Page:The Fall of Constantinople.djvu/258

 240 THE FALL OF CONSTANTINOPLE. bore against the empire an inextinguishable hatred, which made him willing to embrace any project directed against its capital city. He possessed the entire confidence of his fellow-citizens. His influence in Venice was so great that when he subsequently embarked with the Crusaders his son was appointed regent during the absence of his father. The six messengers chosen by the Crusaders at Soissons arrived at Venice in February, 1201. Four days arrive iu after their arrival they were introduced to the Veuice. council and the doge, in a palace which was hien riche et heau. " Sire," said their spokesman, " we are come to thee on behalf of the noble barons of France, who have taken the sign of the Cross to avenge the shame of Jesus Christ, and to reconquer Jerusalem if God wills it. And be- cause they know that no men can help them so well as you and your men, they pray that for God's sake you will have pity on the Land of Outre-mer^ and on the shame of Jesus Christ, and that you will labor that they may have ships of war and transports." Tiie council took a week to consider what should be their reply. At the end of that time the delegates of the Crusaders were informed that the Venetians were willing to provide ships to carry 4500 horses, 9000 esquires, 4500 knights, and 20,000 infantry, together with provisions for nine months, in consideration of a payment of four marks per horse and two per man. The total sum therefore to be paid, reckoning the Venetian mark at a little over two pounds sterling, was about £180,000.^ This contract was to hold good for a year. Besides this the Venetians promised to add, for the love of God, fifty armed galleys, in consideration that half transport ac- of tlic moucy capturcd should belong to them. The cepted. terms were accepted by the delegates, were again submitted by Dandolo to the council, and were approved. A solemn service was held in St. Mark's, and much enthusiasm displayed at the conclusion of what each believed a good bar- ' M. dc Wailly estimates the mark at fifty-two francs. So also does Sismondi. See also Held.