CHAP. I.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

63

practice to jumble them together. Mahometanfreebooters erected a sort of temporary colony atNaples, and besieged Gaeta in 846, but were drivenoff.

Ainalphi declared its independence in 839; butunfortunately the discoveries for which it has beengiven immortal credit, are all three unfounded;for the mariner’s compass was certainly discoveredlong before; some say was known to the Etruscansprevious to the founding of Rome; others in thefourth century of our era; the Pandects, too, if inany event those laws merit the honour of havingtheir discovery applauded or inquired into by alover of freedom; and as for the sea code, Oleronand Sweden are tough antagonists.

In 924, on intelligence reaching the EmperorBerenger, then on a visit in Verona, that an Italiannobleman of this name was plotting against hislife, he had the generosity to send for the accused,and in private audience at supper told, andpardoned him his enormous crime; and, taking upa golden goblet, handed it to him, and said, “ Letthis be an emblem between us of the sincerityboth of my forgiveness and of your repentance;accept it, and remember that your emperor is yourson’s god-father.” And the next morning, whensecure from a numerous accompaniment, this same