Itinerary
111
France, the latter procured, by means of mediators, the renewal of their
broken friendship and their association as before, with the condition that
every thing which was gained hereafter should be equally divided.
Chapter XIX. Ñ
How King Tancred made an ambiguous reply, on which the king
of England was inflamed with anger; and how the Lombards refused his men
provisions.
Meanwhile the messengers, in discharge of the business of their
mission, inquired the sentiments of King Tancred on the matters in
question. But the king replied in ambiguous terms, asserting that he would
give satisfaction to the kings by advice of the nobles of the land in proper
time, place, and manner, upon all the subjects specified. It was reported
that the king of France had by letter exhorted King Tancred not to yield to
the demands of the king of England, but to shew himself firm in defending
his right in every thing, with the assurance that he would not take part
with King Richard against him, but would be faithful to him. If such a
message was sent, there was an evidence of it something like the proverb;
for King Tancred loaded the messengers of the king of France with
presents, while he did not give those of the king of England so much as an
egg. Therefore the messengers returned, and when they had reported their
answer to the kings, King Richard replied, ÒThere is no need of much
talking or long speeches; since King Tancred will not give satisfaction of his
own accord, I will endeavour and labour my utmost to correct his faults
myself.Ó These quarrels restored the courage of the natives, who. incited by
the king of France, endeavoured to injure King Richard and his men as
much as they could, and prohibited the supplying of provisions necessary
for so great an army; and ordered that nothing should be exposed for sale,
in order that they might thus be compelled to submit themselves to the
power of the natives.
Chapter XX. Ñ
Of the construction of Mategriffin, and of the discord between the
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