CHAPTER V

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THE SECOND CRUSADE.

Bernard the apostle of the second crusade 86

Sources of Bernard’s influence 88

1137 Death of Louis VI. of France 88

1146 Council of Vezelai 89

Easter Speech of Bernard 89

The Knights Templars 90

Reluctance of Conrad, emperor of Germany, to join the crusade 90

1147 Meeting of Louis VII. and the pope at St Denys 91

Whitsuntide Persecution of the Jews stirred up by the monk Rodolph 91

Suppressed by Bernard 92

March of the crusaders under Conrad and Louis 92

Refusal of Conrad to meet the emperor Manuel at Constantinople 92

Supposed treachery of Manuel 93

Disastrous march of Conrad and Louis 93

1148 Visit of the French king to Jerusalem 94

March Resolution to attack Damascus 94

Siege of Damascus 95

Treachery of the barons of Palestine 95

Retreat of the army to Jerusalem 95

Failure of the crusade 95

Accusations against St Bernard 96

His answer 96

1153 Death of St. Bernard 97

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