Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/297

Rh really desirous of entering into an alliance with them, let him draw off his forces from the hostile attitude in which they stood on the shores of Rhodes, and then let them negotiate a treaty on terms of equality. If, on the other hand, they were resolved to take possession of the island, let them make their boasted assault without further parleying; they would find the garrison ready to receive them, trusting in the power of God to defend the right.

This bold reply taught Paleologus that he had nothing to gain by negotiation. The audacity of the challenge with which it concluded aroused feelings of the most lively indignation and animosity throughout his army. The Christians had invited an attack, the place should therefore be carried at all hazards, regardless of cost. In order to stimulate his soldiers he promised them the entire booty of the town, and the success of the assault became so assured that sacks were made with which to carry off the anticipated pillage. Stakes were prepared and sharpened on which the knights were to be impaled, and each soldier carried at his waist a bundle of cords with which to secure his prisoners. Everything being thus prepared, the signal for the onset was awaited with the utmost impatience. Before taking this step, the pasha opened a tremendous fire from every gun which could be brought to bear on the breach and adjacent ramparts. This bombardment was continued without intermission throughout the day and night preceding that on which the assault was to take place, and its effect was so destructive that the defenders found it impossible to remain upon the rampart. During the night the troops who were to commence the attack were silently moved into their positions, the roar of artillery continuing with unabated virulence. The garrison, having been withdrawn from the rampart, were not aware of what was taking place; no extra precautions, therefore, were taken to resist the impending storm.

About an hour after sunrise, on the morning of the 27th July, the signal was given by the firing of a mortar. The attempt was made upon several points of the enceinte at the same moment, but the main efforts were concentrated upon the breach in the Jews’ quarter, the others being merely feints to distract the defence. The severity of the fire which the pasha had kept up so