CHAPTER II.

Hugh de Payens returns to Palestine--His death--Robert de Craon made Master--Success of the Infidels--The second Crusade--The Templars assume the Red Cross--Their gallant actions and high discipline--Lands, manors, and churches granted them in England--Bernard de Tremelay made Master--He is slain by the Infidels--Bertrand de Blanquefort made Master--He is taken prisoner, and sent in chains to Aleppo--The Pope writes letters in praise of the Templars--Their religious and military enthusiasm--Their war banner called _Beauseant_--The rise of the rival religio-military order of the Hospital of St. John--The contests between Saladin and the Templars--The vast privileges of the Templars--The publication of the bull, _omne datum optimum_--The Pope declares himself the immediate Bishop of the entire Order--The Master of the Temple is taken prisoner, and dies in a dungeon--Saladin’s great success--The Christians purchase a truce--The Master of the Temple and the Patriarch Heraclius proceed to England for succour--The consecration of the TEMPLE CHURCH AT LONDON 24