CHAP. II.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

9

ing with utmost diligence in polishing and pre-paring their arms and horses; others loading theirbeasts of burden and themselves with their house-hold stuff and children, to convey them to a placeof security; some gathering together and heapingthe corn, already cut in many parts of the country,to transport it into the fortresses; and no few re-plete with horror, not knowing what they weredoing, began running to and fro. In such uni-versal disorder and peril, so ardent and near, thelower classes, that afterwards became so dauntless,were at that first encounter stricken with thewildest consternation. Even some who used to beheld valiant and boastful, could not prevent theircheeks from turning pale, or such like symptomsof inward terror. But knights and soldiers, and themost experienced of the Maltese, as accustomed toarms, and intensely occupied, testified by theiranimated gesticulations their great joy at thissplendid opportunity of fighting in defence of theircreed, liberties, and country.

Bravest of the brave was Yaletta himself; notthe smallest sign of hurry or internal conflict wasto be seen in him, but much tranquil intrepidity,as it were perfect security, breathed from his serenetruly royal aspect, which set every heart at ease,and made it quietly resume its proper place