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means suitable for insertion here." Simon had laughed so hard when Geoffrey read that to him in his prim voice, that he had to hold his side. The King's language had not been fit to be reported anywhere, except the annals of Hell. Even Simon, accustomed as he was to the graphic richness of old King Henry in a rage, had been impressed with Richard's fluency. |
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The reason for Richard's rage had not been so funny. It had been the "innocent Christians" that set him off. Because Richard demanded that the Greeks who did homage to him shave off their beards as a symbol of their change in overlordship, Comnenus had ordered the mutilation of all the prisoners he held. some of those poor wretches, blinded or with nose, ears, fingers, or toes lopped off, had been found. Richard was no more delicate or sensitive about mutilation than any other reasonable man. Criminals were naturally treated as they deserved by the removal of limbs or features, but not worthy enemies. A soldier who fought honestly for his master, even if that master was Richard's dire enemy, was not harmed once he was taken prisoner. |
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Richard had his revenge. Comnenus at last capitulated, his fortresses having fallen one by one into Richard's hands. A good many surrendered without a blow and with obvious relief at the change in masters. The one condition Comnenus made was that Richard should not throw him into iron chains. That reflection of the story that had been told made Richard laugh, but he acceded readily to the condition. When the Emperor yielded himself, silver chains were fettered to his wrists and ankles. The jest made Richard quite merry, but Simon noted that the King's brow became clouded every time the return to Limassol was mentioned. Instead of leaving the field, he sent the army back with instructions to repair the fleet for immediate embarkation. Richard himself lingered for several days, gathering the treasure from the captured strongholds and |
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