WILLIAM RUFU S.

39 *

inhabitants of the countries through which they c h apassed , gathering together in arms , attacked v.the disorderly multitude, and put them to slaughter jostwithout resdlance. The more disciplined armiesfollowed after ; and palling the streights atConstantinople , they were mustered in the plainsof Alia , and amounted an the whole to thenumber of 700,000 combatants

Amidst this universal frenzy, which spreaditself by contagion throughout Lurope, especiallyin France and Germany , men were not entirelyforgetful ol their present interests ; and both thosewho went on this expedition , and those whostayed behind , entertained schemes of gratifying ,by its means , their avarice or their ambition.

The nobles who inlisted themselves were moved,from the romantic spirit of the age , to hope foropulent establilhments in the east, the chief featof arts and commerce during those ages; and inpursuit of these chimerical projects, they fold at thelowest price their ancient castles and inheritances,which had now lost all value in their eyes. Thegreater princes , who remained at home , besidesestablishing peace in their dominions by givingoccupation abroad to the inquietude and martialdisposition of their subjects, took the opportunityof annexing to their crown many considerablefiefs , either by purchase or by the extinction ofheirs. The pope frequently turned the zeal ofthe crusaders from the infidels against his own

" Matth. Paris, p. 20 , 31.

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