CHAP. I.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

71

Nothing but light cavalry, in small squadrons,without trying to make conquests. Not wishingto fight, but plunder and murder, they did whatwas consistent with those deeds of massacre toavoid their foe.

Though Huns and Saracens in their inroadsoften met, they never fought with each other. Butseemed friends, and soon found out they were re-lations ; for both Huns and Turks were Scythians,and once one people, they said; right proud of theirmutual ugliness, and that they passed for lookingmore like wild beasts than the hideous negroes, orany kind of men. Now what deduce, but thatItaly would rejoice for any change and think it anescape? What not preferable to such actual nudityand wretchedness—fear for the future that is closeand impending—and horror at the past? If thePope joins the cry, well; and his popularity, whichis already great, will increase. He who has beenalways ready to assist her in her distress, will hehesitate now? Will the Papacy be but for the firsttime blind to such an extraordinary crisis, nor listento the public voice ? Merciful evermore, and just,and politic, will she not, at present also, side with thepeople—her own woe-begone people ?

Who had repelled two dreadful attacks of theArabs, and kept off all the believers in Mahomet