82 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF | BOOK iv.

the wail of the women, tender and pious were theceremonies, as if all had been peace. Yet scarcelyhad the large tomb been closed, than Yaletta turnedto his knights, and as reprisals for that most bar-barous extravagance, bade them instantly sendcirculars to their order everywhere, commandingno quarter to be given to any of those Paynims;and so, till the close of the siege, there was a Turkregularly hanged or shot every day at Citta Yecchia,where there were continual actions of cavalry, andwretches brought prisoners in on purpose . 1 Butafter that perhaps painful duty, the grand masterin his usual mellow tones, and with a most placidaspect, not only deeply affecting to his council, butalso to the assembled citizens, and even this promis-cuous crowd, said—that St. Elmo’s example shouldonly increase our hardihood and hopefulness—thathere is a stronger and more extensive station—thatwe should imitate the heroism of our brethren, inlieu of mourning for their happy, glorious end, andsince by washing out in their own blood every sinfulblemish, it is, and ought to be our heartfelt beliefthat they have won a blessed, immortal, eternaldiadem—that what else is prescribed by the oath ofour illustrious profession? —that what can a knightof St. John’s so ardently desire as to die in arms?

1 Bosio : par. iii. 580.