"Hospitaller, from having hospitals constantly open for the reception of the sick of all countries and religions, whom the knights attended in person. Religious, because the members took the three vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty, which last consisted in having no property independent of the Order at large, and on that account the Pope was their superior. Military, from being constantly armed, and always at war with the infidels. Republican, as their chief was chosen from among themselves, and could not enact laws, or carry them into execution, without their consent. Aristocratical, since none but the knights and grand master had any share in the legislative and executive power. Monarchical, from having a superior who could not be dispossessed of his dignity, and was invested with the right of sovereignty over the subjects of the order, together with those of Malta and its dependencies. And lastly, Democratical, from the introduction of a language which did not require any proofs of nobility."[1] Before taking leave of Boisgelin, it should be recorded that he was a Knight of Malta; and his history, one of the best now extant, appeared in {191} those troubled times, when he hoped by conciliating all governments, to see his Order again restored. Influenced in all things by this hope, vain as it was, his statements should be received with some grains of allowance. Before calling attention to the following list, I have to state that a knight could not become commander before he had made four cruises in the galleys, or served five years in the convent. He had also to remain three years a commander before he could claim a pension. Those knights who are known to have been at Malta will be distinguished by a †. A. †Aylmer, Sir George 1521 Commander of Holstone. Adfil, George 1524 Albrit, Oliver 1527 B. Bouth, John 1522 Turcopolier, killed at the siege of Rhodes. Blasly, Robert 1526 Boydel, Edward 1529 †Babington, John 1531 Bailiff of Aguila, Commander of Dalby. †Babington, Philip 1531 †Belingham, Edward 1531 Commander of Dynmore. †Balfard, Richard 1531 †Brown, Edward 1531 †Broke, Richard 1531 Commander of Mount St. John. Boydel, George 1532 Boydel, Roger 1533 Turcopolier.