ciiap. hi.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

143

this mixture of grandeur and simplicity that alwaysproduces most effect on the minds of men. Yetwas it done by him naturally, unconscious of theeffect it had on those Easterns, particularly whenhe replied to their observation that he was sittingvery near the earth, “ One may well sit on theearth, since we shall so soon be under it .” 1 So muchhumility and so much glory! It filled them withadmiration; and they, who indeed were ratherspies than deputies, going away, one said to theother, “ He is indeed a great man, and must bethe person assuredly destined to conquer the wholeEast, and govern the nations !” 2 Which thingsagreed with the opinions already in his favouramong the Turks; so that they wrote: “ For honourand uprightness, Godfrey is eminent above all theChristians—brave as they are, with all their defects,and candid. Solicit his friendship; for if youobtain it, you will have that of the whole Christianbody.” 3

This contrast of grandeur and modesty hasalways surprised mankind, and is the most command-ing spectacle in history. And had he to live long, hewould have succeeded in establishing a regular

O O

1 Michaud: Hist., vol. vi. 15.

2 Id. Id. ii. 5.

3 Albert Aqucnis : Chron.—Bib. Crois. i. 57.