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THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF

[book iii.

ensue from profanation of a seat meriting suchreverence, could not be cured. So resigning him-self to his Creator’s will, he, with the serenity thatbecame his gallant spirit, directed, it is affirmed,the calmest, wisest discourse to his sorrowfulknights, whom he had assembled round his bed, ex-horting’ them to choose a worthier than himself to betheir grand master, to remain faithfully attached totheir ancient constitution, which, under God, theyshould do all in their power to preserve intact. Nordid the unconquerable hero, who with so manysplendid and generous deeds had showered downhonour, glory, and utility on the whole of Christ-endom, as well as on his order, lament to join thatvast majority who once were mortals ; but gently,without even a move of his pillow, closed his eyesand departed. It was (be the record as eternal asthis world) the 30th of June, 1503.

Strange as it may appear, that a sultan shouldcondescend to be the staunch friend of a Giaour,it were still stranger to be his sycophant. Whatwould the present diplomatists at Constantinoplethink of presuming to suppose the sultan a Chris-tian cur’s toadeater? Except madmen! Not Zain’sdeath, but D’Aubusson’s was the signal of war, asshall be soon seen.

No prince or grand master was ever so lamented,