The sovereign of the Romans was astonished (his ambassadors were instructed to say) at the hostile appearance of the strangers.

If these pilgrims were sincere in their vow for the deliverance of Jerusalem, his voice must applaud, and his treasures should assist, their pious design but should they dare to invade the sanctuary of empire, their numbers, were they ten times more considerable, should not protect them from his just resentment.

The answer of the doge and barons was simple and magnanimous.

"In the cause of honor and justice," they said, "we despise the usurper of Greece, his threats, and his offers.

_Our_ friendship and _his_ allegiance are due to the lawful heir, to the young prince, who is seated among us, and to his father, the emperor Isaac, who has been deprived of his sceptre, his freedom, and his eyes, by the crime of an ungrateful brother.