I will write a letter to Peter D'Aubusson, who is the real governor of Rhodes, for the Grand Master Orsini is so old that his rule is little more than nominal.

At his death D'Aubusson is certain to be elected Grand Master.

He is a dear friend of mine.

We entered the Order the same year, and were comrades in many a fight with the Moslems, and I am quite sure that when I tell him that it is my last request of him, he will, in memory of our long friendship, appoint your son as one of the Grand Master's pages.

As you know, no one, however high his rank, is accepted as a novice before the age of sixteen.
After a year's probation he is received into the body of the Order as a professed knight, and must go out and serve for a time in Rhodes.