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CHAP. III.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

115

the most experienced engineers in Christendom. 1And another very consolatory brief came fromRome, conjuring Yaletta not to put into executionhis threat of leaving Malta, and going to abide inSicily; “ But rather remain, dearest child, in thefortress where you have already won immortalpraise and glory throughout every land. The suc-cours of his Catholic Majesty cannot be wanting,for therein is interested not only his fame, but thevery safety of his own dominions. Nor ours; forwe would be ready to spill our blood for love of ourRedeemer and the benefit of this Christian republic.Above all, the Eternal will succour you, even He whoso evidently saved thee last year. Nor will bewanting His supernal aid to your knights andsoldiers. . . All religious and faithful Chris-

tians listening to our invitation, will invoke ablessing on you. We instantly will write to theKing of Spain and Sicily,” dated Rome, at St.Peter’s, under the fisherman’s ring, 22nd March,1566. Nor is to be forgotten the present by theSpanish monarch immediately after the siege, intestimony of his extraordinary ability and valour—a sword and dagger, both of which had hilts of thepurest massive gold, beautifully chiselled, and ofimmense value. 2

Bosio : par. iii., lib. xxxv. 741.

Id.:

767.