The Knights Templar.

abroad ; and when they are not iu the field marching against the infidels , they are either fitting up their arms and the harness of their horses , or else employing themselves in pious exercises , under the direction of their superiors . An insolent expression , an immoderate laughter , the least ' murmur does not pass without a severe correction . They detest cards and dice ; are never allowed the diversions of hunting , fowling , or useless visits . They abominate all

shows , drolleries , discourses , or songs of a loose nature . They bathe but seldom , are generally in a loose white habit , their faces scorched with the sun , and their looks grave ancl solemn . When they are marching to battle they arm themselves internally with faith , and externally with steel , having no ornaments either in their dress or oh the accoutrements of their horses . Their arms are their only finery , and they exercise them with courage , without dreading either the number or force of the barbarians . All their confidence is in the Lord of Hosts ; and , in fighting for His cause , they seek a sure victory or a christian ancl honourable death . "

The statutes of the Order had for their base the christian and military virtues . There exists the form of the oath tendered by the Templars ; it was found in the archives of the abbey of Alcobaza in Arragon . " I swear to consecrate my discourse , my arms , my faculties , and my life , to the defence of the sacred mysteries of the faith , ancl to that of the unity of ' God , & c . I also promise to be submissive and obedient to the Grand Master of the Order ... At all times that it may be necessary I shall cross the seas to go

to battle ; I shall contribute succour against infidel kings aud princes ; I shall not turn my back to three enemies ; and although I should happen to be alone , I shall fi ght them if they be infidel . " Their standard was called the Beauceant . * It contained this device : Non nobis , Domine , non nobis , sed vmnini tuo da Gloriam . They always assisted or partook of the sacred mysteries before they went to battle , with the sacred standard before them , frequently reciting prayers as they advanced , f

liieir seal contained these words : Sigillum Militum Olirtsh . History often records the prowess and devotion of those knights . In the year 1153 , the siege of Ascalon was carried on with the greatest vigour ; the attacks were brisk , ancl continual ; the defence made by the Saracons was brave , ancl the sallies , or rather battles , were frequent . The christians did not gain a foot of ground that did not cost them many lives . The siege had already lasted five months with various success .

That city stands at the foot of a hill on the Mediterranean coast , seven leagues from . Gaza , a city then in the possession of the Templar . Ascalon was in the form of a semi-circle , whereof the shore was tlie diameter . It was encompassed with high walls , fortified at proper distances by strong towers , well furnished with warlike engines for casting stones ancl darts ; the ditches were flat bottomed and full of water . The approaches were defended b y advanced works , ancl it was as well fortified as human art could make it .

About this time the city received a seasonable supply of provisions and men from Egypt , in a fleet of seventy gallies , and many vessels of burden . Those supplies encouraged the besieged : they made frequent sallies , ancl thought to make an easy conquest of the christians ; but they found themselves disappointed ; for valour supplies the want of number , and they were repulsed with great loss . Their sallies became less frequent , ancl the Templars filled up that part of the ditch which was opposite to them . They made use of a wooden tower