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FRIEDERICH WERNER
The Templars in Cyprus
page 102
Tilt Tltt'lAHS IS CTMlt*.
HIII r. They »ero quite enough FOR 11-, And wo for them 1 - We charged them, 111 (iod's nunc, And cut down with our aabre* all we could. HY my spear wounded in hi* should r-blad-, The I nptain yield*. Tho other* follow «nit. Wo toward* the (station go; tho Turkish flag Display* it* crescent in full sight of tho fort; Tho ship'* crew rush toward* u* with drawn swords; "Surrender!" loud I cry, and lay my sword U|MII tho Captain'* breast. They yield themselves. Tho Under-.Marshal looked on wliilo wo fought. When all went well, he camo. Into his charge Tho prisoners wo confided, with their ship, Only the Officer I bring you, and four Enfranchised Christians. Will you see them now ?—
COMMANDES. Robert ! thy deed, e'en though thy gallantry-Doth credit to tho Order, is threefold Subject to |ienance, by tho Order's rules. Thou didst forsako tho Chapter-watch to-day At thine own pleasure, that is punishable; Thou hast hunted with thy hounds wild beasts, although It stands commanded that a Templar Knight Should only hunt tho Devil out from his heart, Not tho poor wildings in tho forest-chase.. That's punishable also. Finally, Thou hast, without permission given by me, Tho Master, and tho Chapter, faced tho foe. Hast brought seven Templars, (a most serious thing) Well-nigh to put to shame, by bootless deaths, Tho Cross's banner, through thy recklessness ; So art thou trebly punishable.—Thou Deserv'st to lose a year and day, thy mantle.
ROBERT (angry). And call you thoso tho statutes of our Order ?— IF gallant courage—I must boast myself Thereof, howo'cr unwillingly—bo crime, Then, thou deceitful mantle, fare thee well!
[Tear* off hi* vutmlle.
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