Do we march against Saladin like bold, Christian men, or do we bide here like cowards ?" Then Count Raymond of Tripoli rose, and said: "Before you answer, king, hear me, if it be for the last time, who am old in war and know the Saracens.

My town of Tiberias is sacked; my vassals have been put to the sword by thousands; my wife is imprisoned in her citadel, and soon must yield, if she be not rescued.

Yet I say to you, and to the barons here assembled, better so than that you should advance across the desert to attack Saladin.

Leave Tiberias to its fate and my wife with it, and save your army, which is the last hope of the Christians of the East.

Christ has no more soldiers in these lands, Jerusalem has no other shield.