions. What led him astray? Ignorance of our Lord.
Atop the Mount of Olives stood a knight holding a luminous shield. Duke Godfrey and his brother Eustace called attention to this. Then the host, its spirit renewed, surged impetuously toward the wall, wishing to be tried again, to sway the course of battle, believing they should draw a better lot and earn the palm. Those who turned away because of wounds or suffering from exhaustion returned to fight with increased ardor. Sacks of cotton and straw were set afire. Black smoke poured into Jerusalem. The defenders felt sickened. Dazed, coughing, they lost hope. They closed their eyes, blind to the glory of God.
At the ninth hour Lethold de Touraine scaled the wall. Was it not ordained that those who fought for Him should consummate their yearning at the very hour when He suffered to reclaim this world? And the pagans, seeing Lethold among them, broke and fled. Down came the drawbright of Godfrey’s castle. He sprang to the wall followed by knights of his train. Tancred, Baldwin du Bourg, Gaston de Béarn, Gérard de Roussillon, Thomas de la Fère, Ludovic de Moncons, and others whose names are lost.
Godfrey directed certain of his men to Saint Stephen’s Gate, which they unbarred so those waiting outside could enter. The army of Christ rushed into Jerusalem shouting with jubilation, swords unsheathed. Nor did they hesitate to strike all they met, recalling how their faith
