Memoirs | Page 3

there is
doubt as to his precise age, as also as to the cause of his blindness.
According to one account he had been blinded, or all but blinded, by
the Greeks, and in a treacherous manner, when sent, at an earlier date,
on an embassy to Constaritinople-whence his bitter hostility to the
Greek Empire. I agree, however, with Sir Rennell Rodd that, if this had
been so, Villehardouin would scarcely have refrained from mentioning
such an act of perfidy on the part of the wicked Greeks. (See p. 41 of
Vol 1of Sir Rennell Rodd's Princes of Achaia.) It is hardly to be
imagined that he would keep the matter dark because, if he mentioned
it, people would think Dandolo acted throughout from motives of
personal vengeance. This would be to regard Villehardouin a- a very
astute controversial historian indeed.]
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who was very wise and very valiant, did them great honour, both he
and the other folk, and entertained them right willingly, marvelling,
however, when the envoys had delivered their letters, what might be the
matter of import that had brought them to that country. For the letters
were letters of credence only, and declared no more than that the
bearers were to be accredited as if they were the counts in person, and
that the said counts would make good whatever the six envoys should
undertake.
So the Doge replied: " Signors, I have seen your letters; well do we
know that of men uncrowned your lords are the greatest, and they
advise us to put faith in what you tell us, and that they will maintain
whatsoever you undertake. Now, therefore, speak, and let us know
what is your pleasure."
And the envoys answered: " Sire, we would that you should assemble
your council; and before your council we will declare the wishes of our
lords; and let this be tomorrow, if it so pleases you." And the Doge
replied asking for respite till the fourth day, when he would assemble
his council, so that the envoys might state their requirements.
The envoys waited then till the fourth day, as had been appointed them,
and entered the palace, which was passing rich and beautiful; and found
the Doge and his council in a chamber. There they delivered their
message after this manner: " Sire, we come to thee on the part of the
high barons of France, who have taken the sign of the cross to avenge

the shame done to Jesus Christ, and to reconquer Jerusalem, if so be
that God -will suffer it. And because they know that no people have
such great power to help them as you and your people, therefore we
pray you by God that you take pity on the land overseas and the shame
of Christ, and use diligence that our lords 'have ships for transport and
battle."
" And after what manner should we use diligence?
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said the Doge. " After all manners that you may advise and propose,"
rejoined the envoys, " in so far as what you propose may be within our
means." " Certes," said the Doge, " it is a great thing that your lords
require of us, and well it seems that they have in view a high enterprise.
We will give you our answer eight days from to-day. And marvel not if
the term be long, for it is meet that so great a matter be fully pondered."
CONDITIONS PROPOSED BY THE DOGE
When the term appointed by the Doge was ended, the envoys returned
to the palace. Many were the words then spoken which I cannot now
rehearse. But this was the conclusion of that parliament: " Signors,"
said the Doge, " we will tell you the conclusions at which we have
arrived, if so be that we can induce our great council and the commons
of the land to allow of them; and you, on your part, must consult and
see if you can accept them and carry them through.
" We will build transports* to carry four thousand five hundred horses,
and nine thousand squires, and ships for four thousand five hundred
knights, and twenty thousand sergeants of foot. And we will agree also
to purvey food for these horses and people during nine months. This is
what we undertake to do at the least, on condition that you pay us for
each horse four marks, and for each man two marks.
[note: The old French term is vuissiers, and denotes a kind of vessel,
flat-bottomed, with large ports, specially constructed for the transport
of horses. T. Smith translates "palanders," but I don't know that "
palander" conveys any very clear idea to the English reader.]
"And the covenants we are now explaining to you, we undertake to
keep,