SIEGE OF CONSTANTINOPLE. 413 



the neglect rather than the resolution of the new 

 caliph. The season proved uncommonly rigorous ; 

 foi more than 100 days the ground was covered 

 with deep snow ; and the natives of the sultry climes 

 of Egypt and Arabia lay torpid and almost lifeless 

 in their frozen tents. The return of spring revived 

 their energies, and produced a second reinforcement 

 of- two numerous fleets, laden with corn, arms, and 

 soldiers. But the Greek fires were again kindled ; 

 and if the destruction was less complete, it was 

 owing- to the experience which had taught the Mos- 

 lems to remain at a safe distance ; or to the perfidy 

 of the Egyptians, who deserted to the service of the 

 Christian emperor. 



The calamities of famine and disease now began 

 to make havoc among the ranks of the besiegers. 

 After devouring every quadruped in their camp, they 

 were reduced to such extremity as to depend for 

 food, not only on the leaves and bark of trees, but 

 on the most loathsome and disgusting substances. 

 The spirit of conquest, and even of enthusiasm, be- 

 came extinct. The Saracens, whenever they ven- 

 tured to straggle beyond their lines, were exposed 

 to the merciless retaliation of the Thracian peas- 

 antry. Twenty-two thousand of them were slaugh- 

 tered by an army of Bulgarians, Avhom the gifts and 

 promises of Leo had attracted from the banks of the 

 Danube. To augment their distresses, a rumour 

 was industriously spread that the Franks were arm- 

 ing by sea and land in defence of the Christian 

 cause. 



The siege had extended to thirteen months, when 

 Moslemah was at length extricated from his difficul- 

 ties by a letter from the Caliph Omar II., containing 

 the welcome permission to retreat. The march of 

 the Arabian cavalry through the Asiatic provinces 

 was effected without hinderance or delay ; but of the 

 formidable host he had conducted to the gates of 

 Constantinople not more than a sixth part returned 



M ni 2 



