Page:Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire vol 6 (1897).djvu/311

 OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE 289 were suddenly recalled to the opposite shore. The same policy- was repeated with the succeeding chiefs, who were swayed by the example, and weakened by the departure, of their foremost companions. By his skill and diligence, Alexius prevented the union of any two of the confederate armies at the same moment under the walls of Constantinople ; and, before the feast of the Pentecost, not a Latin pilgrim was left on the coast of Europe. The same arms which threatened Europe might deliver Asia He obtains and repel the Turks from the neighbouring shores of the the crusaders Bosphorus and Hellespont. The fair provinces from Nice to Antioch were the recent patrimony of the Roman emperor ; and his ancient and perpetual claim still embraced the kingdoms of Syria and Egypt. In his enthusiasm, Alexius indulged, or affected, the ambitious hope of leading his new allies to subvert the thrones of the East ; but the calmer dictates of reason and temper dissuaded him from exposing his royal person to the faith of unknown and lawless barbarians. His prudence, or his pride, was content with extorting from the French princes an oath of homage and fidelity, and a solemn promise that they would either restore, or hold, their Asiatic conquests as the humble and loyal vassals of the Roman empire. Their inde- pendent spirit was fired at the mention of this foreign and voluntary servitude ; they successively yielded to the dextrous application of gifts and flattery ; and the first proselytes became the most eloquent and effectual missionaries to multiply the companions of their shame. The pride of Hugh of Vermandois was soothed by the honours of his captivity ; and in the brother of the French king the example of submission was prevalent and weighty. In the mind of Godfrey of Bouillon, every human consideration was subordinate to the gloiy of God and the success of the crusade. He had firmly resisted the temptations of Bohemond and Raymond, who urged the attack and conquest of Constantinople. Alexius esteemed his virtues, deservedly named him the champion of the empire, and dignified his homage with the filial name and the rights of adoption.*'^ The [Amvai of hateful Bohemond was received as a true and ancient ally ; and, April, 26, 1097] if the emperor reminded him of former hostilities, it was only to praise the valour that he had displayed, and the glory that he had acquired, in the fields of Durazzo and Larissa. The son of ^' There were two sorts of adoption, the one by arms, the other by introducing the son between the shirt and skin of his father. Ducange (sur Joinville, diss. xxii. p. 270) supposes Godfrey's adoption to have been ot the latter sort. [The adoption is mentioned by Albert, ii. 16.] VOL. VI. 19