INTRODUCTION.

Historians of all ages have transmitted to posterity the

dying words of expiring heroes; and related, with precision andwith just praises, those memorable actions which so deservedlyentitled them to that glorious epithet. It appears, therefore,extraordinary, that an Order ever distinguished for piety, militaryexploits, and wise form of government—an Order which hadhitherto triumphed even in the midst of misfortunes—should ceaseto exist, and no kind pen, no friendly hand, be found to rescue itfrom oblivion.

Several different authors have described the laws and statutesof the Order of St. John of Jerusalem with great exactness, andhave spoken of the virtues and valiant deeds of its members withequal strength and eloquence. Vertot, in particular, has thrown alight on the history of Malta which time itself can never efface:

VOL. II.

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