but as the truce between Saladin and the Christians was just upon the point of expiring, the protection of the kingdom was in a critical state, which would brook no longer of delay. Λ council of the nobles was therefore held, ami it was agreed that Sibylla, wife of Guy, as heiress of the kingdom, should be crowned queen, and repudiate Guy, as unequal to the government. Sibylla, rejected the sovereignty on these terms, until the nobles, in granting it to her, bound themselves by oath to obey as king the man whom she should choose as her husband. Guy also himself entreated her not to neglect the care of the kingdom on his account. Thus, after some delay Sibylla acquiesced in tears, and being solemnly crowned queen, received the homage of all the people, whilst Guy her husband, deprived at the same moment of his bride and his crown, returned to his own people. Meanwhile, a report was spread, and soon confirmed by facts, of the hostile approach of Saladin ; upon which the queen, convoking her ecclesiastic and temporal nobles, deliberated with them about choosing a king ; and, whereas they had all previously allowed her to choose whomsoever she pleased, and now anxiously looked to the choice which she should make, she said to Guy, who was standing by among the others, " My lord Guy, I choose you for my husband, and give up myself and my kingdom to you as the future king." All were astonished at her words, and wondered that so simple a woman had baffled so many wise councillors. Her conduct was in fact worthy of great praise, both in point of modesty and discretion; for she saved the crown for her husband, and her husband for herself. About this time, there happened so dreadful an earthquake, that even in England, where such things rarely occur, several bouses were thrown down. Also, the mother of Saladin, on her way from Egypt to Damascus with a large and splendid retinue, passed through the Christian territories which lie on the other side of Jordan, trusting to the truce ; but Reginald de Castiglione, assaulting the company, carried off all their valuables, but Saladin's mother saved herself by flight. Saladin, aroused by this injury, demanded restitution and satisfaction, according to the terms of the treaty, and Reginald, when called upon to give it, returned a harsh and insulting reply. Upon this, Saladin rejoiced beyond measure