GRENK FIRE. 113

of war and wooden castles, were occupied with its
construction, the Saracens spared no pains to retard
the operations. As fast as the Crusaders heaped up
the sand and stones, the Saracens dug away the
earth in front, thus removing the opposite bank to a
greater distance; and, moreover, they incessantly
showered arrows and javelins at the workmen.
Every day brought fresh annoyances; and every day
the Saracens became more audacious in their attacks.
Every night brought fresh surprises; and, in the
conflicts which took plase, the Crusaders had not
always the best of the struggle.

‘A large body of Turks,’ says Joinville, ‘made an
attack on the Count of Poictiers and me. But be
assured they were very well received. It was well for
them that they found their way back as they came;
but they left behind them great numbers of slain.’

‘One night the Turks brought an engine, called
by them la perriere, a terrible engine to do mischief,
and placed it opposite the chas-chateils, which Sir
Walter Curel and I were guarding. From this
engine they flung such quantities of Greek fire,
that it was the most horrible sight I ever witnessed.
When my companion, the good Sir Walter, saw this
shower of fire, he cried out, “ Gentlemen, we are all
Jost without remedy; for should they set fire to our
chas-chateils we must be burnt, and if we quit our
post we are for ever dishonoured; from which,
therefore, I conclude that no one can possibly save
us from this peril but God, our benignant creator.
I therefore advise all of you, whenever they throw
any of this Greek fire, to cast yourselves on your