CHAP. III.] ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM. 15

Spain is exhorted with proof evident of the dread-ful situation of the Knights of Rhodes,exposed to the infidels of both north andsouth . 1

Amurath II. sickened, and after some ill healthdying of fatigues, and vexation of a defeat fromScanderbeg, was succeeded by his son MahometII. ■—every way fearful. The succession calling acloud of ambassadors to speculate on a new reign,Lastic also sent his, and the juvenile sultan re-ceived them all courteously, and swore solemnlyto renew the numerous alliances—even that withConstantinople; but took it by storm the very nextyear. The alarm rang all through Europe, evenbefore he had seized on the Grecian capital. Hisown horrid outbreak previous to marching was,“ Constantinople first, and Rhodes next! ” Religiousfanaticism might enter for a trifle, but was it hisprincipal scope? Certainly not. How could it? Hewas an atheist—as much as not thinking of thematter, creates that rare bird. Ferocity and am-bition can drown thought . 2

Lastic had to write his circular, summoning the

1 Cod. Dipl. Geros., ii., Hum. cx.

2 Bosio : par. ii., lib. yi., anno 1452, 1453. Certainly it was avery notable thing, as the venerable historian remarks, thatthe first Constantinopolitan Emperor was a Constantine, son ofHelen, and the last a Constantine, son of a Helen.