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ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

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afternoon, before admitted into the presence,where he was rather graciously received at length!On his entering, he and the tyrant looked on eachother as astonished, and remained some instant,gazing mutually in silence; at last the grand mas-ter saluted him, and the miscreant, permitting himto kiss his hand, said, “ Although I should have aright to break the conditions on account of yourmost villanous knights and the Rhodian people—and chiefly yourself, my deservedly detested enemy,with whom I am not obliged to keep faith, oroath, being as I am your incontestible victor byevery law; nevertheless I prefer to be not onlymerciful and clement towards those who do notmerit it, but also most generous. Therefore, if youamend the errors of your past life, I promise toleave your order’s magistrates, your empire, and yourarmies, and the right of peace and war, at home,and abroad. I recommend you not to reject thisoffer, on account of your present state of misfortune.To lose states and kingdoms, is a common disasterfrom the instability of all humanity. Whereforetake it not too much to heart! With regard toletting you and your knights and people departfree, put your mind at perfect ease; for infalliblyshall every one of my promises be observed . 1 I

1 Bosio: par. ii., lib. xx. 589.—Bourbon : 27.

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