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150 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book ill.

believers, with much loss, who would have beenkilled to a man, and every one of their galleystaken, but for the wind, which enabled a residueto escape back to Asia Minor. The Prior of St.Gilles, who commanded there, had his horse slainunder him ; but his island was saved, and he,coming into Rhodes, joined the siege. 1

War had begun; 2 treaties were over; theRhodians (quite as nettlesome as the Turks) forth-with set about pouring destruction on their ownbirthplace—pulling piecemeal villas and farmhousesand cottages—cutting down trees—rooting up corn,though it was now the 14th of June, 3 and theharvest ripening in that uncommonly fertile island—and carrying everything portable into the city, thatthe enemy might starve. 4 Nor did any personregret ruin of his lands or dwelling, but destroyedthem with his own hands, and readiest alacrity;which enthusiastic process was applauded chieflyby a knight of the name of Pomerolo: “ Mostmagnanimous citizens, brave and worthy men, seewhat a fleet they have prepared! By whom?Against whom? You know it already! Letnothing of hesitation or supineness in us increasethat prodigious strength. The grand master has

1 Bosio: par. ii., lib. xix. 540. 2 Fontanus: 354.

3 Fontanus: 304. * Id.: 354.