Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/220

194 Heredia took his leave, and proceeded on his way to Rhodes. Whilst off the coast of the Morea he fell in with a Venetian fleet, then on its way to Patras, a city which had belonged to the republic, during which time it had been famed for its commerce in silk. It had recently been captured by the Turks, and the object of the expedition was to attempt its recovery. The Venetian general was overjoyed at meeting with the Grand-Master, and implored him to lend his valuable aid in the undertaking. Heredia felt that his presence was urgently required at Rhodes, and he had, moreover, attained an age when he might well have been excused from joining in any such enterprise. His, however, was a spirit in which the fire of chivalry burnt as brightly in his old age as in his youth. Casting aside all the dictates of prudence, he entered eagerly into the views of the Venetians, and joined his force to theirs against the common enemy.

The allied fleets, having reached their destination, disembarked their forces, who marched direct on Patras, situated about a mile from the shore. The town fell at the first assault, but the citadel, which was very strongly fortified, resisted all attempts at an escalade. It was soon seen that nothing short of a regular siege would suffice for its capture. This was therefore commenced in due form, and through the vigour of Heredia, pushed forward with extreme rapidity. A practicable breach was no sooner established than, weary with the delay that had taken place, and irritated at the losses his force had sustained, he at once directed an assault to be delivered. Impetuous as ever, in spite of his years, he was the first to plant a ladder on the point of attack, and thence surmounting the breach, he forced his way on to the rampart before he could be followed by any of his knights. The first person he encountered there was the Turkish commandant, whom he at once assailed. A desperate struggle ensued, which ended in the death of the Turk, Heredia cutting off his head and bearing it away in triumph. The loss of their leader having disheartened the garrison, a very slender resistance was made, and the capture of Patras was completed.