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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a466477 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #68608 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68608) diff --git a/old/68608-0.txt b/old/68608-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index de8dbef..0000000 --- a/old/68608-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5571 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Don Sebastian, by Anna Maria Porter - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Don Sebastian - or, The house of the Braganza; vol. 2 - -Author: Anna Maria Porter - -Release Date: July 26, 2022 [eBook #68608] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Sonya Schermann and the Online Distributed Proofreading - Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from - images generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DON SEBASTIAN *** - - - +---------------------------------------------------+ - |Some typographical errors have been corrected; | - |a list follows the text. (etext transcriber’s note)| - +---------------------------------------------------+ - - - - DON SEBASTIAN; - - OR, - - THE HOUSE OF BRAGANZA. - - - - - J. M‘CREERY, Printer, - Black-Horse-Court, Fleet-Street, London. - - - - - DON SEBASTIAN; - - OR, - - THE HOUSE OF BRAGANZA. - - AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE. - - IN FOUR VOLUMES. - - BY MISS ANNA MARIA PORTER, - - AUTHOR OF THE HUNGARIAN BROTHERS. - - Take Physic, Pomp! - Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel, - So shalt thou shake the superflux to them, - And shew the Heavens more just. - KING LEAR. - - VOL. II. - - LONDON: - - PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME, - PATERNOSTER-ROW. - - 1809. - - - - - DON SEBASTIAN, - - OR - - THE HOUSE OF BRAGANZA. - - - - -CHAP. I. - - -The first day on which Gaspar was able to walk out, Sebastian obtained -leave for him to breathe the air of the gardens in the cool of evening: -all the slaves were retired to supper, when the grateful soldier -hesitatingly accepted the support of his King, and slowly proceeded from -his chamber. - -“At moments like these,” whispered he, “I cannot believe myself -awake.--So supported--so attended,--oh sire! in Portugal this would -have been impossible.” - -“Only because in Portugal I should not have known your value.” Sebastian -could not forbear sighing as he spoke--but quickly smiling, he added, -“Trust me, Gaspar, I shall not feel less a King when again seated on the -throne of my ancestors, for having administered to your sufferings and -shewn my gratitude for your rare attachment. I take your heart as a -sample of all my people’s; and the reflections your generous -sensibilities have given rise to, shall teach me to respect their -feelings, though at the expense of my own extravagant desires.” - -They now moved slowly on: a gentle breeze just stirred the leaves of the -umbrageous plane trees, mingling their murmurs with the cooling sound of -fountains and water-falls; a balmy smell from fruits and flowers -delighted the senses of Gaspar; his eyes wandered with pleasure over the -beautiful gardens, and the consciousness of reviving health diffused -through his heart and over his face an air of grateful complacency. His -pale cheek and feeble frame presented an interesting contrast to the yet -vigorous youth of Sebastian: like a young cedar of Libanus, flourishing -in eternal spring, his manly beauty seemed formed for duration. - -Having conducted Gaspar into the labyrinth, the King laid him down upon -one of its mossy couches; fearing to exhaust him by conversation, he -took out his flute, and played several soft airs. - -The music, the profound tranquillity, and his extreme weakness, by -degrees stole upon the senses of Gaspar; and he dropt to sleep: -Sebastian observed it in silence; then fearing to awake him, rose to -seek some other slave who might assist in conveying him to his chamber. - -For this purpose he quitted the labyrinth: the pale evening star -twinkling through innumerous boughs, alone lighted him on his way. -Glowing with benevolent and friendly joy, he trod with a lighter step, -and looked even in the gardens of El Hader as he had done in the -magnificent precincts of Xabregas: though wrapt in a homely dress, the -kingly air was still visible. There is a gracefulness of mind which -ennobles the meanest habit; that grace now gave picturesque grandeur to -the coarse drapery of Sebastian. His neck and head were bare; but the -crown of Portugal itself, could not have added majesty to that -commanding brow, nature’s hand had encircled it with a crown: his dark -brown hair glowing with living gold, hung in glossy curls over his -forehead and his cheek, discovering at intervals, as the breeze lifted -it, those eyes and that mouth whose sweetness had once been proverbial -in a court. - -Hastening onwards, he was startled by the sight of Kara Aziek standing -alone, as if she had been listening to the sound of his flute: after an -instant’s confusion, the impetuous monarch flung himself at her feet, -and uttered in Moresco a hasty expression of gratitude, then remembering -what Hafiz had said of her accomplishments, and fearing to be overheard, -he changed his accent, and spoke to her in Italian. - -She answered him courteously, though not fluently, in the same language; -but her soft voice was so broken by timidity, so mixed with sighs, and -interrupted by hesitation, that she was scarcely intelligible. Sebastian -remained at her feet, and she had time to recover herself. - -“What is it I can do for thee, amiable Christian?” she resumed, “my -heart is touched with thy situation.--So young, so brave, so generous as -I hear thou art, thou must have many friends in thine own country, the -remembrance of whom increases thy present sorrow: would I could restore -thee to them! but I cannot; my power extends only to ameliorating thy -condition.