Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/74

52 afflicted had so far overcome him that he had become incapable of carrying on the functions of government. He had, in consequence, associated with himself Guy de Lusignan, a French knight who had married his sister Sabilla, the widow of the marquis of Montferrat. This choice had proved moat unpalatable to his nobles, who despised Guy as a man more fitted to shine in the court than the camp; and Baldwin eventually was compelled to withdraw the authority he had conferred on him. He then determined to abdicate, and named as his successor his nephew, Sabila’s son by the marquis of Montferrat, appointing Raymond, count of Tripoli, as regent during the minority. Not long after this change Baldwin died, and almost at the same time the infant prince also died, not without grave suspicions of foul play. The results in a great degree confirmed these doubts. Sabilla and Guy at once set to work to gain over a party to support their claim to the throne. They succeeded in this object, and were proclaimed king and queen of Jerusalem without opposition.

Raymond retired in wrath to Tripoli, and Saladin took advantage of the ill-feeling which had been excited amongst the Christians to organize an invasion of the kingdom. He commenced operations by laying siege to Acre. A reinforcement of the military Orders had been thrown into the town, commanded by their respective Masters. Desmoulins, not wishing to be blockaded, collected his Hospitallers and, supported by a body of the inhabitants, sallied forth under cover of night, leaving the Templars to hold the town. The Saracens, taken by surprise, at first gave way in a panic, and were slaughtered in large numbers. As day broke, however, Saladin was able to rally his forces, and a desperate battle ensued, ending without any decisive advantage on either side; but as Saladin was in consequence compelled to abandon the siege, the victory may well be assigned to his opponents. This success was, however, dearly purchased. Chief amongst the killed was Roger Desmouiins himself.

The country being in a state of active warfare, the council lost no time in electing his successor, their choice falling on Gamier de Napoli, who thus became the eighth Master of the Order.