CHAP. IV.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

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every other conventual dignity of the order, shouldbe at any time exposed to neglect or profanation, thegrand master is requested to assume it to himself,and incorporate all its rights and privileges withthe grand-mastery unlimitedly; until (if that desiredepoch ever arise) this lamentable secession come toa close, the then grand master shall be quite ableto return the turcopoliership, without a single lossor blemish; on the contrary with each iota de jureof its antique advantages in no way deteriorated,tarnished, clouded, but sedulously preserved likea most precious jewel, deposited by a tender father,in a secure treasury for his beloved child . 1 Withwhomsoever the idea originated, it was lofty, fine,piteous. A regular document of this nature willobtain the veneration, not only of the order, butprobably of all mankind.

Yet neither Cassiere nor Yerdale shone as grandmasters; both were on unhappy terms with theirknights. The former, after having been a prisonerin his own palace, was called to Rome; to which hewent, and had an honourable acquittal, but it brokehis heart and he died there; though his remainsbeing afterwards brought to Malta, we find his tombamong those of the grand masters. Yerdale appears

1 Cod. Dipl. Geros., ii., Num. ccxxiv., dated the 9th ofJune, 1582.

K 2