ItOGF.l! OF WEND0VER. [A.D . 1227. to the holy city, which Jesus Christ consecrated with his own blood ; and that the approach might be more easy, it was unanimously determined to fortify in the first place Casarca, and then Joppa, which they hoped undoubtedly to be able to do before the passage of the ensuing August, and then they would he able in the following winter to set oat joyfully for the house of the Lord, under his protection. This determination was made public outside the city of Acre on the feast of the apostles Simon and Jude, in the presence of all the pilgrims, and there they were solemnly enjoined to be ready on the day after All Saints' day, to set out towards Coesarca ; the pilgrims, who did not know of the plan which the army had determined on. on hearing this, after strengthening the above-mentioned fortresses, were suddenly seized with such a great desire to proceed to Jerusalem that they wept abundantly, and they felt so strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, that each man felt as if he could overcome a thousand enemies, and two could conquer ten thousand. W e need not therefore use many entreaties in urging it on you, when such pressing necessity speaks for itself and demands immediate assistance ; for delay brings danger, and speed will be productive of the greatest advantages. The blood of Christ calls from this country on each and every one ; this small and humble, though devout, army entreats for speedy assistance, hoping and trusting in the Lord that this business, commenced in all humility, may be by his favour brought to a happy termination. Do you, therefore, each and all of you, exert yourselves to assist the holy land, since this may be considered the common cause both of your faith and of the whole Christian people. And we, under God's care and guidance, will not cease to promote the cause, confidently hoping, that it may prosper in the hands of the faithful who persevere with confidence. Given at the I^atcran, the 2:!rd of December, in the first year of our pontificate." /low the critiade teas impeded through the attener if the emperor. In the mean time the emperor Frederic, who with other crusaders had, under penalty of excommunication by the pope in the before-mentioned passage, determined to fulfil his vow of pilgrimage, went to the Mediterranean sea. and embarked with a small retinue ; but after pretending to make