Geoffroy de Villehardouin, who was not only present, but one of the chief actors in what he relates, speaks fully of the Pope’s wrath at the attack of Zara, but mentions no opposition to the enterprise against Constantinople, though that enterprise was in agitation at the time the deputies were sent to Rome. Philippe Mouskes, Bishop of Tournay, a contemporary, states that the first application of the young Prince Alexius to the crusaders was made by the advice of the Pope.
[769] Villehardouin.
[770] June, 1203.
[771] Nicetas, lib. iii. cap. 5.
[772] Villehardouin.
[773] Ibid.
[774] Dandolo, Chron.; Villehardouin.
[775] Epist. Innocent III.
[776] Villehardouin.
[777] Ducange; Villehardouin; Nicetas.