THE KN.r.nTS TEMPLARS. faithfully counted, to he placed ia his treasury, and the amount of all the things found to be reduced into writing and exhibited before him. The king's clerks, indeed, and the treasurer acting with them, found deposited in the Temple]gold and silver vases of inestimable price, and money and many precious gems, an enumeration whereof would in truth astonish the hearers." * The kings of England frequently resided in the Temple, and BO also did' the haughty legates of the Roman pontiffs, who there made contributions in the name of the pope upon the English bishoprics. Matthew Paris gives a lively account of the exactions of the nuncio Martin, who resided for many years at the Temple, and came there armed by the pope with powers such as no legate had ever before possessed. " He made," says be, " whilst residing at London in the New Temple, unheard of extortions of money and valuables. He imperiously intimated to the abbots and priors that they must send him rich presents, desirable palfreys, sumptuous services for the table, and rich clothing ; which being done, that same Martin sent back word that the things sent were insufficient, and he commanded the givers thereof to forward him better things, on pain of suspension and excommunication .+ The convocations of the clergy and the great ecclesiastical councils were frequently held at the Temple, and laws were there made by the bishops and abbots for the government of the church and monasteries in England.} • Malt. Par. p. 381. Τ Mali Par. p. 258, 645. t Wiftiw, Concilia Magna. Britanni»-, ton), ii. p. IS, 26, »3, 289, 253,274,292.