The Origin of Freemasonry and Knights Templar ... - Lodge Prudentia

FREEMASONRY AND KNIGHTS TEMPLARmade him a conspicuous leader for those fromsouthern France.Prince Bohemond, of Tarentum, Italy, who ledthe Italian force, was the tallest man in his army;he was full of passion and haughty pride; when hespoke, his hearers helieved that eloquence had beenhis only study ;when under arms, he might be supposedto have done nothing but wield the lance andsword. The deliverance of the tomb of Christwas not the object that induced him to assume theCross ;he hoped to win a kingdom before he shouldarrive at Jerusalem. After the fall of Antioch*hisfirstvain hopes were realized by his becoming thePrince of Antioch.Hugh the Great, Count of Vermandois, led theFrench forces. He was a brother of King Philipof France. At home he was much admired forhis brilliant qualities by the Court. He was brave,but easily overcome by flattery, and was wantingin perseverancein reverses.Robert, Duke of Normandy, who led the Normanforces, was the son of William the Conqueror. Hehad few noble qualities, but many reprehensiblefaults. His extravagance, weakness and inconstancycaused him to be unpopular, and, in the end,reduced him to absolute poverty.Robert, Count of Flanders, was at the head of thePrisons and the Flemings, or Dutch forces. He embarkedin an expedition which procured for himthe reputation of a bold knight, together with thesurname of 'The Lance and Sword" of the Christians.All these leaders were celebrated for their exploits,but no one amongst that vast army was more136