These he and the friar now fastened to the shoulders of the men as they crowded up to receive it, holding their hands aloft, kissing the cross that the Friar extended to them, and swearing to give their lives, if need be, to rescue the holy shrines from the infidel.
When all had received the holy symbol, Father Francis again ascended the bank from which they had addressed the crowd: "Now go to your homes, my sons," he said.

"Think of the oath that you have taken, and of the course that lies open to you when the time comes.
When King Richard is prepared to start, then will you be called upon to fulfil your vows.

It may be that all who have sworn may not be called upon to go.

It needs that the land here should be tilled, it needs that there should be protectors for the women and children, it needs that this England of ours should flourish, and we cannot give all her sons, however willing they might be to take the cross.

But the willingness which you will, I am sure, show to go if needs be, and to redeem your vows, will be sufficient.