The Knights Templars.

but totally foreign to the question of the Templars ' crimes , who were not answerable for the deed of those who had been dead many years before . In multiplying charges , Philip only more clearly shewed their falsehood . *

Chapter Sixth.

CHAPTER SIXTH .

Examinations in tlie Provinces—Caen—Font de lArclie —• Callers — Careassone — -Be-. tucaire—Bi / jorre—Bayeaiuc . — Troyes—Trois Eo & ches—A . D . 1307-1308 . While the interrogation Avas going on in Paris , similar examinations were held in the provinces .

These were conducted by the bailies and seneschals , and certain Dominicans delegated by Imbert for that purpose— -although this Avas informal , as a delegate had no right to subdelegate his duties . But law as well as justice was set at

defiance in this barbarous process , and supported by fche king , the monk laughed at the Pope . The same formalities were observed in these

examinations as m those at Paris , and the torture was employed even more severely , if that were possible , than by Imberfc . Confessions were to be procured at all hazards , so that the guilt of the Order might appear fully proved .

The Templars at Caen Avere examined in the presence of Hugo de Chalet and Enquerrand de Viliers , deputed for that purpose by the king . Thirteen hacl been arrested in this town . Before being tortured , the act of accusation was read over ,

and were informed by the Dominicans , that upon confessing the crimes , they Avould receive absolution from the Church , while the deputies of the king promised them pardon from the State . The sight of the instruments of torture terrified twelve

of the Templars , who confessed to every charge but that of idolatry , of Avhich they had no knowledge . They hacl never seen fche idol , but had received girdles at their reception , although nothing criminal hacl been stated regarding them ,

Chapter Sixth.

nor did they view them in any other light than " girdles of chastity . " The thirteenth Templar however , refused to confess anything against the order , and asserted its innocence . For a long while he bore the torture unflinchingly , but afc

length his strength failing , he agreed to confess . The promise of pardon , and entire freedom from temporal and spiritual punishment was renewed and he made the same avowals as his brethren .

We have no further details of this interrogation . Of the examinations at Pont de l'Arche , Ave have still less information . There were ten Templars arrested here , Avho were examined in the presence of Peter de ITangert , Bailie of Rouen ,

and several other Knights . The torture appears to have been pretty freely employed , ancl the Temp lars are said to have confessed to everything but idolatry . Seven Templars had been arrested at Cahors .

They were called Renaud and Peter de Teyac ( brothers ) , Bernard de Cazal , Stephen Sommelin , Guy Cocha , Bernard de Velas , and William Arnaud . They were examined in presence of John d'Areillan , a Knight , and of two notaries . They all confessed to having- denied Christ . The

torture was employed here also , although some writers have denied it . At Careassone , six Templars were examined . The first , John de Cassagne , preceptor of Nogarede , deponed , that having presented himself for

reception at a chapter held at Farmers , two Knights were deputed to question him . They asked if he wished to enter the Order .

Hereplied that he did . Ihey returned to the chapter , and gave in his ansAver . Two other Knights thereupon came out , aud said to him that he demanded a very important thing , and very difficult of execution , because the statutes ofthe Order

of Avhich he only saw the exterior , were not easy to observe . This not having discouraged him , they lead him into a hall , Avhere the preceptor and ten Knights were seated . The preceptor held a book in his hand , upon Avhich , after demanding

if he still desired to enter the Order , lie made De Cassagne place his hand , aud swear that there was nothing , such as debt , marriage , or similar engagements , to prevent his reception . Having replied that there was nothing , the Preceptor

made him promise , as much to God as to the Order , that he AVOUICI obey the commands of the superiors blindly ; live without riches , and have everything in common Avith the brethren that he