16 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book i.

even the first step towards civilisation. Nor canany be civilised but Christians. Freedom flows inthe same direction. To be free, jmu must first bea Christian.

His title of King of Jerusalem, which he hadbeen forced, while prisoner, to swear to abdicate,was taken back by Guy, who had been liberated;perhaps from the bad motive that he might breeddissensions, and prevent the Giaours from havinga better monarch. But even so, and though hisoath of abdication, extorted by force, was thereforeinvalid, yet, when a conclave of bishops dispensedhim from the obligation, it appeared as if Christianswere always ready to break what had been sworn . 1In spite of his oaths (cried the Mahometans), KingGuy (whom God curse) violated the pact . 2 ButConrad (curse him), a devil for perfidy and daring,the cleverest of Tyrian wolves, the impurest andmost artful of curs—not even the Tyrians wouldacknowledge him. So, after wandering awhile, heled his few followers to join the siege of Acre.And soon indeed we have nauseous images; theribs of Saracens, well cleansed, being made intobows by his bowmen . 3 But better men than their

1 Michaud.: Hist., ii. 341. 2 Arab. Chron., 220, 238.

3 Florentini : Chron :—Bib. Crois., iii. 320.