rise to such singular conjectures and commentaries, leading to
suspicions that this celebrated fraternity of Christian knights
were embodied under the foulest symbols of paganism.

Conrade of Montserrat had a much more pleasing exterior than the
dark and mysterious priest-soldier by whom he was accompanied.
He was a handsome man, of middle age, or something past that
term, bold in the field, sagacious in council, gay and gallant in
times of festivity; but, on the other hand, he was generally
accused of versatility, of a narrow and selfish ambition, of a
desire to extend his own principality, without regard to the weal
of the Latin kingdom of Palestine, and of seeking his own
interest, by private negotiations with Saladin, to the prejudice
of the Christian leaguers.

When the usual salutations had been made by these dignitaries,
and courteously returned by King Richard, the Marquis of
Montserrat commenced an explanation of the motives of their
visit, sent, as he said they were, by the anxious kings and
princes who composed the Council of the Crusaders, "to inquire
into the health of their magnanimous ally, the valiant King of
England."

"We know the importance in which the princes of the Council hold
our health," replied the English King; "and are well aware how
much they must have suffered by suppressing all curiosity
concerning it for fourteen days, for fear, doubtless, of
aggravating our disorder, by showing their anxiety regarding the
event."