CHAP. VI.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

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towards you are such that I have the daring orright to refuse; yet it would be no proper returnto your magnanimity for me to shrink from ap-prising you of a difficulty. Your sublimity ofcharacter makes it the more incumbent on me toopen my mind freely to you, though the vanquishedam I, and you my victor. Of your clemency Inever despaired, of your good faith never doubted.It is that since I have lost my state, I preferfinishing this sorrowful life, since I should pass fora deserter, and men would always speak of me, notas conquered, but dishonoured. To be conquereddoes not depend on myself; and is no dishonour, ifconquered by such as you. But to desert one’scause, and change sides, is, in iny opinion, a baseperfidious action, and full of shame.”

The sultan in amaze at the greatness of mind ofthe silver-haired prince in a situation so extremelytrying, commanded silence, and sent him away withconsummate integrity,and escorted by his own guardof honour to his palace, within the city; and madea rich present to every one of the knights whoaccompanied him.

Nor did Solyman appear to think he by this hadfully satisfied his sense of what was due to thevirtue and wisdom of the magnanimous grandmaster, but the day following returned his visit,

Q 2