50 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book i.

time, but at whose death was left free (as in ChapterV).; so that the Assassins’ vengeance was directedagainst the new sovereign, as responsible for hiswife’s royal father; still that miserable crime addedto the divisions that were already too general amongthe Christians. Then came the French , 1 calling tobe led to Jerusalem. “ As long as I command thiscrusade,” he replied, “ I will do nothing to incurshame. If you go to Jerusalem, I will accompanyyou, but not lead you to it. Saladin knows ourstrength. What if he descend into the plain ofRamlah, and intercept our road and convoys? Whatwould then become of us before Jerusalem? Ourarmy is too small to surround it. I am responsiblefor the evil that will ensue! There are people enoughhere—ay, and in France too—who would rejoice atinducing me to commit an imprudence, in order toreproach me with it. Neither you nor I know thecountry. Let us consult those who do, and proceedas they advise.” So by King Richard’s counsel,they named twenty faithful persons, and deter-mined to abide by their suggestions—five Templars,five Hospitallers, five French, five Syrians. It isvexatious to have no record of their debate; buttheir verdict was against going to Jerusalem, and

1 Michatid : Hist., ii. 411.