 |
|
Josceline de Courtenay was of that family of which were the first Counts of Edessa. We find mention also that the Count of Edessa and Josceline de Courtenay were taken in the flight from Charran; and being put in chains were carried into the enemy's country. After they had been prisoners five years, on giving hostages that they would pay a certain sum of money for their ransom, they were released; and the hostages afterwards killing those that had the custody of them, escaped into their own country. After the release of the Count and this Josceline, a great quarrel arose between them and Tancred, which was carried to such lengths that they had recourse to arms. A battle took place, in the which Prince Tancred was at first worsted, and five hundred of his man killed, for his rivals were assisted by the Turks, of whom, however, when he had rallied his army, he made a great slaughter and put Prince Josceline's army to flight. |
Josceline de Courtenay |
|
The other princes of the country considering that a quarrel between these great man was very pernicious to the common cause, used their best endeavours to reconcile them, in which they at last succeeded. In every engagement and adventure in the Holy Land the name of Courtenay was conspicuous. One day Count Josceline was traveling to Antioch, when he was seized by thieves and brought to Aleppo, where he died in prison. |