[322] Ibid; Guibert; Robertus Monachus.
[323] Guibert says he was a boasting coward; but this is contradicted by others.
[324] Guibert de Nogent; Robert.
[325] Guibert; Robertus Monachus, lib. iv.
[326] Robert. Monac.
[327] Albert of Aix.
[328] Raimond d’Agiles; Vertot; Guibert; William of Tyre.
[329] This is one of the points on which the authorities of the day are in direct opposition to each other. Mills has chosen the opinion of Robertus Monachus, who states that the message of the calif was haughty and insolent. I have followed another version of the story, because I find it supported by a greater weight of evidence, and because I do not think the calif would have taken the trouble of sending all the way from Egypt to insult a party of men whose persevering conduct showed that they were not likely to be turned back by words. Guibert says, that the calif promised even to embrace the Christian faith, in case the crusaders overcame the Turks, and restored to him his Syrian dominions. Albert of Aix also vouches the same proposal, which, however improbable might have been made for the purpose of deceiving the crusaders.
[330] Robertson’s Historical Disquisition on India.
[331] Robert, lib. iv.