"Certainly not in our time--not until the Moslem power, which threatens not only us, but all Europe, has crumbled to dust.

So long as Acre remains in their power there is no hope.

I say not but that by a mighty effort of all Christendom, Palestine might be wrested from the infidels, as it was wrested before; but the past shows us that while men or nations can be stirred to enthusiasm for a time, the fire does not last long, and once again the faithful few would be overwhelmed by the odds that would be brought against them, while Europe looked on impassive, if not indifferent.

No, knights; the utmost that can be hoped for, is that the tide of Moslem invasion westward may be stayed.

At present we are the bulwark, and as long as the standard of our Order waves over Rhodes so long is Europe safe by sea.