--What is it I can do for thee?” - -“Alas, nothing!” exclaimed the King, pierced with disappointment, -“banished from my country, without hope of return, I no longer desire -life. I was born, lady, in the midst of power, riches, and honors; I had -the means and the will of blessing multitudes; I was surrounded by -relations and friends. I am now a slave! if forced at last to abandon -the hope of release, do you imagine that any thing can reconcile me to -such a destiny? To your heavenly goodness I already owe all the comfort -of which my miserable fate is susceptible: ah! could I persuade you to -pity me yet further--to procure for me permission to inform one friend -of my captivity, and so be ransomed from the Almoçadem!” - -“Christian!” said Kara Aziek, after a pause, “thy noble disregard of -selfish considerations since thou hast been under the charge of Hafiz, -deserves the exertions of all who love virtue; be assured, from this -moment, that thou hast made a friend in Kara Aziek: she will continue -to protect thee, she will cautiously labour to obtain thy release; but -thou must not be impatient if the time be long, and the object lost. My -father will not bear either too frequent or too earnest urging: if I -would serve the Christians, I must do it prudently.” - -Sebastian put the embroidered hem of her kaftan to his lips: “You are my -guardian angel, he exclaimed, and there are hearts in Portugal worthy of -knowing yours, that shall one day bless you!” - -The young monarch’s emotion interested Kara Aziek, she wished to see him -again more distinctly, and for this purpose lifted up her veil; the -instant their eyes met, she dropt it with a modest blush. But her soft -beauty, like that of the summer moon, instantaneously changed the -impetuous ardour of Sebastian; a serene and delightful admiration -succeeded to his agitation; her shape, her voice, her countenance, were -all lovely, they breathed the tenderness and the purity of an angel, -and though the radient image of Donna Gonsalva outshone the Moorish -Beauty in splendor, it could only have been preferred by a lover. - -Every thing in Gonsalva was gay, resistless, triumphant; in Kara Aziek, -touching, yielding, and humble; the one seemed a divinity to be -worshipped, the other a tender creature to be loved. - -Every endearing quality of woman’s fond and faithful heart, beamed from -the dewy eyes of Kara Aziek; those eyes bespoke a soul capable of wholly -losing itself in the happiness and honour of one beloved object; they -promised heroic devotedness, disinterested goodness, virtuous -submission: they had never yet known how to express disdain, anger, or -desire of rule. It was sufficient to have beheld Kara Aziek but for a -moment, to be convinced that she was the sweetest and the gentlest of -human beings. - -Lost in the remembrance of a countenance so engaging, the young King -did not remark that his companion heaved several deep sighs: at length, -she spoke to him again. “It is then to Portugal that thou wishest to -return? It was my mother’s country--perhaps thou hast a mother and -sisters there--or a wife--art thou married, Christian?--” - -Sebastian answered in the negative with a sigh deeper than her own; -Aziek eagerly resumed. “If thou, hast neither mother, sister, nor wife, -thou should’st not be so very unhappy at thy present misfortune: think -how much keener would have been thy sorrows, had they been increased by -the memory of such beloved relations. Learn to be grateful, Christian, -to the _Great Being_ for his smallest mercies!” - -Sebastian was about to own that Portugal contained one as dear to him as -a wife, when she asked after his sick countryman; on hearing that he was -then in the labyrinth, she grieved at having detained his friend, and -bade him pursue his way to the house. “Pray warn this poor fellow,” she -added, “never again to attempt so rash an enterprize: he may get beyond -my father’s walls ’tis true, but wherever he goes he must encounter -Moors, or perish for want among solitary places.--Adieu, Portuguese! -endure patiently, pray often, hope constantly.”--So saying, the lovely -Moor turned away, leaving Sebastian standing where they had first met. - -He could not forbear ejaculating a thanksgiving for this fortunate -meeting, which licensed him in all those sanguine expectations that -otherwise had been fantastic: he blessed the amiable Aziek repeatedly, -while hastening to the hall of the household slaves, he procured an -assistant, and returned for Gaspar. - -The motion, in carrying him, quickly awakened Gaspar, but Sebastian -would not rouse him further by speaking then of his adventure, and -shortly afterwards left him to repose for the night. - -The next time Kara Aziek saw the King of Portugal, it was again in the -gardens, supporting his still-languid friend: she stopt in the midst of -her women and asked after the invalid. - -Sebastian seized this opportunity of describing his delicate -constitution, and beseeching her to order him some less hazardous labour -than that of working through all weathers in the open air: at the same -time he ventured to solicit indulgence for some other sick captives. -Kara Aziek fixed her luminous eyes on him through her veil, with a look -of soft admiration. - -“How is it,” she said, “that thou dost never ask any thing for -thyself?--hast thou been taught to live solely for others?” - -“It was the first lesson I ever learnt,” replied Sebastian, “would to -God, that I had always practised it! but my heart, lady, has not room -at present for minor wishes; I languish for liberty. While I am a slave, -every personal good is indifferent to me.” - -“I pity thee, Christian, indeed I pity thee!” said Aziek in a tone of -touching sincerity, “if I were the sole arbiter of thy fate, of all -fates, there is not a Christian groaning throughout Africa that should -remain in his bonds--but, though my father indulges me beyond what any -other parent allows, he does not leave me absolute. I must win favours -from him by degrees; while thou askest these indulgencies for others, -thine own suit remains unurged: choose then between them and thyself! am -I to plead for their comfort, or thy freedom?” - -“For them! for them!” cried Sebastian. - -“Generous Christian!” she exclaimed, extending her arm by an involuntary -impulse: Sebastian threw himself at her feet, and ventured to seize and -kiss her hand; it was a hand so lovely soft, that it seemed to melt in -the pressure: though his ardour was chastized by respect, Kara Aziek -drew back in confusion. “I will learn of thee to be generous,” she -added, “to be so, I must risk something, conquer my timid nature, and be -importunate for thy sake.” She then earnestly besought Sebastian to -concert some mode of ameliorating the condition of all the slaves, and -yet rendering them useful to El Hader: if a plan were formed, embracing -a variety of objects suited to different degrees of strength and -ingenuity, she thought its profitableness would recommend it to her -father, and make a strong argument for her to use in urging its -adoption. - -Delighted with her benevolent idea, Sebastian readily promised to sketch -such a plan with Hafiz, and then to submit it for her approval: he -accompanied this promise with an animated eulogium upon her mind and -heart. At this she blushed timidly, telling him that she owed her -thoughtfulness to a few good books which her mother had taught her to -read, and which perhaps might now be a solace to him: the King was -gladdened by this offer, and gratefully accepted it. - -He then ventured to ask whether Kara Aziek could give him any -information about the state of Portugal; she replied with benevolent -minuteness. From her answers he learnt that his throne was filled