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THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book iv.

within the breast. And to act with unison andmaturity of purpose and established rule, fromthe outset in this confusion, perhaps necessarilyincident on the foe’s sudden approach, and to con-sult on what would be the wisest on their proxi-mate landing, he convoked a council of many ofhis grandees and chief knights, among whom wasSir Oliver Starkey, Lieutenant of the Turcopolier,the only real and avowed Englishman on that awfuland most brilliant spot. There were many famouscaptains, generals, aid-de-camps, chamberlains,statesmen, secretaries, and distinguished men of allnations formed, as it were, into Yaletta’s personalguard, or military household, who never left himday or night, but accompanied him everywhereduring the siege. This council advised him to sendinstantly to inform Don Garcias Toledo of thePaynim’s arrival; and that he should despatchfurther details to his imperial highness as speedilyand regularly as he could; and the officer wasback from Sicily the third day. As yet on board,it seemed the intention of the Turks was, bytheir continually sailing alongshore, to distractthe Christian, and then land without thesmallest opposition, when and where he leastexpected.

Appearances lead us to infer that poisoning the