266 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book III.

self-devotedness during the last dying struggle—Acre alone—death-rattle of Syria—might havespared them such palpable inventions; even had theyfallen into material misdemeanors—which is notproved in law, but the very reverse, far moreinnocence than could have been expected fromsoldiers exposed to the numerous temptations of amartial life; nor may it be unfair to consider someindulgences a compensation nearly due to frequentdistress and danger. Ascetic heroism is too rare acombination to require. But finally no discreetjury but would have acquitted the Templars. Thequestion for any further trial could be only ofwhat damages, for so slanderous an indictment.But open court, or fair defence, not an atom had theyof either. How league with the very Saracens thatslew them? Secret friends of who sawed themasunder? Of who hoped to annihilate their orderat Acre, and were very near doing so ? Had it de-pended on Philip le Bel, the Hospitallers had faredlike the Templars. The Teutonics were safe intheir native Germany. But the snare was evidentlyset for both the others. That ultimate conver-sation in Cyprus had been their crisis. So theTemplars deciding for southern Europe, sealedtheir destiny, and Rhodes saved the Hospitallers.It is clear the Pope was far from inclined against