A.D. 1192.] ARRIVAI. OF THE CHRISTIAN ΛΙΪ1ΙΤ. 121 miserable cries and yielded their souls to Tartarus. In this battle the erossbowinen took the lead, and behaved most praiseworthily, for by their incomparable valour especially the enemy's attack was repelled, and their fierce audacity humbled. How much the king's valour shone in this battle, and how much the prowess of his men, how many thousands of the enemy he put to flight, would seem incredible, were it not that the divine hand protected him. For who would ever believe that eighty knights could so invincibly cope with sixty-two thousand men for almost an entire day, could endure the showers of their missiles, and the attacks of their javelins without retreating a foot from their first position, but could moreover disperse their adversaries in all directions, and after putting them to flight, have thus gained a joyful and unlooked-for victory over them, unless they relied on the assistance of God, and believed that they were under the protection of Heaven? At length the garrison of .Toppa, beholding the invincible bravery of the king and his followers, boldly sallied forth, and suddenly falling upon the enemy in the rear, by repeated attacks on their part as well as on that of the king, the infidels turned their backs and fled in confusion, with great loss, taking to woods and caves for safety. Hotc the army of the Christians arrived to the assistance of lànci Richard. In the meantime news had reached the army, which had been left at Ptolcmais by the king, that he was hemmed in on all sides at .Toppa by the enemy, and was placed in great peril, unless they speedily went to his succour. This news struck fear and grief into all, and they all had thoughts of flight ; but the more courageous part of the army assembled to deliberate on the chances of their being able to render the king any assistance. They therefore by common consent marched to Caisarca, not daring to go further for fear of tin; enemy ; and being there told of the unexpected victory of the king, they were overcome with joy, and gave praises to God as the preserver of them all. This battle took place at the feast of St. l'etcr ad rincula* * Matthew Paris adds here :—" When Saladin hoard these things ho was compelled to glorify Christ the l.nrd and God of the ('liristi ins, addine that King Kiohard was the most wonderful prince in the world, if he would only he less prodigal of his life, for, said he, it did not become a king tc