The envoys returned to Constantinople, and told what they had done.
Greatly did the Doge of Venice, and Count Louis of Blois, and all
besides, then rejoice that to these envoys had been committed the
negotiations for a peace; and they chose good messengers, and wrote a
letter, and sent it to the Emperor Baldwin, telling him that the
marquis had referred himself to them, with assurances that he would
accept their arbitration, and that he (the emperor) was even more
strongly bound to do the same, and that they besought him to do so—for
they would in no wise countenance war—and promise to accept their
arbitration, as the marquis had done.
While this was in progress the Emperor Baldwin had settled matters at
Salonika and departed thence, garrisoning it with his people, and had
left there as chief Renier of Mons, who was a good knight and a
valiant. And tidings had come to him that the marquis had taken
Demotica, and established himself therein, an(f conquered a great part
of the land lying round about, and besieged the emperor’s people in
Adrianople. Greatly enraged was the Emperor Baldwin when these tidings
came to him, and much did he hasten so as to raise the siege of
Adrianople, and do to the marquis all the harm that he could. Ah God!
what mischief their discord might have caused! If God had not seen to
it, Christendom would have been undone.
So did the Emperor Baldwin journey day by day. And a very great
mischance had befallen those who were before Salonika, for many people
of the host were stricken down with sickness. Many who could not be
moved had to remain in the castles by which the emperor passed, and
many were brought along in litters, journeying in sore pain; and many
there were who died at Cetros (La Serre). Among those who so died at
Cetros was Master John of Noyon, chancellor to the Emperor Baldwin. He
was a good clerk, and very wise, and much had he comforted the host by
the word of God, which he well knew how to preach. And you must know
that by his death the good men of the host were much discomforted.
Nor was it long ere another great misfortune befell the host, for Peter
of Amiens died, who was a man rich and noble, and a good and brave
knight, and great dole was made for him by Hugh of St. Paul, who was
his cousin-german; and heavily did his death weigh upon the host.
Shortly after died Gerard of Mancicourt, who was a knight much prized,
and Giles of Annoy, and many other good people. Forty knights died
during this expedition, and by their death was the host greatly
enfeebled.