CHAP. V.]

ST. JOHN OT JERUSALEM.

137

chapter general, 1 whose chief occupation naturallywas to augment the fortifications and make properpreparations for defence; amongst which I see alarge sum voted for artillery to come from France,as well as another for the maintenance of the hap-less Zain’s son Amurath.

In 1515, there being an English ship at Rhodes,returning home, the grand master sent a splendidpresent to Henry, King of England, three of themost magnificent carpets, a case of odours, variousexquisite works in silk, and certain bed-curtains inthe Turkish fashion, of great value. 2 A letter fromLeo X. to Carretto, speaks of their having been onthe most intimate and affectionate terms for years.“Etiam atque etiam mi Fabriti, vale! ” 3 Indeedthere is a whole series of such letters during soshort space of time. 4 The less wonder from

1517

Carretto being a celebrated linguist, not onlyin modern tongues, but in what was more in Leo’sline, the ancient; rare accomplishment amongwarriors of that age, and likewise a remarkablykind, mild, courteous man. 5

The grand master sent an English knight, of high

1 Seb. Paoli: Serie, ii. 472.

2 Bosio: par. ii., lib. xviii., anno 1515.

3 Cod. Dipl. Geros., ii., Nnm. cliii.

4 Id-, id., Id., clvii., ii. 182.

5 Seb. Paoli: Serie, ii. 472.