HISTORY OF MALTA.

25.5

Pinto continued constantly fortunate in all his under-takings, and died January 24, 1773, after a reign of thirty-twoyears, greatly regretted by his order j which, however, he hadgoverned in a much more despotic manner than any of his pre-decessors : he was, nevertheless, sincerely lamented by all hissubjects, who had enjoyed the most perfect tranquillity underhis firm and vigilant administration. He was endowed withan elevated mind, engaging manners, lively wit, and muchlearning. He was highly esteemed by all the Christianpowers; and such was the great energy of his conduct, thatduring the various wars which disturbed the peace of Europehis neutrality was constantly respected.

His successor, Francis Ximenes de Taxada, was named tothe grand-mastership at the age of seventy, and did not possessthat activity and vigour of character so necessary in some par-ticular situations of a state. Malta, which had so lately crush-ed the conspiracy of the slaves, was upon the point of seeinganother burst forth, which had been formed and nourished inthe very heart of the government.

The order having obtained leave from the pope thatthe jurisdiction of the inquisitor and the distribution of pa-tentees should be subject to some restrictions, the ecclesi-astics of Malta wanted no greater cause to shew their discon-tent. This corps was very numerous, and the privileged orpatentees belonged to some of the greatest Maltese families,consequently had no small influence in the island. They had