Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/139

Rh they should be enabled to consider themselves as lords, and not merely tolerated as guests, somewhat unwelcome ones into the bargain, which was the position they had of late been compelled to accept. Various causes of discord had gradually arisen during their residence in Cyprus; oppressive taxes and other exactions had been imposed upon them, payment of which had been rigidly enforced, despite the earnest remonstrances of the Pope. It seemed, therefore, but natural that Villaret should desire to change their home to some more hospitable locality, and to obtain for his name a lasting renown by regaining for his Order a position of dignity more in accordance with that which hitherto it had always occupied.

For this purpose he turned his eyes in the direction of Rhodes, a spot which appeared in every way adapted to the purpose he had at heart. This island had originally formed a dependence of the empire of Constantinople. At the time when that kingdom fell under the power of the Latin crusaders,. it became the prey of the Genoese, in whose possession it continued until Vatiens, one of the most politic and gifted princes of his age, succeeded in expelling the intruders, and restoring it to the empire from which it had been torn. Gradually, however, its governors established themselves as independent princes in the island. In order to make good their pretensions against the emperor, they opened their ports to all the Turkish and Saracen merchants who chose to make it their home, and the corsairs who ravaged the Mediterranean were always sure of a hearty welcome and a safe shelter within its harbours. To repel this noxious swarm and to destroy their nest would of itself be an act reflecting great credit on Villaret; whilst to erect in its place a stronghold which should be a terror to the infidel and a support to the commerce of Europe, was an object worthy the chivalric mind which conceived it, and certain to evoke the deepest gratitude of Christendom.

Impressed with these views, Villaret determined to carry out a secret but thorough reconnoissance of the island. He was making all the necessary arrangements for this duty when, in conjunction with the Grand-Master of the Temple, he received a summons to repair to Rome, ostensibly for the purpose of a conference as to the feasibility of a new Crusade. This, however,