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HISTORY OP MALTA.

scattered through the fields, were deprived of shelter, and even thecommon necessaries of food, &c. No sooner was the order ofMalta informed of this disaster, than galleys were instantly sent,laden with every article that could possibly contribute to the reliefof the sufferers, and soften the horror of their situation.

The only fortress in the island, formerly defended only by onecannon and two falcons, soon became surrounded by batteries; andMalta was quickly considered as the strongest place in Christen-dom. Twenty-one years after the knights arrived in that island,the famous corsair Dragut was obliged to renounce his design ofconquering it; and, in fifteen more, the Avhole united Ottoman forcemiscarried in the same attempt before Malta, which resisted withall its strength, but which owed its safety still more to its bravedefenders, than to the excellence of its fortifications. Indeed, thevalour for which the knights of St. John were ever so renowned,still existed in its original purity : we may even venture to say,that the order never ceased to possess it; and if, for a moment,this sacred fire has seemed extinguished in the breast of some fewof its members, be assured, it will shine out afresh, and blaze forthwith double lustre, when purified from the effects of its recent mis-fortunes.— Errore humanum est.

Notwithstanding the members of the order were constantlyemployed in making the necessary arrangements for establishingthemselves in Malta, the galleys still continued their excursions.I hey attempted to surprise the city of Modon; and succeeded inpillaging it, and carrying off immense riches. They likewise took a