rected against Egypt. He
captured Damietta in 1249 and pushed into the interior, but
was defeated by the Egyptian Sultan and taken prisoner with
his entire army. He was liberated on the surrender of
Damietta and the payment of a large ransom, and in 1254 he
returned to France.

The state of Europe meanwhile had become unfavorable to
further prosecution of the crusades, and Louis was the only
monarch who longer took a serious interest in the fate of
the Christian colonies of Asia. He also wished to avenge the
honor of the French arms in Egypt, and so at length he
planned a new expedition against the Moslems in that
country. But he long kept this purpose a secret "between God
and himself." Louis consulted Pope Clement IV, who at first
tried to discourage the perilous enterprise; but finally the
Pontiff gave his approval, and while admitting no others as
yet into his designs, Louis quietly made preparation and
awaited the favorable hour.

At last, the great Parliament of France being assembled in
the hall of the Louvre, the King entered, bearing in his
hand the crown of thorns of Christ. At sight of this, the
whole assembly became aware of the monarch's intentions,
which he now fully made known, exhorting all who heard him
to take the cross. A sad surprise fell upon the reluctant
parliament; but Louis was strongly seconded by the Pope's
legate, and many of the prelates, nobles, and knights
received the cross.

Notwithstanding the deep regret which spread among his
people, who felt the need of their sovereign's presence for
keeping peace and order in the kingdom, and also feared for
his own safety--his health being greatly impaired--there was
profound respect for the motives of Louis and general
acquiescence in his determination. Among many this
resignation gave place to zealous devotion, and "the warlike
nobility of the kingdom only thought of following their King
in an expedition which was already looked upon as
unfortunate." Final preparations were accordingly made for
Louis' undertaking.

While all France was engaged in preparing for the expedition beyond
the seas, the crusade was preached in the other countries of Europe. A
council was held at Northampton, in England, in which Ottobon, the
Pope's legate, exhorted the faithful to