I do not wish him to become one of the drones who live in sloth at their commanderies in England, and take no part in the noble struggle of the Order with the Moslem host, who have captured Constantinople and now threaten all Europe.

We were childless some years after our marriage, and Eleanor and I vowed that were a son born to us he should join the Order of the White Cross, and dedicate his life to the defence of Christian Europe against the infidel.

Our prayers for a son were granted, and Gervaise will enter the Order as soon as his age will permit him.

That is why I rejoice at the grand prior's offer to take him as his page, for he will dwell in the hospital safely until old enough to take the first steps towards becoming a knight of the Order." "I would that I had been born the son of a baron like yourself," the prince said earnestly, "and that I were free to choose my own career.
Assuredly in that case I too would have joined the noble Order and have spent my life in fighting in so grand a cause, free from all the quarrels and disputes and enmities that rend England.

Even should I some day gain a throne, surely my lot is not to be envied.