ABSTRACT
A n d when the almugavars had entered Messina, which they did by night, do not ask me about the joy and comfort there was in the city. However, next morning at dawn, they prepared themselves for an attack on the host. But the people of Messina, who saw them so badly clad and with antiparas1 on their legs and coarse leather soles on their feet, and nets on their heads, said: “ Ah, God, how we have wasted our jo y ! and what people are these who go naked and stripped, who wear nothing but a shirt and carry neither adarga2 nor buckler ? We cannot reckon on much succour if all the King of Aragon’s followers are like these.” And the almugavars, who heard this murmuring, said : ” This very day we shall show you what we are.” And they made them open a gate and attacked the host in such manner that, before they of the host had gathered themselves together, they made such carnage that it was marvellous and that King Charles and his host doubted the Lord King of Aragon was present in person. What shall I tell you ? Before they of the host had had time to gather themselves together, as I have told you, the almugavars had killed more than two thousand. And then they brought all the rich booty they found into the city and all entered the city, safe and sound, and in security. And when the people of Messina saw the great marvels that these men had performed that
