CHAP. VI.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

195

Of the munificent decisions of the Emperor ofEussia respecting the order, alas! Eohan neverknew ; for he was on his death-bed when the cornierwith that consoling intelligence arrived. 1 Yet at themoment such a benefit availed nothing, and only-disturbed men’s minds, still more by adding a mostuncertain gleam of hope, that freed from the necessityof deciding between calm resignation to their fate,or a manly resistance. However it happened, noone of distinguished merit coveted magistery. Theonly candidate who appeared was that member ofthe cabinet already spoken of. Perhaps it wasadvisable, in such tumultuous times, to hurry theelection. Truly his antecedents, and his Austriandiplomacy, united him, apparently, to the aristocraticparty ; and although he is reputed by some to havebeen secretly upheld by the revolutionists, from hisreal want of talents, he concealed sentiments quiteat variance, in either case, with his exterior. Manywere grievously surprised and alarmed when Hom-pesch was presented to them as grand master.

His first act was to expedite an embassy of thanksto the Emperor Paul with Yaletta’s cross (which theorder had always preserved with the most affectionaterespect) wherewith his imperial majesty permitted

o 2

1 Appendix, Num. ecxxxiii.