“No, Mont-Fitchet,” answered the stern old man⁠—“it must be sharp and sudden⁠—the Order is on the crisis of its fate. The sobriety, self-devotion, and piety of our predecessors, made us powerful friends⁠—our presumption, our wealth, our luxury, have raised up against us mighty enemies.⁠—We must cast away these riches, which are a temptation to princes⁠—we must lay down that presumption, which is an offence to them⁠—we must reform that license of manners, which is a scandal to the whole Christian world! Or⁠—mark my words⁠—the Order of the Temple will be utterly demolished⁠—and the place thereof shall no more be known among the nations.”

“Now may God avert such a calamity!” said the Preceptor.