King Richard distributed these dromedaries and camels among his soldiers, a fine thing to do. They stuffed the flesh of young camels with lard before roasting so it was white and palatable. Nevertheless many pilgrims complained, saying the beasts ate too much grain and provender. Also they objected to the decision reached by twenty counselors that it would be unwise to besiege Jerusalem. Hitherto they felt alarmed by the power of Saladin. Yet now, but two leagues distant and learning they should not proceed, they raged and argued. Why have we traveled this far, they asked, if not to complete the journey? They cursed their leaders, claiming life itself mattered less than salvation of the Holy Land. Some mistook this world for the next, confusing earthly with heavenly Jerusalem.
Mistrust and jealousy of Richard caused many in the host to draw apart. Indeed the duke of Burgundy, provoked by malice, ordered a song trolled in public which was taken up by soldiers and lewd women. Yet the stream runs turbid or clear, according to its source. Those that mouthed vile poetry were not pilgrims of an earlier day who conquered Antioch, whose victories are even now recounted. Such were Bohemond, Tancred, Lord Joscelin, Godfrey de Bouillon, and their like, who held constant in the service of God, whose deeds jongleurs would forever extol.
Saladin rode to the summit of a hill so that he might watch these Christians retreat. What he thought or said, no chronicle reports. It is known that he despatched letters sealed by his own ring to Muslim princes, urging all to assemble at Jerusalem. And here came a multitude of unbelievers thick as locusts.
On Sunday that preceded the feast of Saint Peter, while Richard with his discontented army was in retreat to Acre, Saladin arrived at the gates of Joppa. Mangonels and petraries began to stroke the walls until those inside wept and held up their hands. After five days the gate opening on the road to Jerusalem broke apart, the wall crumbled. Pagans dashed about the city doing what they liked, slaughtering, robbing. They knocked holes in wine casks and wine trickled through the streets. Citizens rushed to the harbor, among them Alberic de Reims who had been charged with defense of the city, who would climb aboard ship to protect his skin. He was reproached for cowardice, forcibly brought back. They say he was thrust physically into a turret. Then seeing no help for it, danger all around, he gathered himself. Here shall we devote our lives to the service of God! he shouted.
However, the patriarch of Joppa decided to negotiate, proposing that a respite be granted until next day, hopeful King Richard might appear. In exchange, each man should pay ten bezants, each woman five, each child three. Further, he and other nobles would give up themselves hostage. Saladin felt agreeable. The patriarch surrendered, as did Theobald de Trèves, Osbert Waldin, Augustin de Londres, and others whose names are lost, all taken away captive to Damascus. Now when those in the turret paid ransom, once they delivered the gold their heads were cut off. Seven had been slain when this was found out. Whereupon the rest lifted their hands to God and confessed to each other because they could hope for nothing but salvation of their souls. Lamenting, weeping, they awaited the stroke of martyrdom.
King Richard was preparing to depart the Holy Land when news arrived from Joppa. Messengers came while he was in his tent discussing with his captains when they should embark. Joppa is taken, the messengers cried and tore their garments. All but the citadel where some few hold out. I will be with them! Richard swore. As God Lives!
He sought the lords of Acre to see if they would go. Aye, said they, for the good of Christendom. And it was decided he should go by sea with his fleet of galleys. The nobles would proceed by land, Hugh from Tiberias to lead, Balian d’Ibelin to command the rear guard.
Because of contrary wind Richard put in three days at Cayphas. Geoffrey relates that he was much vexed and exclaimed. Lord God, why dost Thou detain us? Consider, I pray, the urgency of our cause! And no more did he speak than a compelling breeze was felt, wafting the fleet toward Joppa.
Turks when they perceived these galleys rushed to oppose him at the harbor. They thronged the shore, launched clouds of arrows, screamed insults. Saracen cavalry spurred into the water with drawn swords, creating much anxiety throughout the fleet. Some argued it would be useless to land because the citizens by now were dead. Therefore, they argued, why sacrifice ourselves? It is said that King Richard looked thoughtfully all around, when just at this moment he saw a priest from Joppa come swimming toward the royal galley. As the priest was helped on board he told about Christians still alive.
May it please God at whose direction we have come, said Richard, let us die with our brothers. A curse on him who hesitates.
With his shield hung at his neck the king of England grasped a Danish axe and hopped into the sea, followed by Geoffrey du Bois, Peter de Pratelles, and other brave knights. And now these Turks stood aghast when they saw King Richard rise out of
