But what the English king lacked in punctuality, he more than made up for with the sheer force of his personality. Ibn Shaddad lavished his highest praise on Richard, writing that he was “a mighty warrior of great courage and strong in purpose. He had much experience of fighting and was intrepid in battle.” He further noted that although he was, in the crusaders’ eyes, “below the king of France in royal status,” he was “richer and more renowned for martial skill and courage.”
