trames secrètes, intrigties^ underhand ways

6. chevaliers de Malte, knights of Malta y or St. John of Jeru^ salent. In 1530, Charles V. of Spain gave the island of Malta to that order with the spécifie mission of keeping the Mediterranean clear of pirates and protecting Christendom against the Infidels. For centuries they faithfully carried out that mission. But at this time they had utterly degenerated.

7. Il n^était plus qu^un abus, itwas no longer anything but an abuse. Because they made an improper use of the means of the order.

Pag’e 4:. — I. des biens, estâtes^ property.