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THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book i.

In 1112, Tancred died at Antioch. “It

1112

will, by Heaven, be a very vile generation whenthe high name of Tancred ceases to be in honour,’’Godfrey used to say. To boast of one’s own braverywas in the purest spirit of Paganism; but onlyChristianity could inspire the heroic magnanimityof Tancred, when he bade his squire swear never torelate his feats to any one. Sublimer than chiefsof Homer or Virgil is he above even the love ofpraise. It surpasses the heroic age. Yet is thisreference to another world quite in unison with ourreligion. 1 Many of the gallant Normans who hadbeen the earliest protectors of the order, were nowgone; yet its high-minded founder still lived—almost young indeed in years, but a broken-down,woful cripple, and with ruined health. He hadonce hoped to be cured, and what he had said as amelancholy threat to Tancred, turned out to be tootrue.

He that morning fancied he exaggerated, but didnot. So in truth a decrepit, and, as it were, agedman. But he had the consolation to see his ordergrowing up to notice, and acquiring every daywell-merited fame and power, more than realisingall his warmest dreams of glory. The Norman

1 Michaud : Hist., ii. 46.—Cod. Dip. Geros., i. 405 ; vi. 12.