176 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book I.

scope of this project, except a greater generosityand valour than the world has ever yet seen, evenin our own marvellous Normans. That sublimedaring and existing out of ourselves, which hasvisited other heroes for a brief space; must in youhave a perpetual residence. Reflect profoundly wellthen before you enter what demands such singularself-devotedness. You may be very brave, withoutbeing brave enough for us. Such supernaturalexcitement of mind and body must soon wear outlife. That wear and tear will suffice, without anyother wound. It is living ages in a minute. Yeteven Pagans have thought it a fine thing to dieyoung. And Turks, and Turcomans, and cloudsof most ferocious Saracens at hand, you mustbe prepared to die. If you wish any chance of life,join other crusades and armies, with whom youmay gain great honour, and eventually return toEurope and enjoy it there for life.” And toGodfrey he had said, “ Of extreme hardihood, andwell mounted and armed, and of fanatical audacityare these Turks; as reckless of life as Saracensever were, and proud of being worthy to beslaughtered in the service of Mahomet, and for theglory of Islam; and these you are to face with aminority of numbers as perfectly miraculous asten to a hundred thousand. Divided, impoverished,