setting forth the patronymic and virtues of the original. Some are
represented in military armour with bold martial air, whilst others are
depicted in the more peaceful garb of priests, or civilians, but all
wear the sash and cross, peculiar to the Order, the latter symbol--known
as the Maltese Cross--being found on all their coins and possessions.

Out of the portrait gallery folding doors admit us to the Parliament
House, where the Government officials assemble for the conduct of State
business. The four walls are enriched and adorned with wonderful
specimens of needlework, testifying to the patience and skill of the
knights' fair friends.

But the most interesting place of all is the armoury, a vast hall at
right angles to the picture gallery, in which are weapons and arms of
all sizes, workmanship, and ages; from the light rapier and fencing
helmet for friendly practice, to the two-handed sword and iron casque of
thirty pounds weight, for the more deadly strife. Some highly
interesting relics are here, too, the original document whereby Charles
V. tendered the island to the Knights--a consumptive looking cannon with
very large touch-holes and very small bores--stone shot, iron shot, lead
balls, all arranged in neat designs. Suits of armour of delicate
filigree work, in silver and gold, in glass cases; other suits less
costly, though of equal ingenuity, ranged along the walls in erect
positions, spear in hand, or leaning on a huge sword. From the size and
weight of some of these suits, I opine, the Knights must have been men
of large build, a medium sized suit being rather the exception than
otherwise.

After a glance at the old, lumbering State carriage of Bonaparte, with
its faded, gilded trappings and armorial emblazonry, we haste away to
view something else.

Next in importance to the Palace, comes the Church of St. John (San
Giovanni), by far the finest building in Malta. The interior is very
gorgeous, with gilded vaulted roof, finely carved pulpits, rare old
crimson tapestries and monumental floor, resembling one enormous
heraldic shield. Beneath, lie the mouldering remains of the defunct
knights, the arms of each being represented on the slabs above them, in
the most delicate and accurate designs, in some cases stones more rare
and costly than marble being used.

At the end of the eastern aisle is the Chapel of the Madonna, guarded by
massive silver bars, saved from the rapacity of Napoleon's soldiers b