HISTORY OF MALTA.

9

CHAP. II.

The Grand-Master sets off for Rome: his Reception there. It is pro-posed to give up the Islands of Malta and Goza to the Order.

Difficulties which occur. The Grand-Master conducts the Duchessof Alengon into Spain, and acts as Mediator between the EmperorCharles the Fifth and Francis the First King of France. Id IsleAdam's well-judged Answer to the Emperor. The Rights and Pri-vileges of the Order are acknoivledged in Portugal. The Grand-Master goes to England, zohere he is honourably received by Henrythe Eighth, who likewise acknowledges the Privileges and Immunitiesof the Order. The King and Queen of England make rich Presentsto the Grand-Master.

Lisle ADAM immediately determined to visit Rome, where hisreception from the pope was particularly distinguished and flatter- f

ing: he, however, only saw him once. After the death of Adrian, the V

guard of the conclave was entrusted to the grand-master and knights,who were not a little pleased 'with the election of Clement VII.,he being the first of their order who had ever been raised to thedignity of pope. He afterwards obtained permission to settle atViterbo; his navy remaining at Civita Vecchia. The differentplans which were proposed to him, for forming an establishment,appeared either too difficult to be carried into execution, or con-tained clauses perfectly inadmissible. The first wish of the grand-master was the re-conquest of Rhodes ; and the intelligence he con-trived to receive from that place, promised, to all appearance, anVOL. II. - c