by the -Cardinal, Don Henry, and that his own supposed body (obtained through -the King of Spain) had been buried at Belem, with royal honours. “Do -they lament their late king?” asked Sebastian, with extreme emotion. - -“I hear he was in many things worthy to be regretted,” replied Aziek, -“but his ill-advised enterprize nearly desolated Portugal; for of the -few families he left in it, there was not one that has not lost some -relative, either on the field, or by captivity. In this weight of -private grief, I suppose a public loss is scarcely felt. Thou didst love -thy monarch, I think, that starting tear honours his memory.” The eyes -of the gentle Moor filled with answering tears while she spoke. - -Overcome by her obvious remark, Sebastian stifled a groan: again he saw -the bloody plain of Alcazar, and again conscience accused him of -countless murders. Heart-wrung, even to torture, he leaned in silent -agony upon the shoulder of Gaspar, who being ignorant of Italian (in -which they spoke) was now surprized and disturbed at his sovereign’s -agitation. Kara Aziek regarded him with a mixture of terror and pity. - -“Alas! what have I said!” she exclaimed, “that has thus afflicted thee? -compose thyself, amiable Christian! thou shalt see thy country again, if -Kara Aziek parts with every comfort of her life to obtain thee that -felicity.” - -Without waiting to receive his thanks, she withdrew hastily, leaving -Gaspar to make unsuccessful attempts at soothing his royal friend. - -Aziek had unconsciously planted the dagger of the furies in the very -bosom she would fain have shielded from every shaft: care for others, -constant occupation, and ceaseless projects of escape, had lately -banished from Sebastian’s mind, all self-accusing recollections; but now -he saw at one glance his name forgotten or execrated in the land which -he loved with parental tenderness, his throne filled by another, his -people sunk in funereal gloom, and Donna Gonsalva learning to hate his -name, while she wept for her murdered father! - -These images were heightened to the wildest excess by a passionate -imagination, fruitful in self-tormenting, and as it hurried him in -thought from object to object, he sacredly vowed never again to -unsheathe the sword but in defence, or for the succour of others: this -virtuous vow checked the torrent of sorrow. - -The last words of Kara Aziek had escaped his ear; and desperate of -release through her means, (since she herself was so doubtful of it,) -he came to the resolution of making some personal effort for his own -deliverance: warmed by this new project, he gradually recovered himself, -and returned back with Gaspar. - -On entering his chamber he found several volumes of Italian and -Portuguese authors, which he took up and looked at, without knowing one -of their titles; for his mind was otherwise occupied, and he laid -himself on his pallet, not to sleep, but to think. - -It was now that Sebastian found his first visit to Barbary likely to -produce benefit; by it he was made acquainted with all the coast, and -much of the interior, he had also acquired information from the persons -he redeemed, which now promised to serve him essentially. - -In those days the Emperors of Morocco had a right to every captive -beyond a certain rank, taken either in battle, or on the seas, and the -Moors therefore, frequently secreted their noble slaves and conveyed -them privately away for the sake of high ransoms: one of these gentlemen -who was the property of a low man, had been conducted by him to the -castle of Massignan, by a road which the King now tried to recollect. It -had lain through a track of more than a hundred miles: Sebastian -calculated on being able to pursue the same route undiscovered, as it -led principally through desart mountains. - -It is true, that before he could reach Massignan, he must cross the -river Ardea, the fords of which were all guarded by Moorish posts, for -the express purpose of frustrating the escape of run-a-ways. But he had -been told of a safe passage in one part where the river narrowed among -the Green mountains, and which on account of its remoteness was left -unwatched: once there, he might cross, and make directly down to the -coast; could he gain Massignan he should be safe. - -Neither the savage beasts infesting the country he must thus traverse -unarmed, nor the apprehension of starving, staggered the resolution of -Sebastian; he felt that a mighty spirit has something of omnipotence in -it; and believed that the all-seeing parent who feeds the fowls of the -air, would provide for his limited wants: if he were destined to perish, -better to die free, than to linger out life in slavery. - -At first he thought of making Gaspar his companion, but a moment’s -consideration forbade him to indulge so dangerous a wish: Gaspar could -not endure the fatigue and peril to which they must be subjected during -such an enterprize, and would in all probability prove the cause of -their eventual re-capture: better therefore, to hasten to Masignan and -from thence send a King’s offer to El Hader. Long did the generous -Sebastian pause upon this obstacle: he abhorred the appearance of -abandoning his friend, and would not have resolved on it at last, had -he not justly deemed that the only method of procuring his ultimate -liberation. - -The next object of consideration was how to get beyond the walls of the -Almoçadem: so indulged as he had long been, it seemed almost perfidious -to repay the lenity of El Hader, and the reliance of Hafiz, by using -them for the purpose of escape; yet liberty, sacred liberty, is the -birth-right of every man; and he who would enslave his fellow-man, -however softly he may weave his chains, has perhaps no legitimate claim -to his fidelity. - -Sebastian felt the force of this assertion: he had ever scorned -dissembling his thirst for freedom, and therefore believed himself still -privileged to attempt obtaining it by any bold measure. Ere he finally -digested this sudden plan, he endeavoured to obey the humane injunction -of Kara Aziek; from the day on which they first met, he had employed -himself after work-hours in visiting the different quarters of the -Cassavee, and making such inquiries and observations as were necessary -for his purpose. Hafiz accompanied him, completely satisfied with acting -in obedience to his mistress. In a short time the King had perfected the -theory of a new establishment infinitely more advantageous to the -Almoçadem, and far milder for his Christian associates: this project he -delivered to Kara Aziek, through Hafiz, who was recommended in it, to be -made Governor of the whole. Aziek studied it attentively, and assented -to its excellence with all the ardour of her benevolent nature; soon -afterwards she sought and obtained her father’s approval. - -Transported with this success, she