That’s much as I supposed, and, to speak plainly,
Not to be blamed. The best is yet behind.
The patriarch has made out the very fortress,
Its name, and strength, and site on Libanon,
Wherein the mighty sums are now concealed,
With which the prudent father of the sultan
Provides the cost of war, and pays the army.
He knows that Saladin, from time to time,
Goes to this fortress, through by-ways and passe
With few attendants.
TEMPLAR.
Well—
FRIAR.
How easy ’twere
To seize his person in these expeditions,
And make an end of all! You shudder, sir—
Two Maronites, who fear the Lord, have offer
To share the danger of the enterprise,
Under a proper leader.
TEMPLAR.
And the patriarch
Had cast his eye on me for this brave office?
FRIAR.
He thinks King Philip might from Ptolemais
Best second such a deed.
TEMPLAR.