100 ROC Eli OF WENDOVER. [A.D. 1190. on pious uses. Being chiefly anxious about the sentries of the cani]), he paid, as the archbishop had in his life time determined to do, fixed salaries for several days to twenty knights and fifty of their attendants ; he always took on himself the care of the poor, casting the eye of compassion on the helpless, and in all respects fulfilling the duties of a good prelate. But the city of Aere, notwithstanding the numerous assaults of the Christians, resolutely held out, for it was surrounded by strong walls, and was well garrisoned and supplied with warlike engines ; moreover Saladin's army surrounded the besiegers on all sides, from which cause as well by the withdrawal of some of the Christians as by the numbers who were slain, the army of Christ was much diminished; nevertheless the Christians, having confidence in the consolation of Christ, were in hopes of being able to endure the hardships and toils of the siege until the arrival of the kings, if they should reach them by the ensuing Easter, but if not, then their money would fail, and all 1ιορ· of earthly assistance would vanish.* Of the pride of William bishop of Ely, and chancellor of England. At this time William, justiciary of England and legate of the apostolic see, caused a dee]) trench to be dug round the tower of London, hoping to he. able to bring the waters of the Thames into the city, but after expending much from the treasury his labour proved fruitless. Moreover this same chancellor had become very great amongst all the people of the west, in England be was both a king and priest, and he paid no regard to anything, whilst he was not contented with the episcopal dignity alone, but showed that his thoughts were lrtiit on tilings too high for him ; for he showed his vanity and haughtiness by saying at the beginning of all his letters " We, William, by the grace of Cod bishop of Ely, chancellor of our lord the king, justiciary of all England, and legate of • " Snladin continually hovered over the hesieging army, and did them as much harm as he could, and the Christians received much damage at his hands. If we may believe the report, Richard then received private:) many presents from Suladin, namely, precious-jewels, gold of the finest ijuiihty, and the most valuable of all, a coat of mail which no spear could penetrate. Richard, excusing his prodigality and veiling his own avarice, sa,d to his men, ' Let him give away what is ins own, if he likes to do so.'"