chap. V.] sx. JOHN OF JEKUSALEM. 161

for bravery above all men, those surpassingly dearto every class of human kind, and to whom uni-versal Christendom owes immortal praise, therenowned Knights of Malta.” 1

The English ambassador, Eincli, on his way toConstantinople, visiting the grand master, was ofcourse most honourably treated; but what wasmost observable was, that not a single word droppedimplying that one of his majesty’s Norman pre-decessors had been founder, and several of themchief protectors of the order, which defendedChristendom, and to which all its princes weretherefore indebted greatly; but all symptoms offriendship, or of anything resembling gratitude,appeared too antiquated to be thought of. Itseemed to be considered much that they metcourteously, like condescending strangers.

What must have flattered the grand master infi-nitely more, is, that the Duke of Savoy, in ^1674, constituted a regiment, of which allthe superior officers from captain up, should beKnights of Malta, giving them certain privileges,and to be called Regiment of the White Cross , andbe acknowledged the best and finest corps of thatday in those parts. 2

1 Cod. Dipl. Geros., ii.. Num. ccclyiii.—App., Num. ccxxix.

2 Pozzo, par. ii. 437.

VOL. IV.

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