Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/298

270 unremittingly for the preceding twenty-four hours had had the effect which he designed. Quailing beneath the pitiless storm of iron and stone, all who were on the ramparts had been gradually driven to seek shelter. When, therefore, the assailants rushed through the breach they found no opponents to resist their onset. In a few minutes, and before the alarm had been given in the town, the standard of the Moslem was waving on the crest of the parapet, and the Turks were pouring in a countless throng through the defenceless gap.

This was indeed a critical moment for the fortunes of the Order. hitherto they had maintained the defence with marvellous success. Though many a hard-fought struggle had chequered the history of the preceding two months, though there had been moments when the obstinacy and determination of the attack had made the fate of the city quiver in the balance, still the dauntless front of the indomitable defenders had successfully withstood the tempest. Now, alas! in an ill-fated moment, those defenders were no longer at their post in the hour of need; those ramparts which had hitherto been protected from the tread of the Moslem were now swarming with their hosts, and the banner of Islam was waving triumphantly over the already half-conquered fortress. In this disastrous conjuncture a helpless panic seemed to have overtaken every one. Men ran to and fro in their dismay, scarce knowing where to bend their steps or how to resist the storm which had thus burst on them. A few moments more of this perilous confusion and all must have been lost. Providentially D’Aubusson, ever watchful and ever at hand, rushed promptly to the scene of contest. His presence instantly reanimated his followers, and restored order and decision where but a moment before all had quailed with dismay. With the speed of lightning he dashed at the rampart; its summit could only be reached from within by ladders, and the first to ascend, sword in hand, was the Grand- Master himself.

Now might be seen the unusual spectacle of the besieged converted into assailants, and endeavouring to recover by escalade the rampart which had been secured by the enemy. Twice did D’Aubusson attempt the ascent and twice was he hurled from the ladder, each time severely wounded. Once again did