264 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book i.

against the King of Sicily, and that Egyptian fleetcarried off the brother of the King of Cyprus,and transmitted him, as a present, to that sameGreek Emperor. Fine treasons to each otheramongst these Christian princes! Noureddin hadtents enough, since, beside that fine one taken fromthe Franks, the Greek Emperor sent him a silk tentof considerable value, and several rich dresses andjewels . 1 The acquisition of Ascalon caused morejoy through Christendom than any event since thatof Jerusalem itself, and all knew what an activehand the Grand Master of the Hospitallers had init; so that whether he was personally present ornot—and perhaps he was not, seeing his advancedage of above eighty—matters little ; for Baldwinwas his docile pupil, and to Raymond’s advice thefortunate resolution, whole conduct, and victoriousconclusion of that gallant siege, were universallyascribed, and may very likely have been the causeof that splendid eulogium which Anastasius IV . 2made of the order, repeating what his predecessorshad said before, and even adding new marks ofdistinction, and rarer privileges: “ Since you, mybrethren, make so excellent a use of your wealth, inhospitably receiving pilgrims of every nation, and

1 Arab Chron., 109.

2 Yertot: i. 146.—Bosio: par. 1, lib. ii., anno 1154.