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herald, throughout the army, that he would not return until after Easter.
The king attended to the words of the chaplain, and deliberated
within himself some time in silence. He had held his peace while the
chaplain was speaking, and they also who were sitting with him in his tent
had listened with the utmost attention. The kingÕs heart was changed by
this address, and his intention was confirmed as to the certainty of the
course which he should pursue; and therefore, he and his army returned at

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Itinerary
239
three oÕclock on the morrow to Ascalon, and stopped in the orchards
outside the city, while every one supposed that he was on the point of
returning home, and that in reality he was hastening his departure. But the
king had changed his purpose by the inspiration of God, through the
agency of the chaplain; and he told Count Henry, the duke of Burgundy,
and others of the nobles, that he would not leave before Easter for the
solicitations of any messenger, or any reports or complaints whatever. On
the fourth of June, therefore, in Trinity week, he summoned Philip, his
herald, and commanded him to proclaim throughout the army, that the
king would not depart from the Holy Land before Easter; and that all
should equip themselves according to their means, and prepare for the
siege of Jerusalem.
Chapter XLVII. Ñ How the army was rejoiced on hearing the kingÕs
determination, and how they prepared for the siege of Jerusalem.
When the army heard the words of the herald, they were as delighted
as a bird at dawn of day, and all immediately set themselves in readiness,
packing up their luggage, and preparing for the march, Then, with hands
lifted up to heaven, they prayed thus. ÒO God, we adore and thank thee
that we shall soon see thy city of Jerusalem, in which the Turks have dwelt
so long! O how blessed are our expectations, after this long delay! How
deserved have been the sufferings and tribulations of each of us! The much
longed-for sight of thy city will recompense us for all!Ó These and the like
prayers were offered up by each; their only care and anxiety being now to
proceed on their march. Moreover, the crowd of the lower class of people,
made active by hope, took the provision baggage on their shoulders,
asserting that they were fully able to carry a monthÕs supply, so eager were
they to proceed to Jerusalem; for there is nothing the mind of a willing man
cannot overcome, if he only has the inclination; and zeal in the service of
God softens the hardships of his toil.

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Itinerary
240
Chapter XLVIII. Ñ How King Richard and the army set out from Ascalon
towards Jerusalem, and arrived at the White Custody; and how two of our men
died from the bite of serpents.
While, therefore, each was getting ready for the campaign, every
thing that happened seemed to be done in harmony with their intentions.
The king and army, therefore, who were encamped outside the city, being
now thoroughly prepared for the march, set out from Ascalon on Sunday,
the octave of the holy Trinity, towards Jerusalem at dawn of day. A chosen
people, and nobly arrayed, were they who now issued forth, advancing
slow on account of the heat. The richer classes supplied with lowly
generosity the poor pilgrims who were on foot with means of conveyance
horses, and every kind of beast of burden, to carry them; while the light-
armed and robust young soldiers followed spontaneously behind them on
the march. Then might you have seen many a banner and pennon of
various forms floating in the breeze; many a motherÕs son, people of
various nations, arms of various shape, and helmets with crests, brilliant
with jewels, and shining mails, and shields, emblazoned with lions or
flying dragons in gold; mules and horses, eager to move at full speed, and
burning with indignation at being held in by the foaming bit; many a lance
with its sharp point glittering; the air sparkling with the gleaming of
swords, and so many soldiers, choice men, good and true, who, in my
opinion, were quite sufficient to crush or withstand the Turkish host, or
even a much larger number than they could shew. They made such
progress on their march, that after crossing a river of sweet water, they
arrived at the White Custody, and having pitched their tents in the plain
outside, they spent the night there. On the first night of their stay, a soldier
and his armbearer died from the bites of two serpents, within a small space
of ground; and may God, in whose service they were taken, give their souls
absolution. The army tarried in that place two days.
Chapter XLIX. Ñ How the king and his army arrived in three days at Betenoble