Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/266

240 achievements of Malta. achievements on this side of the channel. He was born hi the year 1423, in the chateau of Monteil-le-Vicomte, his father being Renaud D’Aubusson, and his mother Marguerite do Camborn, a member of a very aristocratic French family. He had served with much distinction in his earlier days in the war between Sigismond and the Ottomans under the leadership of Albert, duke of Austria, at the close of which he spent some time at the court of Hungary. On the death of Sigismond he returned to France, where he was received with much distinction by Charles VII. Whilst there he took part in the war against the English. He particularly distinguished himself at the assault on Montereau Faut-yone, so much so that when, shortly afterwards, Charles VII. made his entry into Paris, he gave D’Aubusson a conspicuous position in the pageant.

After peace had been concluded with England, the young knight perceived that all further chance of distinction in that quarter was at an end. He therefore determined to enrol himself a member of the Order of St. John, and proceeded to Rhodes for the purpose. At that time his uncle was a distinguished knight of the Order, and was commander of Charroux. It has already been shown that the young aspirant was not long in making his name known amongst the fraternity, and in assisting, both with his sword and his powers of diplomacy, to forward its interests. Long before he was raised to the supreme dignity, D’Aubusson had rendered himself indispensable, and the public confidence in him was so unbounded that all were ready to yield him the blindest obedience. His character, even at an early age, had been well understood by Charles VII., who said that he had never seen in so young a man such fiery courage coupled with such wisdom and sagacity.