"RULE OF POOR KNIGHTHOOD OF TEMPLE" 61
squires or servants, or whether they are only fit to be passed
on to the poor. The red cross was used by all members of
the Order after 1145.
Although the white mantle had only been introduced in
1128, reference is made to the trouble that has arisen through
the wearing of such mantles by persons not attached to the
Order, and this paragraph is apparently a later addition to
the Rule. Retainers are commanded to wear black, but if
this cannot be procured, they are to have garments of some
humble colour such as brown. " To none is it granted to
wear white mantles or possess them except the regular
knights of Christ" (When the Temple had its own
chaplains, after 1163, the higher clergy were also allowed to
have the white mantle.) Knights may not wear the skins
of animals, with the exception of the skins of lambs or rams.
Long hair is condemned5 "cleanliness within and without
is necessary to those who serve the sovereign Creator, who
has said, * Be ye holy, for I am holy* ". The hair was worn
short, but the Templars allowed their beards to grow.
A knight is to have only three horses, unless the Master
sanctions a larger number, and is to be content with one
squire. If the squire serves gratis, the knight is not per-
mitted to strike him or rebuke him for a fault. Knights
serving temporarily are also to be supplied at the expense of
the Order with suitable horses, weapons, and anything else
needful for their duties. If, while serving the Temple, such
a knight should lose his horses, half the cost of replacement
is to be paid by the Order, the other half being borne by the
knight* To prevent argument, a careful record is to be
kept in writing of the price paid for all horses,
It is commanded that u knights who have entered the holy
calling, for the glory of God or to escape hell, should always
* yield obedience to the Master. So it is decreed that when
anything is ordered to be done by the Master, or by him
to whom the Master has given authority, it shall be done at