CHAP. II.] ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM. 193

name is rebeland no doubt it would wish to changeit, if it could; and flows through Antioch, not withlimpid and pure tears, as in your time, but turbidand of a dirty red to-day, from the blood with whichwe stained its banks.

“ This letter is to rejoice with you on the favourHeaven showers on you, and to wish you a pro-longation of life. The life you now have, is due toyour absence from the siege; for had you notabsconded from your home, you assuredly were acorpse at present, or a prisoner riddled withwounds. Your delight ought to be very greatindeed; for the sensation of existence is never sodear, as when we have escaped a grievous disas-ter. Who knows, but the Creator indulges youwith this respite, to give you time to repair yourpast disobedience ? As not a human being has beenleft to acquaint you with the dreadful fact, and con-gratulate with you on your deliverance, we takethat duty on ourselves. So you now are acquaintedwith the whole, and can draw up your own account,and cannot accuse us of hiding the truth from you;besides we save you the trouble of applying toanother. Farewell! ”

Such was the letter of Bibars, of which Kelaounnow handed a copy to those of Acre. What an

1 That is in the Arabic.