Auspicious signs heralded the departure. A comet was observed, its tail streaming brightly toward the west. Some priest declared that while in the forest he heard a noise as though weapons clashed, and looking up saw a Christian sword amid a whirlwind. A monk named Sigger, of good repute, watched two horsemen in the sky ride eagerly to combat and one with an uplifted cross defeated his opponent.
When those who crossed the Alps entered Rome they went at once to pray in the basilica of Saint Peter, but were astonished by what they met. Advocates of Clement III, who was called Anti-Pope, clambering like monkeys or devils through the monastery rafters. Fulcher, an historian from Chartres who accompanied this army, relates how stones were flung at them while they lay prostrate in prayer. If this were not enough, Clement’s disciples lurked beside the altar, swords in hand, to snatch up offerings. This Anti-Pope had conspired to usurp the office of His Holiness Urban, compelling His Holiness to seek refuge in Lucca. Therefore two pontiffs claimed the title and good Christians felt bewildered, not knowing which to obey. Thus, while stones dropped on them as they prayed in the basilica these Franks felt aggrieved but did not exact vengeance, which is a prerogative of God.
At Brindisi on the holy day of Easter this army was further tested. A vessel that had lain quietly at anchor rose up, cracked apart, and sank. Four hundred perished. Mules and horses swallowed by waves, chests of money lost. But when the corpses of the drowned had been recovered a very great miracle was observed. On the shoulder of each was imprinted a cross. Since they had fixed the cross to their garment in life it was God’s will that this emblem of faith should accompany them throughout eternity. Shouts of joyous praise went up. But certain pilgrims felt afraid. They quit the journey, declaring they would not entrust their lives to deceptive water.
Count Raymond, who expressed a wish to die in the Holy Land, advanced by way of northern Italy, thence to the Slavic wilderness. Ahead and behind, plotting to attack, lay companies of Petchenegs, Cumans, and other cruel savages. Brutish people fled like deer when the Provençals arrived but followed at a distance to rob and murder any who loitered. Raymond captured six of these brigands. While returning with them to the army he found himself endangered. To horrify and delay those who pursued him, beseeching the help of God to deliver him from that accursed place, he ordered the hands of his captives mutilated, their noses chopped off, eyes gouged out. By this stratagem he contrived to escape.
For many weeks these Provençals wandered across Sclavonia, marching through clouds so thick they could be felt and pushed aside. Finally they got down to the seacoast where they expected to be safe. Here they met envoys from Constantinople bearing assurances of hospitality but the Petchenegs and others refused to disperse. Indeed, while acknowledging the sovereignty of Emperor Alexius they continued to harry the Franks. Prince Rainard was slain and his brother fatally wounded, both noble princes. Bishop Adhémar, having ridden his mule some distance from camp to pitch a tent, was attacked by savages who dragged him from the saddle, brutally beat him and robbed him. His life was spared through the power of Almighty God because so great a leader was necessary to the pilgrimage.
At Thessalonika he fell ill so there he rested with several knights for protection while the host advanced to a fortified town called Russa. Because these citizens proved stubborn and difficult Count Raymond ordered his men to break through the wall.
Toulouse! Toulouse! they shouted, doing as they were bid, and quickly the town surrendered.
Next, at Rodosto, shouting the war cry, they slew many soldiers and took some booty. Here they met emissaries Raymond had despatched to Constantinople. Alexius welcomed them, pressed gifts upon them, and gladly awaited his arrival, said these emissaries. Also, he was urged to hurry forward because Count Robert of Flanders and other princes had need of his counsel. Raymond therefore advanced with a few men, leaving the army behind, and came to the honey-colored walls of Constantinople. Alexius greeted him with honor and requested him to swear allegiance, thus making Raymond a vassal.
Count Raymond answered that he would respect the honor and life of the emperor, but said he had not journeyed such a distance to fight on behalf of any lord save Jesus Christ.
Godfrey de Bouillon, duke of Lorraine, arrived fitly clad, his gold and purple mantle edged with ermine and marten and similar fur white as snow. Alexius greeted him with the kiss of peace, whereupon the proud duke with his yellow beard went down on one knee.
I hear thou art the mightiest prince of thy land, said Alexius. I hear thou art a man to be trusted utterly. Thus I take thee for my adopted son. In thee I place my trust.
Next came Bohemond from Taranto, leader of those Normans who in times past wrested Sicily from Muslim hands. Never had the Byzantine court beheld such a prince. He stood almost a cubit taller than other men, which excited both admiration and fear. It appeared to Princess Anna that he stooped somewhat, not through weakness of the spine but a slight malformation present from birth. The skin of
