256 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book ii.

Besides, our rule is, as I have said, essentially thesame, and it is your duty, as well as mine, to fixourselves as near Jerusalem as we can. Whereas,if you decide for Europe, I have dark fore-bodings. Your order, as ■well as mine, has manyenemies, but yours worse; and gives greater foodfor envy. In Rhodes we should be, as it were, ourown masters and have our own good swords toprotect us. But in Europe are malicious tongues,stronger than the brightest courage—there calledpride and pretension. There your fawning courtieris the hero, and nocturnal falsehood invents whattriumphs over the best and bravest. Better in ourisland of roses, than in Paris with whatever splen-dour. Think on it well before giving me a refusal.You will reap honour, wherever you go. If riches,these will bring you flattery and ruin. RememberI told you so.”—“We have both our duties,”answered Molay, with pensive sadness, “ and youmust cleave to your knights, and I to mine. TheMorea and the glories of Greece and Constantinopleare the dreams of mine. Yet all you observeafflicts me. No doubt of wealth and honours; butwhat are they to produce? Farewell! ”

And the generous pair never met again. Heand his Templars embarked for the Pirmus thatvery evening; and shortly after, he of the Hospital