Give them complete success, and you will be flung aside, as the splinters of a broken lance are tossed out of the tilt-yard." "There may be truth in what you say," said the Templar, darkly smiling.
"But what were our hopes should the allies withdraw their forces, and leave Palestine in the grasp of Saladin ?" "Great and assured," replied Conrade.

"The Soldan would give large provinces to maintain at his behest a body of well-appointed Frankish lances.

In Egypt, in Persia, a hundred such auxiliaries, joined to his own light cavalry, would turn the battle against the most fearful odds.
This dependence would be but for a time--perhaps during the life of this enterprising Soldan; but in the East empires arise like mushrooms.
Suppose him dead, and us strengthened with a constant succession of fiery and adventurous spirits from Europe, what might we not hope to achieve, uncontrolled by these monarchs, whose dignity throws us at present into the shade--and, were they to remain here, and succeed in this expedition, would willingly consign us for ever to degradation and dependence ?" "You say well, my Lord Marquis," said the Grand Master, "and your words find an echo in my bosom.

Yet must we be cautious--Philip of France is wise as well as valiant." "True, and will be therefore the more easily diverted from an expedition to which, in a moment of enthusiasm, or urged by his nobles, he rashly bound himself.

He is jealous of King Richard, his natural enemy, and longs to return to prosecute plans of ambition nearer to Paris than Palestine.