Had I been able to marry, I might now have had a son of your age, whose career I could watch and feel a pride in.

My life would have been far happier in England, and in all respects I should be a better man than I am now.

Methinks it would strengthen rather than weaken the Order.

As a fighting body we should be in no way inferior to what we are now, and we should be more liked and more respected throughout Europe, for naturally the sight of so many men leading a luxurious life in commanderies causes a feeling against them." "But I suppose, Sir John, that there is no great difficulty in obtaining a dispensation from our vows ?" "In this, as in all other matters, everything depends upon interest or money.

Of course, dispensations are not common; but doubtless any knight when he had served his term of active service could, especially if his request were backed by the grand master, obtain from the Pope a dispensation of his vows.