Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/425

Rh On the 17th of August, 1531, L’Isle Adam sent forth a fleet of eight galleys, under the command of Salviati, grand-prior of Rome, to attempt the capture. On arriving near Modon, Salviati hid his squadron in a sheltered creek in the island of Sapienza, which lies off the mouth of the harbour. He at the same time smuggled into the port two brigantines, ostensibly laden with timber, beneath which lay concealed a body of soldiers. The renegades, faithful to their promise, admitted these vessels, and the commandant, in order further to facilitate the seisure of the town, plied the janissaries of his garrison with wine until they were reduced to a state of helpless intoxication. At break of diy the troops landed from their hiding places, massacred the drunken guard, and obtained possession of the principal gate of the city. A gun was then fired as a signal to the rest of the fleet to show themselves and follow up the advantage which had been gained. A strong south-west wind was blowing, and this being directly contrary, prevented Salviati from hearing the report. Several hours were thus lost before any succour arrived. Meanwhile, the governor of the city, recovering from his first panic, and seeing how slender the force was by which he was attacked, collected the townspeople and led them on against the intruders. These were well-nigh overpowered, when at length, Salviati, who had been summoned from his hiding place by a boat despatched for the purpose, made his appearance, and once more turned the fortunes of the day. The Turks were driven into the citadel, and the remainder of the town fell into the hands of the knights. Unfortunately, a body of 6,000 men lay encamped within a few miles of Modon. A request for aid having been sent to them by the governor beleaguered in the citadel, they soon made their appearance and compelled the invaders to retire. Before embarking on board their galleys, however, they completely sacked the town and carried off a vast amount of plunder, as well as 800 unhappy Turks as prisoners. Thus laden they returned to Malta.

The failure of this enterprise destroyed the last hope which L’Isle Adam had entertained of finding a more congenial home than Malta. Nothing, therefore, remained but to take such further measures as should best insure security to his convent.