280 RHODES, 
CHAP, we had near relations and dear friends ensrasfcd 
vm, . ... 
^ — ,r-.^ in the conflict, it is not necessary to describe 
our feehngs upon this inteUigence. 
Antiquities. The principal ruins at Rhodes are not of earlier 
date than the residence there of the Knights of 
Malta\ The remains of their fine old fortress 
prove that the building has sustained little 
injury, owing either to time or to barbarians. 
It still exhibits a venerable moated castle, of 
great size and strength ; so fortified as to seem 
almost impregnable. A drawing made from this 
structure might furnish one of our theatres with 
a most striking scenic decoration : it appears to 
combine all that is necessary in a complete 
system of fortification ; dykes and draw-bridges, 
towers, battlements and bastions. The cells of 
of the Knights are yet entire, forming a street 
within the works : and near to these cells is the 
cathedral, or chapel, whose doors of sycamore 
wood, curiously carved, and said to be incor- 
ruptible, are preserved in their original state : 
the arms of England and of France appear sculp- 
(1) " In the year 1308, the Emperor Emanuel, upon the expulsion of 
the Knights from St. John d'Acri, made them a grant of this isldnd; 
•which they continued to possess until the year 1522, when, after a glorious 
resistance, the Grand-master, Villiers, was compelled to surrender it to 
Solyman II. The Knights then retired, fust to Candia, and afterwards to 
Sicily, where they continued till the year 1 530, when Charles V. gave 
them the Island of Malta." Egmont and Het/man, vol. I. p. 270. 
