Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/231

Rh far more secure wider the white cross banner than under the enfeebled sway of the Paleologi. Bajazet had during this interval been compelled to withdraw his forces from their ravaging expeditions, and to concentrate them for the purpose of opposing a new enemy who had appeared in his rear. The city of Sparta, taking advantage of the temporary freedom gained by the absence of their dreaded foe, refused to admit the commissioners within their walls, or in any way to confirm the transfer which had taken place. Paleologus is suspected of having stimulated this opposition, as he already regretted the sale he had effected, now that the dread of Bajazet was less imminent. The Grand-Master felt that he was in a difficult position. He and his council had been prepared to pay, and to pay liberally, for the sovereignty of the Morea; but this was quite another matter from having to undertake the subjugation of the country. They were therefore compelled to consent to the rescinding of the contract. It was, nevertheless, with the utmost difficulty, and not till after the lapse of several years, that they eventually succeeded in rescuing from the grasp of Paleologus the treasure and jewels which had been handed over to him.

In about the year 1400, as nearly as can be traced, de Naillac built the tower of St. Michael at the western extremity of the main harbour of Rhodes. This tower was square in plan, and three stories in height, the one at the bottom being much lower than the others. A machicolated parapet ran round the top. At each corner was a circular projecting turret, also machicolated. On the top of the tower was an octagon lantern with steps on the outside, giving access to the summit, whence an extensive look-out view could be obtained. The total height of the tower, including lantern, was 150 feet. It bore the escutcheon of de Nalliac as well as that of the Order. A cut-stone gateway connected the tower with a platform, armed on both sides with heavy guns, which swept the harbours. This tower was thrown down in the earthquake of 1863, and the ruins have been removed.

Up to this time the career of the ambitious Bajazet had been unchecked by any serious reverse. One by one he had overcome the petty sovereigns by whom he was surrounded, and