132 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book I.

mand I was sent hither an exile and hostageamongst impious men and a barbarous nation; andtherefore I beseech you to show mercy towards me,and not permit me to perish so cruelly by so dread-ful a martyrdom.” But Godfrey, well aware thatthe tribute naturally torn from his sufferings, wasnowise a criterion of his resolute heart, replied,“ Not at all, 0 most gallant of warriors, my dearlybeloved young friend! Nor is it in my power to turnoff the vengeance of these of mine come to pour iton this devoted town. Not were you even my ownbrother Eustatius of the same womb with myself,could I this day purchase your release at such aprice. Believe me, it is better to die than make thesesoldiers falsify their oaths, and me mine, and allowthis town to remain a lasting scourge to all pil-grims. Your departure is only to fly up to whereyou’ll live for ever with our Lord Jesus! ” Won-derful instance of the ruling passion strong indeath, he thought of his horse and arms and theHoly Sepulchre; and that its future defendersshould wear his armour and wield his sword, left asan heir-loom for the occasion, as frequently waspractised in those ages: “ Then, 0 friendliest andbest of dukes, give the signal, without any longerattending to me. Only I ardently do beseech youto have my horse and arms presented as a gift and

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