approved by the witnesses, who then with bended knees and many tears asked for and obtained absolution.
The Pope, however, still refused to take action against the whole Order merely because the Master and Brethren around him had "gravely sinned," and it was decided to hold a papal commission in Paris. The first sitting took place in November 1309, when the Grand Master and 231 Knights were summoned before the pontifical commissioners. "This enquiry," says Michelet, "was conducted slowly, with much consideration and gentleness (avec beaucoup de ménagement et de douceur) by high ecclesiastical dignitaries, an archbishop, several bishops, etc." But although a number of the Knights, including the Grand Master, now retracted their admissions, some damning confessions were again forthcoming.
It is impossible within the scope