CHAP. IV.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

229

consigned to share his client’s captivity. But onBalac’s marching against Antioch, the Kar- ^thert captives broke their bonds, and with theassistance of some Armenian deserters, murderedthe whole garrison and might have escaped. “ Nowthat we are at liberty,” said the wiser count, “ let,us go, carrying away as much booty as we can.”“ But,” replied the king, “ I’ll remain here to keeppossession; and do you depart to call my troops; ”and he forced Joscelin to take an oath neither tochange clothes, eat flesh-meat, or drink wine, exceptat mass, before he came back to deliver him . 1

But Balac, hurrying east, retook the hold, andslew all the Franks, excepting Baldwin, whom heshut up in another stronger castle. When Joscelingot to Jerusalem, it was too late. Still, aftervarious adventures, he with ten thousand men,attacked Balac in Mesopotamia, who was beatenand obliged to fly. It is said that Balac led thecharge fifty several times in that battle, withoutbeing once wounded, nor had any armour, or anyother weapon than sword and lance. To-day hethanked Allah fervently for his victory; on thenext, had all the Christian prisoners massacred;and, on the third, had his collar bone broken by

1 Arab. Chron., 47. “Men communicated in both species,”says the Christian commentator on that passage.