CHAP. VI.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

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and take this letter from him to the grand masterand Rhodians—“ But for my compassion for humanweakness, whose ambition is wont so often to pre-cipitate them into the worst of evils, I should notwrite to you, but put you to the death you sorichly deserve, or reduce you to the most terribleslavery. How easy it were, you see. Havingalready experienced my power, if you are wise, youwill now my clemency. You have been sufficientlymad. Return into yourselves, renounce folly, andsurrender quickly, as I commanded you. I giveyou your property, I give you leave to go awayfreely, or to stay as you like; ask me for nothingelse.” At the embassy’s return, a multitudegathered round the grand master’s house, not farfrom the ruined wall; and having collected theknights and principal citizens, he read them thethreatening tyrannical letter—he being far moredesirous of dying with honour and a good con-science, than of living. “ It is plain,” he said,“ the bravest have no choice, but to submit or die.My noble brother soldiers, my magnanimouscitizens, you have heard the cruel despatch. Nodoubt every hope of victory is over, or succourfrom Christendom! If you approve of my send -ment, it is that sword in hand, you defend to thedeath, every one of you, the faith, the nobility you

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