Λ.I). 121!).] MORTALITY AMONGST TH E GA Ititi SO*. Of the mortality amongst the garrison of Damietta, We will now relate some of tlie events which happened in the city. The people of Dainiettn having suffered during its long siege from attacks, hunger, and disease, more than can hr; described, placed their confidence only in the hope that the sultan, as he had promised, would, if their case was imminent, make terms with tin; Christians, that they might thus escape death; indeed, at this time famine was so preva lent in the city that the besieged were without provisions, for the corn of Kgypt is not durable on account of tin; soft land in which il grows, except in the higher parts near liabyl n, where it is kept* nearly a year. The infidels then blocked up the gates that no one might get out to tell their sufferings to the crusaders, for every day they suffered dreadfully: the stock of provisions amongst the army of the sultan, which surrounded the crusaders outside, began to fail them, and to such a degree that one fig was sold for twelve bezants. Amongst other snflerings endured day and night by these wretches, they were attacked by a complaint, and could se e nothing even with their eyes wide open. liesides this, the Nile, which usually overflows and waters the plains of Kgypt from the feast of St. John the Ibiptist till the elevation of the cross, did not this year rise as usual, but left a great part of the land dry, and they could not either sow or plough in that part ; the soldini, therefore, in dread of a famine, and being desirous of retaining Damietta, endeavoured to make arrangements for peace with the Christians. His intention of making arrangements was strengthened In-tin1 wonderful capture of the tower, and by the firmness in battle of the Christians, who with only a small force of those of the true faith had so often bravely attacked the whole pagan force, and put them to flight, besides slaying many thousands of them. the daughter of the (pincn o f whom a certain person was accused o f having used the following ambiguous sentence, ' Itcgiuam intcrhVcrc milite liniere; liomnn est : el, si omnos consonserint, ego non eontrndieo.' [Koar not ui s'av (lie meen ; it is commendable so to do ; if all agree, I do not oppose.] Kilt pope Innocent put a more favourable interpretation upon it. thus, • licgmum interlieere milito, liniere Ixmum est ; etsi onines conseiiseritit, •••o non, eonlradico.' [ Do not kill the ijueen; lo hesitate is commendable; ihon.Ml all consent to it, I do not, lint ι|ρ»«·-;I.J * The author of " I'aptio Datniettaj" ad J s t!:e word " artiticioee."