people, but unable to diminish them, by repressing the rapacity and
insolence of the feudal chiefs, endeavoured to promote universal
good-will by the promulgation of the famous "Peace of God." All who
conformed to it bound themselves by oath not to take revenge for any
injury, not to enjoy the fruits of property usurped from others, nor
to use deadly weapons; in reward of which they would receive remission
of all their sins. However benevolent the intention of this "Peace,"
it led to nothing but perjury, and violence reigned as uncontrolled as
before. In the year 1041 another attempt was made to soften the angry
passions of the semi-barbarous chiefs, and the "Truce of God" was
solemnly proclaimed. The truce lasted from the Wednesday evening to
the Monday morning of every week, in which interval it was strictly
forbidden to recur to violence on any pretext, or to seek revenge for
any injury. It was impossible to civilize men by these means; few even
promised to become peaceable for so unconscionable a period as five
days a week; or, if they did, they made ample amends on the two days
left open to them. The truce was afterwards shortened from the
Saturday evening to the Monday morning; but little or no diminution of
violence and bloodshed was the consequence. At the council of
Clermont, Urban II. again solemnly pro- claimed the truce. So strong
was the religious feeling, that every one hastened to obey. All minor
passions disappeared before the grand passion of crusading; the noble
ceased to oppress, the robber to plunder, and the people to complain;
but one idea was in all hearts, and there seemed to be no room for any
other.

The encampments of these heterogeneous multitudes offered a
singular aspect. Those vassals who ranged themselves under the banners
of their lord, erected tents around his castle; while those who
undertook the war on their own account, constructed booths and huts in