THE flight of the Emir Fakreddin from Damietta, and the occupation of that city by the crusaders, threw the empire of the Sultan into convulsions.
At the time when the crusaders landed at Damietta; Melikul-Salih had the misfortune to be under the influence of a malady, which physicians pronounced incurable; and he was, of course, precluded from any active part in the steps taken to defend his dominions. When, however, pigeons conveyed to Cairo intelligence of the French King's success and Fakreddin's flight, the Sultan roused himself to energy. Breaking into a violent rage, he instantly sentenced about fifty of the principal fugitives to be executed, and would listen to none of the excuses made for their flight. " You deserve death for having quitted Damietta without my orders," was his answer to every attempt they made to justify themselves. One man who had been condemned to die with a son whom he dearly loved, entreated that, at least, he should be allowed to suffer first. But the Sultan was inexorable: and the father had to endure the misery of seeing his son executed before his eyes.
While Melikul-Salih was in this sanguinary mood, Fakreddin was summoned to his presence, and received with ominous anger.
"What resistance have you made, and what battles have you fought?" asked the Sultan in a rage.
"I have both made resistance and fought battles," answered Fakreddin calmly.
"These French," said the Sultan, "must indeed be something very terrible, since men like you could not support their presence for one day."
While this conversation was going on, the emirs present trembling for Fakreddin's safety, intimated by a gesture their readiness to save him by killing the Sultan. But Fakreddin shook his head. "The Sultan," he whispered, "cannot live many days; and, if he gives trouble, we can at any time get rid of him."
Without driving matters to extremity, Melikul-Salih caused himself to be removed to Mansourah; and, on reaching that city, expended his last strength in rallying the troops and strengthening the fortifications. At the same time, he sent soldiers to attack the crusaders in their camp, and promised a golden bezant for the head of every Christian brought to his dying couch. The Arab cavalry of the desert, and some Karismian horsemen, saved from the ruin of the army that sacked Jerusalem, were employed on this service; and exerted so much ingenuity in their approaches, that sentinel after sentinel disappeared from his post, and knight after knight was killed while asleep in his tent.
At length Malikul-Salih breathed his last at Mansourah; and as Touran-Chah, son of the departed Sultan, was then in Mesopotamia, the emirs became apprehensive of the most serious troubles. But the favorite Sultana, a woman of great ability, suggested the policy of concealing her husband's death till his successor should arrive; and this counsel being acted on, prevented any serious consequences. Orders were still issued in the Sultan's name; prayers for his recovery were offered up in the churches; and Mamelukes occupied their usual post at the palace gates, as if guarding his life.
But notwithstanding such precautions, suspicions were aroused, and the truth ere long began to ooze out. This was of itself sufficient to create consternation; and soon another circumstance added to the panic. Humors, carried to Mansourah, that the French, having left Damietta, were marching up the banks of the Nile, caused every cheek to grow pale; and, on being conveyed to Cairo, excited such terror and dismay as had seldom before been exhibited in the capital of Egypt.
At this crisis, Fakreddin showed a courage worthy of the fame he had won by his military exploits, and called upon the Saracens to sacrifice their lives and fortunes for the sake of their religion and their country. "In the name of God, and Mahomet, his prophet," said the Emir, "hasten, great and small, for the cause of God has need of your arms and your wealth;" and his proclamation was read daily at the hour of prayer in the grand mosque at Cairo. But the people of the capital only answered with sighs and groans. A few of the more courageous, indeed, left for Mansourah to fight; but the majority only thought of flying farther from enemies against whom they despaired of defending themselves.
But Fakreddin was not dismayed. Marching out of Mansourah, he encamped at Djedile, on the shore of the canal of Achmoum, with the Nile on his left and the city in his rear. Here the Emir awaited the foe. "Be brave: we will yet avenge the glory of Islamism," he said, addressing his troops; "and on Sebastian's day I will dine in the red tent of the French King."
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From John G. Edgar
The Crusades and the Crusaders, 1860
