chap, vi.] ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM. 221

chose. So the grand master, seeing no furtherpossibility of delay, no resource left from theenemy’s violence, had to submit with infinitegrief, from compassion for the unfortunate people,though it almost rent his generous, noble heart tosurrender on the stipulated terms. It was on the20th of December, and with the knight, he alsosent two deputies from the Rhodians, that theymight regulate matters regarding their wives andchildren, that it might not happen as at Belgrade.Solyman facing the knight, said that he acceptedthe city, and on his royal word would perform theconditions; and to the deputies declared he wouldorder otf the Turkish army, so that no harm shouldbefal their families or property, as their own me-morial observed, of which he granted every article;that who remained as inhabitants should be welltreated, and who chose to embark with the knightsshould be allowed to do so quietly; and others ofthem so minded, might follow at any time withinthree years. And he ordered Achmet to have theletters patent drawn up, for the surety of both par-ties, noting as the very first condition, that thechurches should remain inviolate as they were; thatin case the order’s ships were not sufficient, heshould give them ships as far as Candia; that twelvedays’ time were given to embark; that besides their