RAMA. 437 
tants, alarmed by the sudden approach of so 
powerful an army, had abandoned their dwell- 
ings and all their property during the preceding 
night. In consequence of this, a general 
rendezvous of the Christian forces took place 
in Rama, where they remained during three 
entire days, regaling themselves in the abun- 
dance the place afforded. During this time, 
Robert of Normandy was elected bishop of 
Rama and Lydda, to which bishopric all the 
revenues of the two cities and their depen- 
dencies were annexed ; the whole army joining 
in thanksgiving to St. George the Martyr, the 
patron Saint of Diospolis and Ra^na, to whom 
the auspicious commencement of the enterprise 
was attributed. Hence probably originates the 
peculiar consideration in w^hich St. George^ was 
held by the inhabitants of England, during the 
early periods of its history. 
A more revolting siffht cannot well be imas^ned Ravages 
® ^ ° caused by 
than was presented during all the rest of our the Plague, 
journey to Jaffa. The road was entirely strewed 
with dead bodies. Not a plantation was to be 
seen but traces of the deadly contagion were 
(3) " Cry— God for Harry ! England ! and St. George !" Hen. V. 
Act i. Scene \. 
