GERARD OF AVESNES EXPOSED ON THE WALLS OF ASUR
Book V.. Joseph-Francois Michaud .. Illustrated by Gustave Dore

History of the Crusades

Illus -29 Tissue

GERARD OF AVESNES EXPOSED ON THE WALLS OF ASUR

Gerard of Avesnes, who has been left with them as an hostage by Godfrey, was fastened to the top of a very high mast which was attached to the very wall against which the efforts of the besiegers were principally directed. At the prospect of an inevitable and inglorious death, the unfortunate Christian knight uttered loud and painful cries, and conjured his friend Godfrey to save his life by a voluntary retreat. This spectacle pierced the heart of Godfrey, but did not shake either his firmness or his courage. As he was sufficiently near to Gerard of Avesnes to make himself heard by him, he exhorted him to merit the crown of Martyrdom by his resignation. "It is not in my power to save you" said he ; "if my brother Eustace were in your place I would not deliver him from death. Die, then, illustrious and brave knight, with the courage of a christian hero : die for the safety of your brethren, and for the glory of Jesus Christ." The words of Godfrey gave Gerard of Avesnes the courage to die. He begged his old companions to offer at the holy sepulchre his horse and his arms, that prayers might be put for the health of his soul. - Book V

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Notes: Godfrey collected his troops, marched them towards Asur, and proceeded to attack the town. Already had the rolling towers approached the ramparts, the rams had shaken the walls to their foundations, and the city was about to be carried, when the besieged employed a mode of defence worthy only of barbarians. page 141

Notes, page 147 Baldwin surving a sure defeat when the egyptian leader is slain on the field and his troops cannot rally. Saves the woman who was giving birth and her gratfeul husband in the too near future offers unsolicited aid to Baldwin in return.