urged El Hader to send for that -enlightened Christian, who thus united regard for his interest with pity -for his own countrymen; El Hader had not forgotten their last interview, -but no longer apprehensive of seeing a madman, he yielded to his -daughter’s wish. - -The Almoçadem received Sebastian with his usual good-natured indolence; -and after having suggested one or two alterations, and demanded a few -explanations, he pronounced the desired acquiescence. Sebastian would -not have prostrated himself to any mortal for a favor merely selfish; -but at this mercy to so many sufferers, he cast himself at the feet of -Kara Aziek, who sat wrapt up in her veil, exclaiming in Italian. - -“It is to you, amiable Lady! that the Christians owe these blessings; -henceforth I will believe myself _your_ slave, and then bondage will be -no longer abhorrent.” - -“Ah Christian!” cried the lovely Moor, and stopping abruptly, she -averted her eyes with a palpitating heart. - -Sebastian knew not the soft confusion his ardent speech had caused; he -forgot the woman in Kara Aziek, and saw only the pure and disinterested -spirit of an angel. - -El Hader now made some remarks upon the improvements in his domain, -which he was told were the effects of his Portuguese slave’s exertions, -adding, “Thou must surely be satisfied with the miraculous kindness with -which thou are treated, and consequently pleased with thy situation?” - -This observation afforded Sebastian the opportunity he sought. “Many and -important favors,” he said “I gratefully acknowledge in my own person, -and in that of every Christian inhabiting this place, but while I labour -to shew my sense of your indulgence by a peaceable demeanour and -voluntary acts of service, remember El Hader, that I do not conceive -myself bound to forego the hope of liberty: my heart is filled with -it;--day and night my thoughts are on it; I warn you therefore not to -suppose that any thing can make me abandon a resolution to break my -bonds, if possible. You refuse a ransom, therein you are merciless and -tyrannical, and by that act free me from the obligation honour would -otherwise impose: would you accept money as an equivalent for me -(however exorbitant the sum) I would not steal myself away, and defraud -you of your rightful gain, though liberty tempted me from a thousand -avenues; now, I hold my conscience unshackled: if I can escape, I will, -but wherever I go, be assured I shall bear with me a salutary -remembrance of Moorish virtues.” - -“Is not this fellow a madman?” asked El Hader, turning with a smile to -his daughter. “This confession of his may clip his wings. Christian, (he -added) dost thou not believe I can abridge thy present freedom, and so -prevent thy escape?” - -“Assuredly I do, returned the impetuous monarch, but that consideration -ought not to deter me from asserting my right to use every means of -restoring myself to my country. I tell it you, that you may not -hereafter call me a base, ungrateful hypocrite; I tell it you, that you -may not impute to others my imagined guilt. God forbid that I should be -the occasion of any man’s disgrace! should I effect my purpose, -recollect it will be all my own work, and that neither your slaves nor -your servants will have had the smallest share in it. - -“Rash, but amiable man!” exclaimed Kara Aziek, regarding him with a look -of admiration, “O that thou couldst forget thy country and be happy in -Africa!” - -The tenderness of her tone penetrated the heart of Sebastian, he did not -reply by words, but his eloquent eyes fixed for a moment upon her, spoke -only too ardently the gratitude she inspired: again the soft bosom of -Kara Aziek palpitated with an unknown emotion, and covering her figure -still more with her veil--(as if fearing her soul was visible)--she -hastily withdrew. - -El Hader detained the King a few moments longer, jesting him on his -extravagant hopes, and assuring him, that though still indulgently used, -he should be well watched. Sebastian listened in silent majesty, then -quitted him, completely satisfied with their mutual understanding. - -While he returned to toil and the society of Gaspar, who was now able to -bear a moderate part in the work of the gardens, Kara Aziek retired to -her own apartments agitated with pain and pleasure: unknown to herself, -the pity with which she had at first regarded the young and handsome -Christian was now changed into a sentiment less disinterested but more -animated; his situation and character were alike interesting; his -conversation insensibly stole her from herself; and his graceful image -contrasted with the swarthy Moors and pallid slaves around, was ever -present to her eyes: at the sound of his voice or his flute, (heard at -a distance from the gardens,) she would feel her heart throb -tumultuously; and when his past looks or words crossed her memory, a -delightful thrill would run through her veins. - -Formerly Benevolence was content to administer to his wants and to -secure him from hardships; now Love panted to surround him with the -delicacies of refinement, and to procure for him exemption from every -occupation. She would send him the choicest fruits and viands, essences -and fragrant oils for his use after the bath, books, music, and becoming -apparel; she would watch his looks with silent anxiety, foreseeing -indisposition ere it approached him, and providing against it by -medicines prepared by her own hand; a favorite maid cautiously conveyed -these things to the apartment of Sebastian, who received them silently -and distributed them with discretion. - -Though indulged in a freedom perfectly singular in Barbary, Aziek dared -not openly pour upon a Christian such a shower of benefits, she was -obliged to find frequent employment for him, that she might see and -converse with him unsuspected. At those times she would talk to him not -merely of his country but upon such subjects as enlightened her mind and -displayed the treasures of his: thus did she unconsciously weave her own -chains, little dreaming that the heart she thus learned to idolize, was -the property of another. - -Wholly devoted to the remembrance of Donna Gonsalva, and too much -occupied with his various anxieties, Sebastian never once thought of the -possibility of destroying the peace of his benefactress; he beheld her -with the tenderest and most exalted admiration; and as she shewed to -Gaspar nearly equal compassion, (for Gaspar was dear to her on his -account,) he considered her as a creature formed by providence -expressly for the purpose of succouring unfortunate Christians. - -The new order of things was now established throughout El Hader’s -residence, and Sebastian became painfully anxious for its success. By -adapting every occupation to the peculiar powers of each man, and -allowing them more rest and more food, he knew that