Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/315

Rh effort was made to render his stay agreeable to him. Tourneys, hunting parties, spectacles, and feasts followed one another in rapid succession; nothing was omitted which could serve to distract him from the gloomy thoughts natural to his position.

It was in vain, however, that they strove to divert his mind from the danger with which he felt he was surrounded even in the hospitable city of Rhodes. From the fraternity he knew well he had nothing to fear. Indeed, on the first day of his arrival the custom in European courts was carried out, of having every dish tasted before it was set on his table. He, as an Eastern, was not acquainted with the regulation, and was scandalized at the suspicion which the act implied; so much so that he insisted on partaking only of such dishes as had not been previously tasted. Still he felt that in spite of all the precautions D’Aubusson might take, he was surrounded by a population many of whom would not scruple at any act of treachery against his person. He was well aware that his brother Bajazet was only too ready to make use of any such tool as might present itself for the purpose, and that playing as he did for so magnificent a stake he would not grudge ample recompense to any one who could remove the fugitive from his path. Filled with dread of some such result, Djem suggested to the Grand-Master that he might receive permission to retire to France, putting forward the reasons which had led him to prefer the request.

D’Aubusson could not but recognize the justice of the plea; indeed he was himself tormented with a constant dread lest some calamity should befal the prince whilst under his protection. At the same time the proposed change of residence was a matter of so great moment that he did not feel justified in giving his permission without the sanction of the council. Here a very warm debate arose on the question. Those who regarded the presence of Djem merely in the light of a political weapon to be turned to the best advantage, strongly urged his retention in the island. They argued that as long as he remained within their power Bajazet would be kept in such a state of dread and uneasiness that he would never dare to undertake any operation to their prejudice, so that in their hands the young prince would prove a most valuable ally. Those, on the