GODFREY DE BOUILLON 105 St. George ! " The enthusiasm of the Crusaders from this moment was irresist- Godfrey's tower was first pushed close beside the walls, and in spite of flame and missile the drawbridge was lowered. Then, accompanied by several his bravest knights, he dashed into the city. -Others followed at the same point ; the gates were broken down, and Jerusalem was taken. A horrible car- nage of the Moslem ensued, in which Godfrey, although unable to check, refused Bis first act was to retire from his comrades, and with three attend- ants to repair, unarmed and barefooted, to the Church of the Sepulchre His vow was accomplished, and the desecration of one holy site atoned for by the preservation of another yet holier. This act of devotion, so worthy of the true Crusader, recalled from carnage those who had forgotten their vows in the thirst for vengeance, and the whole army, led by the clergy, followed him to the same church in penitential procession. Godfrey's work was now nearly ended, and his reward came. The leaders of the army, soon after the capture of the city, held a council for the purpose of leading to whom should be given the crown of Jerusalem. No decision was arrived at ; so many various opinions being expressed, and so many interests at Ten of the most esteemed chiefs were then formed into an elective body and proceeded to make careful inquiries into the fitness of those who were pro- posed for the kingly office. Godfrey took no part, it would seem, in either dis- cussion or inquiry, and displayed no sort of anxiety as to his own claims. But the clergy and the mass of the soldiers were devoted to him, endeared as he was by a thousand memories of his piety, courage, and generosity. On all hands the electors heard his praises sounded, and, to the joy of the whole army, they concluded their labors by announcing the choice to have fallen upon him. But to the surprise of all, he declined the offered rank. " I will not wear a golden crown," said he, " in a city where my king and Saviour has been only crowned All that his fellow-chiefs could persuade him to accept was the e of Defender and Baron of the Holy Sepulchre, though he did not deem it gtrt to refuse the kingly authority. He soon had occasion to exert his power, for the Caliph of Cairo had by this time collected a large army, and was on his march to Jerusalem. The Crusaders, though unfitted for a fresh campaign, pre- pared to defend their conquest, and, at the head of his troops, Godfrey advanced toward Ascalon, where, the enemy was stationed. A battle took place on the adjoining plains, in which the Moslem force was routed with terrific slaughter. The city itself would have fallen but for the covetous spirit displayed by the Count of Toulouse, who, unable to obtain a promise that the possession of the ice should be given him, deserted Godfrey with all his men. A quarrel ensued tween the two leaders, but was terminated through the influence of their brothers in arms, Godfrey being ready to forgive any injury to himself for the sake of the common cause. The Crusade was now completed, but Godfrey's duties as king were yet to commence. He set about fulfilling them with activity, fortifying various im- portant positions, subduing revolts of hostile tribes, dividing the conquered terri-
