Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/62

40 when the reverses of the Christians had caused a general discouragement. Baldwin therefore determined to avail himself of its inspiriting effects on his own followers, and the consequent panic of the enemy, to assume the offensive. With this object he turned his eyes on the Saracen fortress of Ascalon. This city, which formed a standing menace to the kingdom of Jerusalem on the south, had been a constant source of anxiety from its first establishment. In order, in some degree, to counterbalance the evil, and to keep in check the inroads of its inhabitants, Milicent, the mother of Baldwin, had, during the temporary absence of her husband, Fulk, rebuilt the defences of the town of Beersheba. This point, although within the limits of thr Christian territory, was at no great distance from Ascalon. She had requested Raymond to undertake the defence of the place with his knights, and this being a post of danger had been eagerly accepted by him. It had ever since been maintained by them, in spite of numerous attempts on the part of the Saracens, and had always acted as a point of assembly and place of refuge for the Christians of the district when menaced by the enemy. Baldwin had himself, sOme time after, restored the fortifications of the ancient Philistine town of Gaza, which was within twenty miles of Ascalon, and lie wisely intrusted its preservation to the care of the Templars. A noble, generous, and friendly rivalry was consequently established between the two Orders in maintaining these exposed posts, and hitherto they had both been successful.

Ascalon, which was considered by the Turks one of their most important fortresses, was situated on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, in much the same latitude as Jerusalem. Its fortifications, consisting of a high rampart flanked at short intervals by lofty towers, formed a semicircle enclosing the town, the sea line completing the circuit. It had always been guarded most zealously by its possessors. All its male inhabitants were thoroughly trained in the exercises of war; and that.there might be no danger of treachery on their part., or any want of fidelity to the Saracen cause, the caliph had granted them numerous privileges and indulgences not enjoyed by the inhabitants of any other city in the East. Baldwin, however, was undeterred either by the strength of the place or