Pope Urban II

Consider that the Holy Spirit has inspired you, and that the Lord has chosen you, that you may show to the world what true valor is.

We desire that you, with all the faithful, should hasten to the aid of the Christians, and strive to deliver them from the hands of the pagans.

Let your arms be stained with the blood of the infidels.

That royal city, Jerusalem, situated in the middle of the world, is now held captive by its enemies.

Therefore, I pray and exhort, nay not I, but the Lord prays and exhorts you, as heralds of Christ, to urge men of all ranks, knights and foot-soldiers, rich and poor, to hasten to exterminate this vile race from the lands of our brethren.

Let no delay postpone the journey, but let all, having leased their lands and collected money, when winter has ended and spring has begun, zealously set out on the road with God as their guide.

The Most High has chosen you for this glorious task.

It is Christ who commands it.

Go forth, therefore, and fear not; for the Lord God of hosts will be with you.

May your courage be increased, and your hearts be strengthened, for the Lord is with you.

Take the road to the Holy Sepulchre, and rescue it from the hands of the pagans.

I say it to those present, I proclaim it to the absent, but Christ commands it.

Let none of you, by any pretext, delay to undertake this journey.

Remember that you were born of noble blood, and do not degenerate from the valor of your ancestors, but remember their deeds.

Your land, moreover, is too poor to support you.

Take the road to the Holy Sepulchre and wrench the land from that wicked race.

The land flowing with milk and honey will be yours.

Fight for the Holy Sepulchre, and you will be absolved from all your sins.

Let those who have hitherto been engaged in internecine warfare against the faithful, now go against the infidel.

We desire that you should know that the Lord is with you.