Each wore on the right shoulder the emblem of
the cross.
Peter was in command of one portion of this great multitude. His
followers began their journey with shouts of joy and praise.
But they had no proper supply of provisions. So when passing through
Hungary they plundered the towns and compelled the inhabitants
to support them. This roused the anger of the Hungarians. They
attacked the Crusaders and killed a great many of them.
After long delays about seven thousand of those who had started on
the Crusade reached Constantinople. They were still enthusiastic
and sounded their war-cry, "God wills it!" with as much fervor as
when they first joined Peter's standard.
Leaving Constantinople, they went eastward into the land of the
Turks. A powerful army led by the sultan met them. The Crusaders
fought heroically all day long but at length were badly beaten.
Only a few escaped and found their way back to Constantinople.
Peter the Hermit had left the Crusaders before the battle and returned
to Constantinople. He afterwards joined the army of Godfrey of
Bouillon.
Godfrey's army was composed of six divisions, each commanded by a
soldier of high rank and distinction.
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