22

HISTORY OP MALTA.

of the people. The same ceremony and oath take place at theelection of every grand-master.

Every thing in Malta wore a different aspect when governedby the order. The most sumptuous edifices were shortly erected,both as places of worship, and as hospitals for the relief of the poorand sick of every country. The knights, worthy the admiration ofall beholders, were constantly seen either praying with their accus-tomed fervour to the true God of battles, or visiting the infirmaries,where they bestowed the same care and attention on the unfortu-nate, which had formerly been paid them by the original hos-pitallers.

A regular and magnificent city was built upon a rough andbarren rock. Neat villages adorned the island; whilst superbcountry-houses, erected in different parts, announced the flourishingstate of Malta. The armaments of the order became every daymore powerful; so that the corsairs were not only deterred fromapproaching the coasts of Malta and Goza, but were apprehen-sive for the safety of their own. The banners of St. John shoneconspicuous in the front of the battle, during every war betwixt theChristian princes and the infidels. Thrice, in concert with theSpanish fleet, it was displayed before Algiers, in the last thirtyyears of the eighteenth century*, and always with equal glory.Twice the squadrons of the order accompanied those of France tochastise Tunis; and twice, likewise, its frigates were dispatched to

* In 1775, 1782, and 1783.