Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/210



vacancy caused by the death of Roger de Pins was, as recorded at the end of the sixth chapter, filled by Raymond Beranger, who, like his predecessor, was a knight of Provence. He inaugurated his accession by an expedition, undertaken in concert with the king of Cyprus, against the infidel. The port of Alexandria had of late years become the principal rendezvous of the Turkish corsairs who infested the Levant. He determined, therefore, in conjunction with his ally, to make a sadden and bold attempt against this powerful fortress. The armament assembled in Cyprus, and consisted of a fleet mustering nearly one hundred vessels of various sizes, carrying a large body of troops, most of whom were mercenaries serving under the banner of the Hospital. The sudden appearance of this expedition within the harbour of Alexandria took the garrison completely by surprise, and the Grand-Master, hoping to profit by their confusion, ordered an immediate assault. The defenders were, however, too numerous to allow the success of this attempt at a coup d€ main. The parapets were speedily lined on au sides, and wherever the Christians attempted to penetrate, they were met by a most obstinate resistance.

This was the first occasion upon which, within the lifetime of any of its members, the Order had taken part in a regular expedition against the Turks. The fraternity was therefore