318 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book ill.

Rhodes before the 28th of March, 1381,1 3ft 1 7 7

which is the date of his letter to the order’s

captain general in Smyrna to take and try for high

treason not a knight, but an officer in the pay of that

town, and if found wholly or in part guilty, have

the condign sentence put into execution instantly. 1

In a chapter general during his absence, it was

ordained that the knight or servant-at-arms, who

did not keep his horse and a man to groom him

properly, and who had not his arms in order, and

did not exercise himself frequently in shooting,

should neither receive food from the order nor

money. 2

If a senex in 1377, what was Heredia four yearsolder? Yet no doubt this command alone sufficesto show he had the promptitude and decision ofyouth. He was moreover a fine example that alofty mind does not become penurious from age;quite the contrary, as indeed should alwaysnaturally be, for the longer man lives, the more hesees how passing little is what can be bought withmoney, speaking merely of this world—nor love,nor friendship; nor anything of the honours worthhaving—much less wisdom or things truly valuablehave their price in gold; fair fame, peace of mind,

1 Cod. Dipl. Geros., ii., Hum. lxxxii.—Appendix, cxliii.

2 Bosio : par. ii., lib. 3, anno 1380.