slaughtered them. Over 6000 of them either fell under the scimitar or
were taken prisoner. The Crusaders were defeated.

Francis' mind was now fully made up. He went to a Cardinal, who
represented the Pope, with the Crusading Army to ask his leave to go
and preach to the Sultan of Egypt.

"No," said the Cardinal, "I cannot give you leave to go. I know full
well that you would never escape to come back alive. The Sultan of
Egypt has offered a reward of gold to any man who will bring to him
the head of a Christian. That will be your fate."

"Do suffer us to go, we do not fear death," pleaded Francis and
Illuminato, again and again.

"I do not know what is in your minds in this," said the Cardinal, "but
beware--if you go--that your thoughts are always to God."

"We only wish to go for great good, if we can work it," replied
Francis.

"Then if you wish it so much," the Cardinal at last agreed, "you may
go."

So Francis and Illuminato girded their loins and tightened their
sandals and set away from the Crusading Army towards the very camp of
the enemy.

As he walked Francis sang with his full, loud, clear voice. These were
the words that he sang: