534 
A N T 1 QJO I T I E ^ 
The barons faw with indignation a ftranger pofleffed of all the 
power and influence, to part of which they thought they had a 
claim; they therefore entered into an aflbciation againft him, 
and determined to vvreft fome of that aothorlty from him which 
he had fo unreafonably ufurped. The bifhop difcerned the ftorm 
at a diftance; and, prudently refolving to give way to that torrent 
<)f envy which he knew not how to withftand, withdrew quietly 
to the Holy Land, where he refided fome time. 
At this jundure a very fmall part of Pakjiine remained in the 
liands of the Chriftians : they had been by Saladine difpoffeffed of 
"Jerufakm, and all the internal parts, near forty years before ; and 
with difficulty maintained fome maritime towns and garrifons: 
yet the bufy and enrerpri-fing fpirit of de Rupibus could not be at 
reft ; he diftinguifhed himfelf by the fplendour and magnificence 
of his expenfes, and amufed his mind by ftrengthening fortrefles 
and caftles, and by removing and endowing of churches. Before 
his expedition to the eaft he had fignalized himfelf as a founder of 
convents, and as a benefadtor to hofpitals and monafteries. 
In the year 1231 he returned again to EngLind; and the very 
next year, in 1232, began to build and endow the Priory of 
Selborne. As this great work followed fo clofe upon his 
return, it is not improbable that it was the refult of a vow made 
during his voyage ; and efpecially as it was dedicated to the Firgm 
^lary. Why the bifliop made choice of Selborne for the fcene of 
his munificence can never be determined now : it can only be faid 
that the parilh was in his diocefe, and lay aimoft midw-ay 4>etweea 
Winchejier and Farnham^ or South Walt ham and Farnham ; from 
either of which places he could without much trouble overlook 
his workmen, and obferve what progrefs they made ; and that 
the fituatioiv was retired, with a ftream running by it, and 
fequeftcred 
