CHAP. VI.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

203

About and about went the Moslem, but that slendercircle of Christians round that part of the townthat still remained to them, never once flinched inany part, but awed off the invaders, who prowledleisurely, with loud, howling jests. But some ofthe knights, having got a few guns to bear, thoughbroken off from their carriages, fired on the bar-barians, and turned their jests into wailing. Wallsto be sure were no longer, they had been all brokendown, which did not dismay those most super-human heroes, the Knights of Rhodes, though theydid not make that desperate defence for home andcountry like the natives, but for honour and sublimethoughts. Nor did our people fail to imitate thatbrightest of examples. Not the leaders, but theclose followers; not first, but second in that highestpinnacle of glory! and since their town had lost itsramparts, put their own breasts instead. No neces-sity for commands, at the sound of a bell every oneappeared. Each thought on slavery, and a victor’spride, and a death of torture. As for life, mortallife, they were now in a temper of mind to scornit. Their women beside them, assisting, or pray-ing God with amazing fervour, and with mostvaliant words encouraging their men to rememberthey were fighting for their liberty, country, pro-perty, homes, and the Christian religion; that death