working their way northwards with the design even of attacking the capital itself. The Turks in Asia Minor were everywhere on the watch, and were soon to make their first serious expedition into the European territories of the empire. Isaac Comnenos was still in possession of Cyprus, which he refused to deliver up to Isaac as obstinately as he had refused to surrender it to Andronicos. The Bulgarians and the Wallachs, seeing the troubles in the capital, were preparing for revolt, and were dreaming of placing the descendants of their ancient kings upon independent thrones. Members of the imperial family were at different places meditating revolt and awaiting favorable opportunities to proclaim themselves emperors. The ten years between 1185 and 1195, during which Isaac Angelos reigned, were full of troubles, not the least of which arose directly from the dispute among the members of the imperial family itself.
Difficulties with the Sicilians. The first and most pressing difficulty which Isaac had to encounter arose from the presence of the Normans in Salonica. His general's efforts against them were crowned with success. Mosynopolis was recaptured, and the enemy was again defeated on the plains of Demetriza. Salonica was recaptured. Alexis Comnenos, who had urged the Sicilians to undertake the expedition and had accompanied them, was taken prisoner and blinded. Those who could took ship and endeavored to escape. A storm destroyed many and drove others back, who were slaughtered by the people whom they had grievously wronged.
In the engagement of Demetriza the two leaders. Count Baldwin, or Aldwin, and Bichard, the brother-in-law of Tancred, were made prisoners. They were sent to the capital, and, when brought into the presence of the emperor, behaved themselves with characteristic insolence. The emperor, clothed in imperial purple set with pearls, seated on his throne of gold, and surrounded by his guard, ordered his distinguished prisoners to be brought before him. He asked Baldwin why he had written in reply to the anointed of the Lord[1] letters which
- ↑ Nicetas, p. 477.
