CONTENTS.

CHAP. II.

Insurrection of the Knights against the Grand-Master. The Spanish Knights dis-covered to be the Promoters of the Rebellion. Romegas at the Head of theInsurgents—His Character. Atrocious Conduct of the Prior of the Church.The Viceroy of Sicily interferes in the intestine Divisions of the Convent.The Knights assemble, depose the Grand-Master, and appoint Romegas Lieu-tenant of the Mastership. Imprisonment of the Grand-Master—Chargesbrought against him—He refuses the friendly Offers made him by the Generalof the Galleys. The Rebels send Ambassadors to Rome ; whither the Grand-Master contrives to transmit a Letter. The King of France insists that theAffair shall be brought before the Pope. La Cassiere refuses to accept hisLiberty till he shall be made acquainted with the Pope’s Decision - - 143

CHAP. III.

The Pope’s Nuncio arrives in Malta. Departure of the Grand-Master and Rome-gas for Rome. The Nuncio obliges the Spanish Galleys and Troops to with-draw from Malta. Honours paid the Grand-Master during his Journey toRome—His triumphant Entry into that City; and his Reception by CardinalD’Est. The Grand-Master has an Audience of the Pope. The Manner inwhich the French Ambassador conducts himself on the Occasion. Behaviourof Romegas and his Adherents; one of whom the Cardinal de Montalto ad-dresses in the severest Terms. Romegas, a Prey to Remorse, dies of a Fever.La Cassiere prepares to return to Malta—Is taken ill, and dies—His Obsequies.De Verdale elected to the Grand-Mastership—His Character. The FrenchAmbassador insists that the Memory of La Cassiere shall be publicly vindicated.An Assembly called on the Occasion, in which he is pronounced innocent.The Pope grants Permission to the Grand-Master to name to the Office ofTurcopolier. A Misunderstanding takes Place between Venice and Malta.The Knights excluded from filling the Posts of Bishop of Malta and Grand-Prior of St. John’s Church. Disturbances in the Convent. A General Chapterheld. De Verdale’s first Journey to Rome. He is made Cardinal. He returnsto Malta, and goes a second Time to Rome. His Death - - - 151

CHAP. IV.

Garzez Grand-Master His short Reign. Vignacourt succeeds him. The Gal-leys of the Order are sent at different Times on Expeditions to the Levant.