CHAP, vi.] ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM. 211

league with their countrymen ; the very reverse beingthe truth, with feAV exceptions. The order was nowindeed critically situated; not counting above fourthousand defenders. The grand master offered moneyand in appearance at least, attempted to lead backthe people to good behaviour, and take courage ; butquite hi vain. All respect was lost. Confusion and dis-order were at such a pitch, that the Maltese Militiashot each other in the streets. The people, rousedto blind fury, directed it towards the most innocentcommanders, who were pointed out as the guilty,instead of the real criminals, who were under themob’s protection ; not but some of the citizens, withtears in then eyes at this ungovernable anarchy,waited on the grand master, as if spirited and nobleconduct in him might possibly have brought overa portion of the troops, and some of the riotousrabble; but it was too late. Householders hadbecome frightened at beholding the populace turnedsavage and in revolt, and seeing they were capable ofsacking the whole town, and destroying everything.Too true; but they should have added that they them-selves were the traitors, who had misled the multitude,and caused the misfortunes they were now bewail-ing. Spacious and splendid apartments and thedrawing-rooms of a court were now filled by a pro-miscuous crowd of nobles, lawyers, merchants, shop-

p 2