CHAP. III.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

147

hastened straight to Gerard’s room, and hadscarcely time to say “ How do you do, now, Countd’Avesne?” to him who lay on his litter, andsmiling affectionately, though pale, replied “Better;but we’ll never play at mall again, for I am ham-strung in both legs and arms.” In the East theyplay it on horseback. The celebrated warrior,Noureddin, was the finest rider and best player atmall, of his time. 1 But Godfrey entering, “ SirTancred, I sent for you not to speak or debate, butto witness what my mature reflection has resolvedon, and also that of my honoured young friend,who will listen, and if ever I explain his purposewrong, correct me. It was from my knowledgeof his self-devoted intention, I sent him then ashostage, and therefore that was truly the com-mencement of what was made public only this day.So let the 12th of August, 1099, be a holy me-morial to all ages, of the founder of all to whichI here consent.” 2

“We are Normans, all three. So it is not neces-sary to prove those sacred oral doctrines which havecome down to us from our remotest ancestors,and which have only become holier from Christian-ity. For me, I have already begun a compilation

2 P. A. Paoli : 199.

L 2

1 Arab. Cliron., 161.