[878] Martenne; Villani.
[879] Martenne, Vet. Script.; Villani; Sanutus.
[880] Raynouard.
[881] For the history of the Templars, see Raynouard and Du Puy, Vertot, William of Nangis, Historia Templariorum, &c. Almost all the modern writers are more or less in favour of the Templars, while every contemporary authority condemns them. As to Mills’s assertion, that they were loyal and virtuous, it is perfectly untenable. All the historians of the Holy Land, many of whom died while the Templars were at the height of their power, declare that they were a corrupt, proud, perfidious body. Mills himself shows that such was the opinion entertained of them by the Saracens; and all the general letters of the popes accuse them of manifold vices and depravities.
[882] Vertot.
[883] Will. of Nangis.
[884] Vertot.
[885] He was afterward pardoned when the sultaun’s wrath had abated but Soliman would never see him more.
[886] Vertot.
[887] Watson; Vertot; Nic. Villagagnon.