HISTORY OT MALTA.

25

great number of slaves, amongst whom were eight hundred womenand girls*.

LMsle Adam having ensured the safety of his new possessions,and regulated the finances in the exactest manner—having built achurch and an infirmary, and provided for those Rhodian familieswhich followed the order, by which they were constantly protected—had no further ambition, than peaceably to end a life passed incontinual agitations, amidst the grateful benedictions of his people :but it was decreed that this hero should go through still severertrials; and that the greatest of his misfortunes should be reservedto embitter his last moments.

Disputes arose between the knights of the different languages,which ended by their taking up arms against each other; and themost precious blood in Christendom was shed by Christian hands.A false point of honour stifled every idea of the true; and, for thefirst time, the knights engaged in a most bloody war. Thesedisorders being at last suppressed, the severity of the law took itscourse: twelve knights were banished Malta, and many othersthrown into the sea. Just as was their punishment, LTsle Adamfelt equally grieved at the offence and the chastisement of theoffenders.

* A young Turkish woman, of exquisite beauty, became the property of theviscount de Cicala, who married her; and she bore him a son, named ScipioCicala. This young man, after having met with various adventures, went to Con-stantinople, where he turned Mahometan, and, by his great valour, became com-mander of the Turkish army ; in which capacity he sufficiently revenged the causeof the Turks for the sacking Modon.