538 A HISTORY OF THE CRUSADES I 
 
doned. This view prevailed and was ultimately accepted unanimously. 
 Accordingly, with the fury of desperation — for all must have realized
that this was the last chance — the attack was resumed. The defenders
suffered such heavy losses that after three days a truce was requested in
order that the dead might be exchanged and properly buried. Shortly afterward,
a huge stone hurled by a Frankish siege machine killed forty citizens carrying
a heavy beam. This seemed to crown the misfortunes of the defenders, for
they agreed that envoys be sent to negotiate terms of surrender. Three days
were granted the inhabitants to leave, and military escort was promised as
far as a1-~Arish. 
 The city fell on August 22, 1153, and a considerable booty in the form of
money, supplies, and war material was collected. King Baldwin and his retinue
entered the city amidst great jubilation. The Cross was born in solemn procession
to the principal mosque, a beautiful structure later dedicated to St. Paul,
where services of thanksgiving were offered. The government of Ascalon was
entrusted to Amairic, count of Jaffa, the king's brother. 
 Thus it was that a half century after the First Crusade the conquest of
the Palestinian sea coast was finally completed. Defeat in the north had
apparently been counterbalanced by a great victory and a new southward orientation
of policy inaugurated. This was to become especially evident after the new
count of Jaffa and Ascalon succeeded his brother as king. 
 Important as was the strategic advantage won by the Christians at Ascalon
it was offset within a few months by NUr-ad-DIn's success at Damascus. In
April 1154 he appeared in force, blockaded the city, and began to advance
through the outskirts. Once again Damascus appealed to Jerusalem, and in
desperation Mujir-adDin offered Baalbek and part of the Biqa~ in return for
assistance. But Nür-ad-DIn moved first, and took Damascus on April 25
before a Frankish army could swing into action. As a consequence Moslem and
Christian Syria now consisted of two long narrow bands of territory lying
adjacent to each other. From Cilicia to Ascalon the coast was Christian.
The hinterland was for the first time under a single Moslem government. 
 For a number of years after I 154 Nür-ad-Din was inclined to maintain
peaceful relations with the Christian states. He needed time to assimilate
his conquests and consolidate an authority still far from perfect. Apparently
he was even willing to continue the tribute paid to Jerusalem by the previous
regime. Baldwin was