THE LOSS OF RHODES a.d. 



1522. 

 wit, Whether it is better for us to die all, or to save the 

 people and the holy reliques. The which two points and 

 doubts were long time disputed, and there were divers 

 opinions : neverthelesse, at the last they sayd all, that 

 howbeit that it were well and safely done to die for the 

 faith, and most honor for us, notwithstanding seeing and 

 considering that there is no remedy to resist against our 

 enemies, and meanes to save the towne ; and on the other 

 part, that the great Turke would not oppresse us to for- 

 sake our faith, but only would have the towne, it were 

 much better then, and tending to greater wealth to save 

 all the jewels abovesayde, that should be defiled and lost 

 if they came in the handes of the enemies of the faith. 

 And also to keepe so much small people, as women and 

 children, that they would torment and cut some in pieces, 

 other take, and perforce cause them to forsake their faith, 

 with innumerable violences, and shamefull sinnes that 

 should be committed and done, if the towne were put 

 to the sword, as was done at Modon, and lately at Belle- 

 grado. Whereby they did conclude, that it were better, 

 and more agreeable to God, for to take the treaty, if it 

 were proffered, then for to die as people desperate, and 

 without hope. 



How the great Turke sent two of his men to 

 the towne, to have it by intreating. And 

 how the lord great master sent two knights 

 to him, to know his assurance. 



UPon these consultations and words almighty God that 

 saveth them which trust in him, and that would not 

 that so many evils and cruelties should come to the poore 

 city & inhabitants of it, and also that the great Turke 

 might not arise in over great pride and vaineglory, put 

 him in minde to seeke to have the sayd towne by treaty, 

 which he ought not to have done for his honour, nor by 

 reason, for the towne was in a maner his. And in like 

 sort he ought not to have let us goe as he did, seeing that 



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