nothing short of -determined industry would render their master satisfied with the change; -he was therefore obliged to urge these motives unremittingly amongst -them till he conquered their habitual languor, and made them feel that -the persevering activity of half the day would insure to them repose and -comfort during the remainder. The perfect completion of his system left -him free to think solely of his escape. - -To keep his promise with El Hader, and avert destruction from Gaspar, -Sebastian refrained from telling him of his purpose: alone, and in -secret, he meditated and observed. - -Though he was permitted to range through every part of the Cassavee -domain, it was enclosed by walls of great height and thickness, upon -which, at small distances, were placed sentinels day and night; the only -possible avenue appeared to be that part where a narrow river washed the -eastern wall, the sentinels there were far apart and relying on this -natural barrier watched carelessly: here Sebastian thought it -practicable to cut a passage through, and so passing from one side to -the other, creep through the underwood to the river, and swim across. - -The eastern wall was not far from that angle of the building in which he -slept, and he might therefore pass and repass with less danger of -discovery; though his door was locked nightly, his window was unbarred, -and from it he could easily descend into the garden. - -On reconnoitring the particular spot he pitched on, he found that a -cluster of very thick trees would conceal him from possible observation, -and that a canal, not many paces distant, would serve as a reservoir for -the rubbish and stones: inspirited by these providential circumstances -he commenced his project the ensuing night. - -The implements of daily toil served now for the instruments of freedom; -Sebastian was disciplined to labour, and rendered expert by practice; -every night he worked during the half of it, leaving the increasing -chasm, masked with stones well-fitted. Success seemed to await him; no -one hitherto had suspected his nocturnal employment, and Gaspar, for -whose delicate health he feared, (as he resolved not to abandon him in a -dying state,) rather strengthened than declined. Meanwhile peace and -comfort reigned throughout the abode of El Hader; his slaves looked -better, and performed more than they had ever done; groans and sighs -were no longer heard in the Cassavee, and if the captives still wept for -their country and friends, it was in the privacy of their own chambers. - -Kara Aziek continued to move amongst them like the angel of pity; she -compassionated them all, but she loved one, whose “looks were now her -soul’s food.” Sometimes she sent for him to instruct her in the -Portuguese songs and the Portuguese history, and then, though her father -were present, she would speak to him in Italian of the subject nearest -his heart. Sometimes she would loiter with her women for hours beside -him in the gardens under pretence of giving orders about her bowers and -her green-houses, when in reality it was to hear the music of his voice -and to “suck in the honey of his sweet discourse.” - -Indeed Kara Aziek could no longer command, where she would willingly -have served; respect ever accompanies love; and her worth-inspired -affection now shrunk from those acts which reminded her that the object -of her devotion was in a state of humiliation. - -In such interviews the ardent manner of Sebastian deceived her -unintentionally: those eyes that spoke even the slightest emotion more -distinctly than any other eyes, seemed when expressive of gratitude, to -be expressive of love; at sight of her he remembered Donna Gonsalva, and -that enchanting recollection diffusing over his countenance the most -touching tenderness, made Kara Aziek fondly fancy herself its object. - -By these frequent opportunities she saw him under every variety of his -various nature; alternately the serenest and the most tempestuous, the -tenderest and the fiercest of human beings: her gentle character often -trembled at the violence of his; but when the storm was gone, and the -sun smiling in his face, she felt only the fonder anxiety and the -deeper interest. - -She saw him quick to avenge the wrongs or relieve the pains of others, -but regardless still of his own; how then could she denounce that very -rashness which disquieted her, since it arose from the excess of a -virtue? - -Yet she was solicitous to have this rashness moderated, and often took -occasion to converse on the subjects of prudence and forbearance: she -reminded him that there is no such thing as swaying others, before we -have learned to command ourselves; she pointed out to him several -instances in which the fierceness of his temper had frustrated the -effects of his benevolence: when he sought some indulgence for a fellow -captive suddenly overpowered with heat or sickness, if the task-master -demurred, he would blaze into indignation, and harden the heart he -disdained to soften. - -Kara Aziek ventured to shew him the superior dignity and utility of -employing reason at such times rather than anger: he would listen with -delight and contrition, though his former habit of exacting obedience -from others, rendered it difficult for him to obey himself. - -Aziek saw that to conquer his natural infirmity would cost Sebastian -infinite trouble,--and to her, it would have been no visible blemish, -since she loved him with a tenderness that veiled his very faults;--but -she felt that his faults made himself unhappy: how then could they -continue a matter of indifference?--with such impatience and imprudence -he must ever carry in his own mind the seeds of sorrow and remorse. - -Unconscious of his hazardous purpose, she was daily advancing towards -the object he desired: her father never left her without bearing away -with him some argument in favor of the Christians, and particularly of -Sebastian: not daring to ask at once for his liberation, she was -gradually softening and preparing El Hader’s mind for such a request. - -Meanwhile time rolled on, and Sebastian completed his laborious task. -When he first caught a gleam of the moon-lighted river shining through -the important aperture, it seemed as if that sight alone had released -him from his bonds; he kissed his bosom cross in a rapture of gratitude, -and emotion for awhile prevented him from thinking of his indiscretion -in suffering the chasm to remain uncovered; he filled it up immediately, -at both extremities, for the night was just closing. - -On returning to his chamber he found it impossible to sleep; his heart -was too full of anxiety for the event of his enterprize, and for the -effect it might have upon Gaspar: to disclose the secret to him, -Sebastian believed absolutely necessary, as that would soften the pain -of being apparently deserted, and yet could not justly subject him to -the vengeance of El Hader.