Emperor Alexis the Third

Knowing that the cardinal agreed with Boniface, he forbade him to return to the army. But, notwithstanding this attitude of opposition, he appears to have thought it desirable at this time to keep the question in suspense. An embassy had been sent to Venice by the Emperor Alexis the Third to endeavor to bring about an alliance with the republic. It was, however, too late, and was treated with ignominy.

From Venice it appears to have gone to Rome. The emperor seems from the first to have suspected the designs of Philip, of Boniface, and of Dandolo, and his embassy was the bearer of a golden bull asking for the aid of the pope against these designs. Innocent regarded the opportunity as favorable to his own plans. The great inducement which the young Alexis had offered to obtain the pontiff’s support was the union of the churches, an object only less dear to Innocent than the success of the crusade. While promising aid to Alexis, the reigning emperor, he did so con-ditionally upon this union being brought about. At the same time he sent word to the army, distinctly forbidding the Crusaders to attack Romania.

The messengers sent to Philip by the Crusaders in Venice Embassy during September, to submit the proposition for reaches assisting Alexis, arrived in Germany in October.

Negotiations at Rome

Probably about the same time Philip would hear of the failure of the negotiations at Rome. This ill news would, however, be more than counterbalanced by the tidings of the great obstacle put in the way of the crusade by Venice. If the republic could thus divert the expedition from its object, there was every reason to hope that, with Dandolo’s help, he would be able to turn its energy to the accomplishment of his purpose. Henceforward Philip acted more boldly, and was recognized by all as taking the leading part in the direction of the crusade. He negotiated the agreement that was to be made for aiding young Alexis. He acted at once as his guardian and guarantor. He sealed on his own behalf the treaty when concluded. In November the messengers of the Crusaders left Philip, accompanied by German plenipotentiaries. They arrived at Venice in the middle of December, and on the 1st of January, 1203, made their appearance at Zara, whither they had followed the army.