Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/554

520 and council, opened the custode. The prior of the church then took the relic with great state to the high altar, where it remained throughout the next day, except whilst being carried in procession. The hand itself was contained in a gold reliquary richly studded with diamonds and pearls. It also bore a magnificent diamond ring, presented to it by the grand-prior of Burletta.

It was contrary to etiquette for the Grand-Master to pay any visits; this rule was seldom broken, and then only on moat important occasions. He was, however, sufficiently gallant to pay a visit of congratulation to the three convents of St. Ursula, St. Catherine, and St. Magdalen, both at Christmas and Easter. He also called upon the Benedictine nuns of the Città Vittoriosa, when he took formal possession of that city upon assuming the magisterial dignity. He was bound to inspect the Hospital of the fraternity periodically, and on these occasions he tied an apron round his waist and personally distributed the portions of food to each patient. He was supposed in this manner to fulfil his duties as a knight Hospitaller.

Should the Grand-Master fall dangerously ill, the prior of the church was informed of the fact, and the host was brought into the palace. During this time the great bell of St. John’s church tolled forth at intervals; and, as the palace was not far from the church, the dying chief could plainly hear his own passing bell. After his death the body was embalmed, and lay in state until the burial. The funeral procession was thus formed:—First the governor of the city, followed by the battalion of guards, with drums and fifes playing a dirge; then the clergy of the island according to their respective grades; after them the corpse, borne by the senior knights of justice, the conventual bailiffs holding the pail, and four pages with standards surrounding the coffin; then followed the officers of the household, the grand-crosses, and other dignitaries, the procession being closed by the members of the Order and the public generally. The funeral service over and the body lowered into its last resting-place, the seneschal advanced, and breaking his wand of office, threw it upon the coffin, exclaiming, “Gentlemen, our Master is dead.” The master of the horse followed in the same manner, breaking the spurs of the deceased, and after him the treasurer, who