--Gaspar might conscientiously swear that he -had in no way contributed to the escape of his countryman. - -Agreeable to these reflections, Sebastian seized an opportunity the next -morning, and detailed his project: for awhile the affectionate soldier -stood aghast, but quickly recovering, he faltered out a mixed expression -of joy and sorrow: he then ventured to solicit his sovereign’s bounty -for his mother and sister, praying him to relieve their poverty, and to -remember that he was left behind in slavery. The poor youth was -frequently on the point of asking to accompany his King, but as often -the conviction of his infirm health checked the selfish request. - -Sebastian saw only liberty before him, and succour for those he left -behind; yet he grieved to part his destiny from that of Gaspar, and at -thought of the gentle Aziek, he felt the most piercing regret: her rare -goodness and refinement was worthy a nobler fate than that to which she -seemed born: she was not adapted to share with a Harem the capricious -favor of an ignorant Mussulman, she was calculated to win and to deserve -a heart polished by culture. - -Kara Aziek did not appear in the gardens that day, and towards evening -Sebastian spoke of her to Hafiz: he learnt from him, that she was gone -to Mequinez, to keep the feast of El Ed Geer, with the Almoçadem; at -this information his joyous feelings were damped: he had then parted -from that amiable being for ever, without having uttered afresh those -animated sentiments which filled his heart, and which she might -hereafter recollect as a grateful farewel! - -The pain of this thought would have tempted Sebastian to delay his -departure, had not the image of Donna Gonsalva, sorrowing over his -supposed grave, hurried him onwards; he could not however depart, until -he had left a slight memorial of his gratitude:--for this purpose he -entered the labyrinth, and cut with a knife upon the chalk of one of -its stones, a few words in Italian. - -After this tribute to the gentle spirit that had blessed him even in -captivity, he hastened from the spot, for it was now the hour of -retiring. - -Gaspar waited for him in his sleeping room: the night was dark and -gusty; a circumstance that awakened some friendly fears in the former; -but Sebastian’s soul was roused with the prospect of freedom, and he -considered the gloom which alarmed his friend, as favorable to his -concealment. They sat together in a remote chamber, watching with -extreme anxiety the gradual stillness that spread around them: by -degrees the sound of voices and steps died away,--the closing of doors -became less and less frequent, till at length profound silence settled -over the scene. - -They scarcely exchanged even a whisper during this long suspense; -Gaspar’s heart was full almost to bursting; for he felt, that in losing -the King of Portugal as a fellow-prisoner, he was losing a friend: that -King seated again upon a throne, would not surely acknowledge and love a -private soldier! he had heard that “the favor of princes is not fastened -by nails of diamonds to men whom they affect,” and while his artless -mind dwelt on this saying, the deepest dejection stole over him. - -Ideas of such a nature changed his former ease and confidence into awe -and distrust; and at the very moment in which Gaspar most longed to -throw himself at his beloved master’s feet, there to pour forth all his -feelings, he stood sadly silent, scarce venturing to breathe or to raise -his eyes from the earth. - -Sebastian comprehended these emotions: he took Gaspar’s hand with a -warmth and earnestness which enforced his words, and pressing it -repeatedly, assured him that neither the pomps nor the cares of a crown -could break those bonds in which mutual suffering and mutual obligation -had united them: he renewed his promise of immediately placing Gaspar’s -family in competence, and of dispatching an embassy to the Muley of -Morocco for the purpose of ransoming him and the rest of the Christians. - -“Rely on the word of a King, and the faith of a friend!” he concluded, -“all this I solemnly swear to perform should heaven restore me to my -throne.--When we meet again, may it be in our dear native land!--then -Gaspar thou shalt see how much I love thee.” - -Transported with such goodness, the tender-hearted youth wept like a -woman; his sovereign’s heart beat high with hope, and could not admit -regret; he anticipated a blissful hour of future meeting, and gently -chiding his companion, leaped the window of their chamber:--Gaspar -followed more cautiously. - -Sebastian was lightly clothed in a habit sent him by Kara Aziek, which -he had never yet worn, and therefore could not be described by; in his -girdle was stuck a small hatchet, and a Moorish knife, for the purpose -of defence; over his shoulder was flung a sort of basket, containing a -few Tourkia cakes and dried meats, which he had saved from the daily -presents of Aziek. - -A short circuit brought them to their place of destination: pushing -aside the trees, they gently drew away the loose stones that concealed -the aperture; the sullen sound of the river was heard through it: Gaspar -looked up fearfully to the sky; the clouds there were thick and dull, -but something like light gleamed through them in parts proceeding from -the moon now at her full: Sebastian whispered him to be of good cheer; -then turning hastily round, he grasped him to his heart without -speaking. - -Both the King and the soldier trembled in each other’s embrace; at -length sinking from his sovereign’s arms, Gaspar embraced his knees -without being able to articulate a single word: Sebastian hastily raised -him, embraced him once more, then pressed through the aperture. - -With breathless attention Gaspar listened to the rustling of the bushes -on the opposite side through which Sebastian had rushed; the next moment -he distinctly heard him plunge into the river: at that fearful crisis he -crossed his breast and his forehead, and remained kneeling in an agony -of supplication; but suddenly recollecting his friend’s injunctions, he -hastily filled up the chasm of the wall at each extremity. - -At every blast of wind sweeping through the leafy branches over his -head, (while thus employed,) he almost fancied that he heard the -drowning voice of his King: once he thought the sound of a gun had -mingled with the blast, but it was not repeated, and his apprehension -ceased. - -By degrees the wind sunk into a low moan, only mixed with the hoarse -dashing of the water; neither voice nor step came any longer to his ear: -the faithful soldier then sorrowfully arose, and returned to his -solitary chamber; piously endeavouring there to cast his cares upon that -Almighty Protector who alone is able to destroy and to save. - - - - -CHAP. II. - - -Sebastian