THE SARACENS SHOOT BOLTS, 175

arose; and the wind blowing with great force towards
Damietta drove the vessels of the Crusaders straight
in the way of the sultan’s fleet, and about break of
day they tound themselves close to the galleys of the
Saracens. Immediately on observing the Crusaders
approaching, the Saracens raised loud shouts, and
shot large bolts, and threw Greek fire in such quanti-
ties, that it seemed as if the stars were falling from
the heavens.

Great, of course, was the alarm of the Crusaders.
Joinville and his company, however, gained the
current, and endeavoured to push forward; but the
wind becoming more and more violent drove them
against the banks, and close to the Saracens, who,
having already taken several vessels, were murdering
the crews, and throwing the dead bodies into the
rivet.

On seeing what was taking place, and finding that
the Saracens began to shoot bolts at his galley,
Joinville, to protect himself, put on his armour. He
had hardly done so, when some of his people began
to shout in great consternation.

‘My lord, my lord,’ cried they, ‘ because the Sara-
cens menace us, our steersman is going to run us
ashore, where we shall all be murdered.’

At that moment Joinville was so faint that he
had seated himself, but instantly rising he drew his
sword and advanced.

‘Beware what you do,’ said he; ‘for I vow to slay
the first person who attempts to run us ashore.’

‘My lord,’ said the captain in a resolute tone, ‘it is
impossible to proceed; so you must make up your