232 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book iii.

most powerful nobility of that place, who lovinglypreferred that horrid exile with the governmentthat had treated them so gently and wisely, thanremain under the cruel bitter Turkish tyranny; theusual kindness of the order to their subjects havingwon their affections for ever. So a little previousto nightfall the grand master went on board in oneof the galleys, and had it towed out of port, andabout nine o’clock the great karack also left to joinhim. The order’s galleys, and several belonging toindividuals, replete with incredible sorrow, fright,andvexation, formed fifty sail. Yes it was on our Lord’scircumcision , 1 a few minutes before midnight toll,that, after embarking suddenly and hastily in thedark, Ave turned our proAvs Avestward.

The renoAvned, splendid, beautiful island ofRhodes, and its ancient and most noble capital,Avhich the order had acquired Avith so much gene-rosity and boldness, and maintained their state therefor two hundred and thirteen years with marvellousvigour, liberality, gentleness, and mighty expensesof gold, and defended Avith an infinitude of blood,had now passed aAvay, to beneath the Paynim’s harshrod. “ 0 my unfortunate country ! Oh, left to Avhatperfidious despotism!” exclaims Fontanus. 2

1 January 1, ]S T e\v Year’s Day.

5 Bosio : par. ii., lib. xx. 591,—Bourbon: 29.