92 THE HISTORY OE THE ORDER OF [book i.

squad, had an awful duty. Not imagine possiblethat his mild voice could be heard in that out-rageous confusion. Total rain could scarcely notensue. Undoubtedly there were persons who re-probated the crusade from the beginning, andperceived that such a reckless frenzy augurednothing good. To them it was a terrific hurricane.But, on discovering the evident impossibility ofstopping it (which they soon discovered), they inevery way favoured it. Some of them might eventhink it were self-love to suppose they saw so muchbetter than others, and therefore joined the crysincerely, though against their own judgment. Butthat this cry was in the spirit of the times, is amanifest deduction from the former pilgrims.

As often happens in great events, a strange andmighty presentiment had invaded all the nations inEurope for nearly a century; a growing dis-quietude that at last broke out at the same instanteverywhere, north, south, east, west. Also theTurks had their presentiments, as noted. Nor was itthe eloquence of the hermit, who was not eloquent,and soon was flung aside by the very crusade hehad preached; for success was then consideredproof of a Divine mission, and he was unsuccessful;but men were ripe for his words. It only requireda word, and he said it. It was soon given. Any