Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 February 2009
Malta, formerly called Melita, is an island of great value and strength. Oval in figure, its area would probably be found to involve the measure of one hundred square miles. Separated from Gozzo—the fabled isle of Calypso, by a channel between four and five miles broad, in the centre of which is an islet called Cumino or Cumina, it seems likely that at some remote period the three islands constituted one. In many parts of Gozzo excavations have led to such important discoveries that this smaller island is by many deemed a fine field in which lovers of antiquities would reap signal success: especially in reference to the period when Gozzo, as well as Malta, was under the sovereignty of the Knights.
page 395 note * Some twenty miles long, and twelve broad.
page 402 note * “Bern.” Probably an old province of France on the Spanish frontier.
page 403 note * I have heard with pleasure of the services that you and Mons. de Roquelaire have rendered to those who are of my religion, and of the safeguard which you particularly have given in your Château de Suberbia to those of my country of Bearn, and also of the offer of your service which I accept for the time being, and for which I thank you, and pray you to believe that though I am of those who are now out with the Pope, I do not suspect you in these matters. Those who follow their conscience in all things are of my religion, and I am of the religion of those who are brave and good. I will add no word, except to commend to you the place you hold in my affections, and to warn you least any eyes or any ears should testify against the trust I repose in you and which you may repose in – Your most assured and best friend, HENRY.