had to contend with a strong current, but having stripped off -his cloaths and fastened them above his head, he was able to breast the -powerful water with equal strength; a few strokes of his nervous arm -brought him to the opposite bank; he sprung on land, and shaking off the -wet quickly re-dressed himself. - -While he was fastening on his rude sandals, he looked up to the -Cassavee, from whence he had escaped: the faintly glimmering moon now -cast a momentary gleam over its high dome, and silvered part of the line -formed by the wall, upon which were seen a few sentinels walking to and -fro: one of these men appeared to stop and bend forward; Sebastian -glided behind a cluster of sallows; the Moor called out, and receiving -no answer, discharged his harquebuss; but whether Sebastian’s profound -stillness deceived him into the belief of having mistaken the shadow of -a tree for a human figure, or whether he thought all his duty performed -by this act, is uncertain,--he waited awhile, then moved away without -further scrutiny. - -Sebastian crept slowly through the underwood till he found himself in a -path gradually declining between tolerably steep hills; no longer afraid -of discovery, he rose from his stooping posture, and ran swiftly in a -direction leading towards the interior. Happily the moon began to shine -distinctly, for a rising east wind scattered the clouds that had before -ascended from the west, and now her steady light brightened every hill -and every valley. - -The royal Portuguese proceeded with rapidity through scenes which -increased in wild solitariness; at every step the heights assumed a -bolder and steeper form, the thickets of oak and locust trees became -more frequent, and except the din of a torrent which grew upon his ear, -nothing was heard to startle even momentary apprehension. - -Guiding his course by the stars, he continued to advance among the -mountains with the utmost celerity: nature and habit had made him -capable of bearing great fatigue without injury; he now flew rather than -ran, springing over the broad beds of mountain streams, and leaping from -point to point of the rocky fissures. - -Day dawned on him in these desart places, but neither flocks nor -dwellings appeared to warn him from his fellow men: he pressed forward, -eager to get the start of his pursuers, and resolved not to rest till he -could do so with a prospect of security. - -After journeying till mid-day, chance led him to a steep rocky dell so -overhung with shrubs and trees, that it appeared to promise a safe -resting place; he had to stoop under the pendent branches that shaded -its entrance, but after passing through them, the foliage fell down -again like a curtain, and secured him from observation. - -He advanced to the end of this recess, and sat down on a projecting -crag; there, for the first time since his escape, he had leisure to -think and to calculate on his future movements: the earliest fruit of -those reflections was gratitude to that Almighty Being whose hand had -thus conducted him in safety; the next emotion was tender remembrance of -Gaspar and Kara Aziek, but while he believed that he was hastening from -the latter never to see her again, joy brightened regret, for he was -returning to Donna Gonsalva. - -Never before had Sebastian been sensible to such a sudden translation -from misery to transport: Freedom, man’s greatest blessing, the air he -is destined to breathe and to live by, and without which he -dies--Freedom, that pure element, which is scarcely felt while it -surrounds us, and seldom known but in its privation,--was now his own -again; it throbbed in all his pulses, spoke to his senses from every -outward object and inward feeling, new-strung his nerves, and turned -hopes into certainties. - -What bright visions of future happiness, transcending all he had ever -yet known, now animated him--in his own person he had acquired a keener -relish for the blessings of home and liberty, and he had learned such -important lessons as would make him respect those blessings in the -persons of others. - -Thankful even for captivity, since it had ameliorated his character, he -gave no check to sanguine thought: yet thirty leagues of African ground -still lay between him and security. - -Finding himself faint for want of refreshment, he ate sparingly of his -few provisions, and quenched his thirst with the water of a -neighbouring spring, then commending himself to the protection of his -tutelary saints, laid down to rest. - -When Sebastian awoke, he found the day far spent: he had of late -abridged his sleep so much, and been so continually anxious, that this -first repose, in a scene of comparative freedom, lasted longer than he -wished; however, he awoke with renovated strength, and quitting the -dell, resumed his former track. - -He had not proceeded far, when he came abruptly upon a flock of goats, -with a couple of stout Moorish boys watching them; not allowing them an -instant to note his dress or face, he darted down a side declivity and -flew along, till seeing the hills opening in several directions, he -chose one path at a venture, and soon lost himself among thickets and -precipices.--At first he heard the boys voices mixed with those of men; -but shortly they ceased to reach him, and he then concluded they were -seeking him in a different path. - -Alarmed by this incident he deemed it best to penetrate further into the -mountains, ere he shaped his course downwards towards Massignan, as by -so doing he would not be so likely to encounter any Moors but Alarbes, -and against meeting them, he must guard as well as possible: it is true -that by thus prolonging his journey in desert regions, he incurred the -risk of perishing either by famine or by savage beasts; but he believed -himself capable of warding off the latter, and for the former he did not -fear, as he learned amongst the Alarbes where to find roots and berries -fit for sustenance. Putting up a fervent prayer, he resumed his flight. - -Night surprized him in a thick forest: to proceed now would have been -madness; those enormous serpents and lions with which Africa abounds, -were not lightly to be braved in the darkness of vast solitudes; he -therefore ascended one of the largest trees, where he watched away the -remaining hours. - -The awfulness of his present situation, and the alarmed state of his -spirits, formed a striking contrast to his late exultation: every thing -around was dismal; one of those fierce winds which constantly blow in -Barbary from the north-east, in the month of March, was now raving -through the forest; this was mixed with the distant roar of lions, and -the thrilling yell of hyenas; as each pealing blast shook the very roots -of the huge oak in which he lodged, he fancied it the fury of some -powerful animal, and prepared himself to encounter it with