416 ROGER UF WEXD0VER. [Λ.ι). îeio. Tlie crusaders, therefore, on the flight of the Saracen*, crossed the river without bloodshed and free from all opposition : but so muddy and difficult of approach was this hostile land, on account of the deep water, that horses could with difficulty climb the bank. The templars, who were the tirst to ascend the bank, hurried to tlic city, striking down the infidels, who boldly came out of the gates to oppose the approaching Christians : but they being driven back into the city, the army of Christ took possession of the tents of the soldait and the spoils of the fugitive pagans. They also plundered a number of targes, galleys, barhottcs. and other vessels, which were found below Casale as far as the city ; and on account of the unexpected crossing of the river by the Christians, a multitude of infidels fled from Damictta, leaving their wives and children behind them, l'.imietta was then blockaded all round, for tin; troops extended by means of a bridge to both banks of the river. Of the first attack made /// the Sara-ens on the Christians a/ttr the siege commenced* After the city was thus blockaded, the enemies of the faith regained their courage, and with the soldait and the troops of Aleppo, took possession of the place from which the Christians had so unexpectedly cros-ed, and bad it not been for the divine counsel and aid, and chiefly by the bravery of the Germans, the first camp, which was between the sea and the river would have been regained by them, and the cause of Christ would have been in great danger: for the Saracen*, being full of deceit had become so rash, that at dawn of the sabbath before the Sunday on which is chanted, " My eyes are always on the Lord," they, unknown to the crusaders, threw themselves in an immense mass asfar as the trench, but. by the bravery of the troops, both horse and foot, thev were repulseli ; for the Christians had made a broad and deep trench in their rear, us a protection, that if the enemies of the faith should make an attack on them they might be safe behind this trench. Of the second attack made on the Christians* On Palm Sunday, the enemy, having collected a large and powerful force, again attacked the trench of the crusaders in