Saladin asked those flying into camp why they had returned and they said Richard was ashore. Malik al-Adil told them to point him out so they pointed at him where he stood on rising ground. Malik directed that a horse be sent to him, charging the ostler to say that a king should not fight on foot.
But the king looked shrewdly at this animal. Thank your lord in my name, said he to the ostler. It is not through affection that he sends a restive mount, since thereby he hopes to take me. Having said as much, Richard bade an ironsmith draw several of the horse’s teeth. When this was accomplished he found the creature easy enough to rein.
Inside Joppa lay a vast quantity of slaughtered pigs, which Turks despise since they think Mahomet was devoured by swine. They say Mahomet was troubled by the falling sickness and his body shaken would fall to earth, eyes rolling, face twisting, mouth foaming, teeth grinding. This happens because the bodily frame trembles when God glides into the mind of a prophet, because weak flesh cannot endure the visitation of divine majesty. They say this overtook Mahomet while he walked by himself and as he writhed on the earth he was found by pigs who ate him, eating all of him except the heels.
Is it not fit that a Prophet of Filth should meet filthy death? Did he not loose the reins of wickedness to deceive uncertain minds? Every license permitted and no thought of rectitude. Christian morality condemned by a thousand reproofs, our Holy Gospel called harsh and cruel. Enough. Turks in Joppa threw the bodies of butchered Christians on the carcasses of swine to show contempt. But when Richard’s men seized control of Joppa these martyrs were tenderly buried. Turkish corpses were left to rot and stink among slaughtered hogs.
Turks boast fraternities, Cordivi and Menelones. Certain of these took counsel because they were ashamed that Richard with such few men at his back could defeat them. They reproached themselves. They vowed to catch him while he slept and lead him fettered to Saladin who would reward them. Hence they rode toward the Christian camp by moonlight. Yet our merciful Lord through divers and wondrous method keeps watch over those who trust in Him. These Cordivi and Menelones became afflicted with the spirit of dissent. You proceed afoot to seize him, said the Cordivi, while we prevent others from escaping. Nay, you must go afoot, replied the Menelones, because your rank is less exalted. So they paused to quarrel and did not approach the enclave until near dawn. And a certain Genoese went out to empty his bowel in the field when he observed helmets glister against the first light and heard the sound of animals. Back to camp he flew as though streaking from Satan. Up leapt Richard off his pallet as did others who rushed from the tents, sword in hand, albeit some had not time enough to don their cuishes. Very quickly did the king mount. Ralph de Mauléon, Gerald de Finival, Roger de Sacy, Count Henry of Leicester, and other valiants whose names are remembered by our Lord went with him as he spurred toward the enemy. Be it said that few in those days had greaves or bacinet, nor pointed coif nor helmet with a visor unless he were a prince or king. Most went lightly armored and if unhorsed might account himself very well afoot. Now, God be merciful, armor fits so tight and weighs so heavily that a knight tumbled from his mount is dead. But here was Richard Lionheart, more fierce than his sobriquet, pouncing on Cordivi, on Menelones, striking with such vigor that the skin of his right hand cracked and bled. He lopped off the head and arm of some iron-clad emir with a single stroke, despatched the vile spirit. Afterward they gave the king much room, sang Ambroise, albeit his mount and harness bristled enough with arrows that he looked the part of an hedgehog.
But here were more pagans to assault the Lion standard. Richard’s men dug their heels in the sand, announced themselves over leveled lances. He set them two by two, an archer between. Ralph de Mauléon fell captive and Turks would lead him off until Richard cut a highway with his sword to bring back this knight. Chronicles tell how Saladin watched, lost in angry wonder, but those who covet the Lord know not how to be conquered. It is related that Saladin mocked his fearful men. Where are those who would bring Melech Richard before me in shackles? Who was first to seize him? Where is he? To which a Turk from the extremity of the empire responded. Melech Richard is unlike other men. He is first to attack, last to retreat. Truly we meant to seize him, all in vain. His onset is terrible. It is death to engage him.
Now filled with triumph Richard enjoined certain mameluks to go and address Saladin. Grant us peace, he charged these envoys to say. It is time for the war to end. I have heard of civil discord in England and wish to return. This war can be of no use to either of us. Then the king added that he would remain throughout that summer and the next winter if Saladin would not agree.
Saladin replied that he did not intend to yield. The English king might stay the winter if he wished, far from his family and his home, and
