11’4 TEE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book ii.

consolidate all Palestine, and even Syria, in his ownhands, by uniting those countries to Egypt.Therefore came to Palestine, and changed so com-pletely, that when young David entreated anotherof his uncles, ArschafF of Mesopotamia, to protecthim (as indeed he marched with an army to do),the sultan wrote to him that he had come to curbthe Christians, who were getting too audacious fora minor. “ The land is Avithout defence. TheFranks have rebuilt the walls of Sidon and otherfortresses that had been razed. You know thatour uncle Saladin transmitted to us a name illus-trious by taking Jerusalem. If the Christians hadseized the Holy City, it would have been an eternaldishonour to us, and our memory would have beenhanded down blasted to our descendants. Becomeunworthy of the reputation gained by our uncle,how should Ave be estimated by God and men? Norwould the Franks have been contented with whatthey have already won, but would want to winmore. However, since you are come, my presenceis no longer necessary here. I’ll return then toEgypt, and leave you to defend Syria. It shallnever be said of me that I waged war against mybrother. It is the idea furthest from me.” 1 This

1 Arab. Chron., 428.