Bohemond continued, "Come on, give me the paper. What does it say? Someone read it to me. No, never mind. I'll sign it."
Alexios smiled and nodded, as if he had expected this. A Greek Bishop then hurried over with the document.
Bohemond glanced at Raymond and even gave him a wink. He set down his gloves, picked up the quill, and ceremoniously drew a large "X". "Come now, are there any more? I'll sign them! Whatever you want me to sign, bring it here. Let's get this business settled right now."
(The 'X' represents the Andrew Cross. In the Middle Ages, the nobility would use an 'X' to signify their consent when signing documents.)
The oath of fealty was handed over, and Bohemond signed his name again. Then he turned to Raymond and said, "You see? It's nothing. Painless. No divine punishment has rained down. Just for signing your name or drawing an X, you get ships, good food for the soldiers, safe passage, and maybe even meet a few women?"
