TUE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. plars, is the interesting marble monument of Peter de Rotis, a priest of the order. He is represented on his tomb, holding a chalice in his hands with the host elevated above it, and beneath the monumental effigy is the following epitaph :— Stirpe Rotis, Petrus, vii-tutù munere clarus, Strenuus ecce pugil Christi, jacct ordine charus ; Veste fereoa, menteque crucerò, nunc aidera scandJt, Exempli™ nobis spectandi «elica pandit : Annie ter trinis vigniti mille trecentis Sexto, quarte maii fregU lux organa mentis."* P ORTUGAL.—In the province or nation of Portugal, the military power and resources of the order of the Temple were exercised in almost constant warfare against the Moors, and Europe derived essential advantage from the enthusiastic exertions of the warlike monks in that quarter against the infidels. In every battle, indeed, fought in the south of Europe, after the year 1130, against the enemies of the cross, the Knights Templars are to be found taking an active and distinguished part, and in all the conflicts against the infidels, both in the west and in the east, they were ever in the foremost rank, battling nobly in defence of the christian faith. With all the princes and sovereigns of the great Spanish peninsula they were extremely popular, and they were mdowed with cities, villages, lordships, and splendid domains. Many of the most important fortresses and castles in the land were entrusted to their safe keeping, and some were yielded to them in perpetual sovereignty. They possessed, in Portugal, the castles of Monsento, Idanha, and Tornar ; the citadel of Langrovia in the province of Beira, on the banks of the Riopisco ; and the fortress of Miravel in Estremadura, taken from the Moors, a strong place perched on the summit of a lofty eminence. " Petrus Maria Campus lliat Placent, part ii. n. 28 -, Pauii M. Paciandi de oulta S. Johannis Bapt. Antiq. p, 237.