sources, as well as of the peculiar weakness, of the
Byzantine possessions, which at best were but loosely held
together, and required ceaseless vigilance on the part of
the central government to guard them against outward attack
and hold in check the spirit of internal revolt.

It was nevertheless the cautious policy of the Venetians not
to hold the key of the East, Constantinople, since to hold
it would entail the necessity of defending its possessions.
They preferred to be on such terms of friendship, not
necessarily alliance, with those who should hold the key, as
would give them all the advantages they desired, without
involving them in irksome obligations if there came a change
of masters. "Venice fought for her own hand," let other
nations as they might be led astray by illusory hopes of
allies and friends bound by ties of gratitude. She well knew
how to guard herself against the spirit of perfidy so active
in the Middle Ages, as well as how to exercise that spirit
in her own interest.

Once in possession and control of Constantinople, the Latins
found it necessary to proceed directly to the partition of
the empire. It had been agreed between old Dandolo and
Baldwin, Boniface and others of the crusaders that one full
quarter of the whole dominion was to be assigned to the
Latin emperor, who was to be elected by Venetians and
crusaders together. This left three-quarters remaining, of
which Venice was to take half, the rest to be in some manner
divided among the crusaders. First of all, however, came the
election of an emperor for the new state.

Venice wanted no imperial dignity, nor could any dignity be bestowed
upon the nonagenarian Dandolo greater than that which he actually
enjoyed as doge of his native republic. He accepted, however, the
title of Despot of Romania.[50] The emperor must therefore be chosen
from among the French or Flemings. Two of the chiefs might show strong
claims for the choice. Of these two, the Marquis of Montferrat, who at
first seemed the most likely to be chosen, was already connected by
means of his brother's marriage with the late reigning dynasty of
Constantinople. He was, besides, proved to be a valorous soldier and a
prudent general. On the other hand, Baldwin, the count of Flanders, a
younger man, had displayed all the prowess of his rival, an