to remain away longer, and he doubtless was convinced he could not overcome the Moslems so long as Saladin commanded them. The terms accorded with what Saladin had agreed to, and the claim to Ascalon was abandoned. Richard sailed October 9, 1192 without having met Saladin, but left a message that he would return after three years, the term for which the peace was made, and conquer the Holy Land. To which Saladin, never lacking the right word of courtesy, replied that if he must lose it he knew of no one to whom he would rather lose it than to the English King.