HISTORY OF MALTA.

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the defence of Malta and Goza. From that moment the galleys wereentirely dedicated to the transport of provisions, ammunitions, andtroops, for the service of those two islands. The knights, dispersed indifferent parts of Europe, availed themselves of the opportunity offeredthem by these transports to return to Malta, and signalise theirzeal in the cause of religion. No relief could be expected from theother Christian powers : France was at that time too much weak-ened by civil wars and intestine divisions. The emperor of Ger-many feared for his own frontiers, which were from time to timeinvaded and ravaged by Solyman. Pope Pius IV. contributedindeed the slender sum of ten thousand crowns; and Spain aloneexpressed an inclination to assist the grand-master; but the greatlength of time taken by that court to decide, added to its constantfears for Sicily, which it was very well known the sultan had someidea of attacking, gave very little hopes of any essential aid fromthat quarter.

The grand-master, exposed to such serious danger, placed allhis dependence in that God in whose cause he had taken up arms,and in the intrepid valour of the warriors under his command.The inevitable perils he foresaw, had no other effect than to ani-mate him with fresh courage; for the firmness of La Valette rosesuperior to events, and his natural bravery inspired him with an in-difference for life. He had filled all the different offices of the order,and each promotion had been a proof of, and a reward for, thosememorable actions which at last raised him to the dignity of grand-master.