Although, by many proofs, we have often before been convinced that our Reverend Lordship, and your venerable Brethren, after the loss of Rhodes, have had nothing more to heart than that by your actions you might deserve most highly of the Christian republic, and that you might sometimes give proof of this by your deeds, that you have zealously sought for some convenient spot where you might at length fix your abode; nevertheless, what we have lately learnt from the letters of your Reverend Lordship, and from the conversation and prudent discourse of your venerable Brother De Dentirville has caused us the greatest joy; and although, with regard to the recovery of Rhodes, complete success has not answered your intentions, nevertheless we think that this your Order of Jerusalem has always wished to seek after whatever it has judged might in any {100} manner tend to the propagation of the Catholic Faith and the tranquillity of the Christian Republic. But that his Imperial Majesty has granted to your Order the _island_ of _Malta_, Gozo, and Tripoli, we cannot but rejoice; places which, as we hear, are most strongly fortified by nature, and most excellently adapted for repelling the attacks of the Infidels, should have now come into your hands, where your Order can assemble in all safety, recover its strength, and settle and confirm its position.[5] And we wish to convince you that fresh increase is daily made to the affection with which we have always cherished this Order of Jerusalem, inasmuch as we perceive that your actions have been directed to a good and upright end, both because these undertakings of your Reverend Lordship, and of your venerable Brethren, are approved by us as highly beneficial and profitable; and because we trust that your favour and protection will ever be ready to assist our nation, if there be any need; nor shall we on our part be ever wanting in any friendly office which we can perform towards preserving and protecting your Order, as your Reverend Lordship will gather more at length of our well affected mind towards you from Dominus Dentirville, the bearer of these presents. May all happiness attend you. From our Palace at Hampton Court, The 22nd day of November, 1530. Your good friend, HENRY REX. No. VI. Henry by the Grace of God, King of England and France, Defender of the Faith, and Lord of Ireland, to our Reverend Father in Christ, Don Pierino de Ponte, Grand Master of Jerusalem. Our most dear friend--Greeting: