306
THE HISTORY OR THE ORDER OR [book iy.
more distressing, by coupling his name with distressfor ever.
Much that was matured under Homedez, did notbefall until after his death, on the 6th of September,1553, who was then near ninety, and so decrepit inmind, that he was unsusceptible of pleasure, whencame the illusive momentary hope of re-establishingthe English Language, and one Captain Ormond wassent to Malta, to inform the grand master and hiscouncil that the Priories of England and Ireland,the Turcopoliership, the Bailliwick of the Eagle, andall the commanderies of the kingdom, should bere-established in statu quo, as was indeed QueenMary’s futile dream; which, though it delightedher, could not him it would have delighted most,notwithstanding he shortly after had an ultimateflicker, on the third or fourth of September, 1553,1553 w ^ ien ral ¥ n g hi- s spirits and bodily strength,he got himself drest in his richest magisterialrobes, and seated on his throne, in the state chamber,in presence not only of his council, but of all theknights that could then be found in Malta, addressedthe assembly with the most perfect placidity, tellingthem he should expire in a day or two, and inpious prudent words, exhorted them affectionatelyand paternally to concord; and he forthwith madehis will, nominated an extremely worthy person to
Vi’! !'!.!•!■!: I III'! Ill ll.l 1:1 U.IVI H i: 1 : 111 1 1 i i III 11 i ,«f i, I: |;