CHAP. IV.]

ST. ,TOHN OF JERUSALEM.

47

begun, but yet succours might still have beenefficient—circular to the whole order, as well tothose in Rhodes, as to those somewhat dilatory incoming thither, dated May 28th, 1480—showingthat all the workings of the Grand Turk had Rhodesfor their true and ultimate object, with inexorablehate: “ because his insane fury considers our veryresistance to his will, and that we resolutely scorneven to hear of tribute, deep guilt; therefore hisimmense fleet of one hundred and nine sail, orthereabouts, has been surrounding and blockadingus from the 15th of last June, and has machineryand heavy artillery, and mortars, and huge pre-paratives of every kind, for war the most destructiveand inhuman. Do not flatter yourselves that wehave to withstand an inexpert soldier, or effeminateAsiatics. Rut we also have abundant means ofdefence, our troops, knights, stores of every de-scription, and this beautiful city, surrounded withstrong walls, ramparts, ditches, bastions, towers,fortified and adorned. The tyrant hopes that byprolongation he may force us to consume all ourprovisions, and terrify, beat down, attenuate oursoldiery; while, with him it is not so, but when heloses any number of his men, others may replacethem from the continent. The rabid dragon is inerror, and does not see what succours will flow