CHAP. VI.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

209

now it would be an idle waste and ruin of theirown illustrious order, and of the faithful Rhodians.

So the Rhodians, seeing the Turkish flag of truceon a church, answered by a similar pacific signfrom the windmill at the Cosquino Gate; and whenthe grand master’s people came to know what; waswanted, two Turks stepped forward and presenteda letter from Solyman, that he would allow theknights and whatever Rhodians chose, to embark,and go away with their goods and chattels. Yesor no / an answer forthwith ! But if no, every soulof you, without exception of age or sex, must fallby the sword, and he swore it by his faith, and hissignature was in letters of gold . 1

A council was instantly convened; but duringits sitting, a tap at the door announced deputiesfrom the city, which was like if you won’t, we will.In vain LTsle Adam’s expostulations, who wishedat least that the good old custom should be kept ofcalling a chapter general on a matter of such con-sequence; and so important a decision in so briefa time struck the assembly mute. But answer theymust, for the aforesaid reasons, and not to havetheir companions all over the world blame them asobstinate and unchristian; although most clearlycould you observe, says Bourbon, that if the1 Bosio : par. ii., lib. xx. 583.

VOL. III.

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