History in her solemn page informs us, that the crusaders were but ignorant and savage men, that their motives were those of bigotry unmitigated, and that their pathway was one of blood and tears. Romance, on the other hand, . . . portrays, in her most glowing and impassioned hues, their virtue and magnanimity. . . . The philosophic student will draw his own conclusions; and he can have no better field for the exercise of his powers than this European madness. . . .
Look down from Heaven and see that we are [a subject of] mockery and derision among the nations. We have been considered like sheep brought to slaughter -- to kill, to destroy, for wounds, for shame. And despite all this, we have not forgotten Your name; please forget us not.
-- Liturgy