CHAP. II.]

ST. JOHN OE JERUSALEM.

3

late sultana, the wealth of who would not be back-ward for so holy a purpose; the large mosques,and other ecclesiastical endowments; the offeringsof devout and rich Mussulmen; and even all theuniversities and pious associations of Islam in theLevant?

While the Grand Seignior, or his deputies, masterof the whole Mediterranean and a large majorityof Europe, might dictate laws, as universal lord,from that not unpleasant rock, and look downupon his shipping at anchor in its excellentharbour. 1

Nor was the grand master idle, but onMonday, the 9 th of April, had a visit from DonGarcias de Toledo, who had asked his majesty fortwenty-five thousand infantry, between Spaniards,Germans, and Italians, and now had come to Maltawith twenty-seven galleys, to see it himself; so afterhaving dined with the grand master, it was in-teresting to see those two celebrated warriors walkout together to examine the positions; which beingdone, Toledo, before the whole council, gave hisword of honour to the grand master to be backwith succours before the end of June; and smil-ing added, “ I leave you hostage my son, whom Idearly love, and one thousand Spanish foot, a re-

1 Bosio : par. iii., lib. xxiy. 490.

B 2