KOGKK OF WKNDOVKK. [A.I). 1210. How the solila» offered the kingdom of Jerusalem to the Christians, on condition of their retiring from Iiamiettu. The soldini, therefore, thus troubled in mind, convoked a council of his nobles and faithful counsellors, aud addressed them as follows : " The God of the Christians," said he, •· is great, aud a faithful and powerful ally in battle, which we have all found out, and especially in the present emergency, in which he plainly lights for our enemies against us, ami undoubtedly, all that we can do will be of no elleet as long as they have his assistance. The capture of Damietta is at hand, which is the key of all Egypt; and should it betaken, great loss will ensue to us and our law, for although it ha.-, been often besieged by the Christians, it has not yet been subdued by them. Therefore, I think it will be to our advantage to restore to the God of the Christians all that belonged to him, that he may not, in regaining his own, take from us what is our own; and inasmuch as he is a just Cod. and does not covet the possessions of others, if the Christians refuse these just terms of peace, which will be most honourable to them, they will thus provoke their Cod to hatred against them, on acount of their wicked covetousness. and he, despising their pride, will depart from them, and they will find an enemy in him, who formerly gave them his merciful assistance." Although this advice was displeasing to many, he however sent messengers to the Christians, and offered to restore to them the true cross, which hail been some time before taken by Saladin, and also to release all the prisoners that could he found alive, throughout the kingdom of liabylon and Damascus, aud to pay the necessary expenses for repairing the, walls of Jerusalem, aud restoring the city to its former state. lie also offered entirely to give up the kingdom of Jerusalem, except Crach and .Mount Royal, for the retention by him of which two places he offered to pay a yearly tribute of twelve thousand bezants as long as be held them. These are two castles in Arabia, having seven strong fortifications, and situated on the road by which the pagan merchants and pilgrims usually travel to and from Mecca, and whoever held these places would be able to do much injury to Jerusalem, aud the vineyards and fields. The king of Jerusalem, the carl of Chester, and all the French and German chiefs resolutely asserted that thesu