five hundred palaces and churches were gilded by the sun, and reflected in the waters; the walls were crowded with soldiers and spectators, whose numbers they beheld, of whose temper they were ignorant; and each heart was chilled by the reflection, that, since the beginning of the world, such an enterprise had never been undertaken by such a handful of warriors. But the momentary apprehen-sion was dispelled by hope and valor; and "Every man," says the Maréchal of Champagne, "glanced his eye on the sword or lance which he must speedily use in the glorious conflict." The Latins cast anchor before Chalcedon ; the mariners only were left in the vessels : the soldiers, horses, and arms were safely landed ; and, in the luxury of an impe-rial palace, the barons tasted the first fruits of their success. From his dream of power Alexius was awakened by the rapid advance of the Latins ; and between vain- presump-tion and absolute despondency no effectual measures for defence were instituted. At length the strangers were waited upon by a splendid embassy. The envoys were in-structed to say that the sovereign of the Eomans, as Alexins pompously styled himself, was much surprised at sight of this hostile armament. " If these pilgrims were sincere in their vow for the deliverance of Jerusalem, his voice must applaud, and his treasures should assist, their pious design ; but should they dare to invade the sanctuary of empire, their numbers, were they ten times more con-siderable, should not protect them from his just resentment." The answer of the doge and barons was simple and mag-nanimous. "In the cause of honor and justice," they said, " we despise the usurper of Greece, his threats and his offers. Our friendship and his allegiance are due to the lawful heir, to the young prince, who is seated among us, and his father, the Emperor Isaac, who has been deprived of his sceptre, his freedom, and his eyes, by the crime of an ungrateful brother. Let that brother confess his guilt and implore forgiveness, and we ourselves will intercede, that he iway be permitted to live in affluence and security. But let him not insult ifc by a second message ; our reply ISABELLA. 287