"O Melita Infelix" : a poem on the Great Siege written in 1565

Abstract

Ad Patriam (O Melita Infelix) was discovered by coincidence in a volume of the Magna Curia Castellania - the Grand Master's courts. In the second volume of a section entitled "Cedulae, Suplicae et Taxationes" for the years 1565-66, I came across this poem signed by "Lucas de Armenia – Patricius Melivetanus". Ad Patriam is to be found on the recto of the last folio. The poem consists of twelve lines and is written in simple Latin verse based on the distribution of long and short syllables. It has rhythm which could be heard when read aloud. Other indications of its rhythm are the scribblings found all over the sheet of paper but notably the signs above the first verse and beside every couple of verses. Underneath the poem one finds a dedication which reads: "AI molto mag. signor mio da fratello honorando". The signature is however illegible and it is difficult to deduce to whom it was really dedicated. One could also note various other attempts at composition. The handwriting of Luca de Armenia is legible and is typical of that of the second half of the sixteenth century, when it, in fact, was written. The formal title of the poem is "Ad Patriam", but de Armenia himself seems to prefer to call it "O Melita Infelix" which constitutes the introductory phrase of the poem. Furthermore this same phrase is found twice again at the end of the poem. The signature shows that de Armenia considered himself to be not only a Patrician but also a Maltese citizen. Details of his life are given in this article.