his hatchet. - -Night however passed away, and the rising sun flamed over a track which -Sebastian now trod with tranquil thankfulness; the beans of the Alcorabe -made his scanty breakfast, as he walked under its umbrageous boughs: -trusting that he had now baffled pursuit, he proceeded in a direction -which must bring him lower down among the green mountains, and lead -directly to the Ardea:--Two hours brought him out into a wide plain -skirting their feet; a broad river rolled through this plain, and over -it were scattered Alarbe’s tents. - -Sebastian’s blood curdled with abhorrence at hearing the tinkling of -Zauphens; (a barbarous musical instrument he remembered too well) as he -precipitately turned back to retrace his steps, the figures of men -crossing from a side eminence forced him to retreat, the men shouted on -seeing him, and rushed forwards; others were quickly seen pouring from -the tents; some came on foot, some on horseback; they gained upon his -steps, till he distinctly recognized the voices of two Moors whom he had -known under the roof of El Hader. - -Death or slavery was now before him; he flew on the wind, outstripping -even their lances and the shot of their harquebusses: the opposite side -of the river towards which he made was clothed with woods, could he -reach them, (as there was no bridge or boat for the conveyance of his -pursuers,) he hoped yet to escape; shaking off his cloak and his -baggage, he plunged into the water. Awhile he combatted its rapid -current; but alas! former fatigue, anxiety, and intense heat, had nearly -forespent his bodily powers: he struggled with the waves till strength -was exhausted and consciousness gone: just as he was sinking, an Alarbe -dashed into the river, seized his arm, and dragged him to shore. - -The rude remedies used by these ferocious people succeeded in bringing -their victim to life: Sebastian opened his eyes and beheld himself in -the hands of the Almoçadem’s servants, once more a prisoner and a slave. - -At that moment it could not be said his fortitude forsook him, though he -closed his eyes again with the air of one bereft of hope: on the -contrary, he was mentally bowing to the will of Providence, and striving -to rein in the phrenzy of extravagant rashness. - -Having secured the weapons with which he might have attempted -resistance, and seeing him completely enfeebled, the Moors loaded him -with abuse; and one of them was on the point of adding outrage to -invective, when Sebastian half-started from the ground on which he lay, -faintly uttering the name of Kara Aziek; at that sound the Africans -shrunk back, staring on each other, and pronouncing the Christian a -sorcerer: he had indeed divined the only magic that could save him from -an extremity of insult; for on quitting the Cassavee these slaves had -been threatened by Hafiz with their lady’s wrath should they injure the -Portuguese. - -The crowd of Alarbes that had joined El Hader’s servants, forbade any -attempt to elude them; Sebastian promised to return quietly, upon -condition that they did not fasten his hands like a criminal. After -some consultation together, the men at last consented to this. Without -allowing him time to recover from his exhaustion, they mounted him upon -a horse, and forming a troop of Alarbes around him, proceeded towards -the valley of palms. - -The uncouth habits and ferocious looks of his mountaineer associates, -the mode of his conveyance, joined to the circumstances of his -situation, forcibly recalled to Sebastian the period in which he was -first carried to the abode of El Hader: thought then flowed back upon -the memory of Stukeley and the rare goodness of Abensallah; sigh -followed sigh as he remembered them, though he envied the lot of the -friend he lamented, who had escaped the galling chains of slavery by a -memorable death. - -Such reflections as these occupied him so entirely, as to render him -insensible to the brutality of his companions, who frequently repeated -with grins of horrid triumph, that the Almoçadem had sworn he should be -broken upon the wheel. - -Advancing in a beaten and direct road lying below the hills he had -mounted, Sebastian found that a journey which had cost him two nights -and days of wearisome toil, was to be achieved in less than the fourth -part of that time: the Moors hurried on, not allowing him any other -refreshment than a draught of water, so that when they reached the -valley of palms, his strength had completely forsaken him, and he almost -dropped from his horse at the great gate of El Hader’s residence. - -The Moors conveyed their captive to one of those dungeons where Gaspar -had formerly been confined, telling him he must wait there till it -pleased their high Lord the Almoçadem to determine upon his punishment: -Sebastian gave no answer to their brutal information, throwing himself -along the damp earth (his only resting place) regardless of his own -fate, alarmed now for that of Gaspar. - -It was but too probable that the Almoçadem might have revenged himself -upon his innocent head for the flight of his countryman: this fear had -not before agitated Sebastian, because he believed Kara Aziek would -interfere for the poor soldier, and that indeed El Hader himself was not -inclined to cruelty; but the present appearance of severity rendered -apprehensions for Gaspar perfectly rational. - -This thought gave anxiety a new direction, and kept the unfortunate -monarch from reflecting upon his own disappointment; he was now -earnestly praying to see, or hear from Kara Aziek, from whom alone he -could hope for an account of his friend: but Kara Aziek did not appear, -and the King of Portugal counted the tedious hours of night in a dark -dungeon, upon the bare ground, alone and unsolaced. - -“When the mind’s free, the body’s delicate;” he that had been nursed on -the lap of luxury, now suffered every human privation without missing -any other comforts than those of freedom and friendship. - -Morning was made known to Sebastian merely by the sounds of labour -without; no cheering sun-beam penetrated his airless cell; he lay on the -unpaved floor, his spirit subdued awhile by past exertion and present -disturbance. - -Towards evening a Moor whom he had once before seen, came to inform him -that it was El Hader’s pleasure he should be brought out the ensuing day -into the large slave-court, there to receive a thousand lashes, in the -presence of the Almoçadem and all his household. - -“Tell your merciless master that I will die first!” exclaimed Sebastian, -fiercely starting from the ground. - -“Peace! thou art a fool!” returned the phlegmatic Ephra, “how art thou -to escape this flogging, when thou hast neither weapons nor strength to -put thyself out of the world?” - -“I shall then meet death on some of _your_ weapons!” cried Sebastian, -whose eyes struck fire as he spoke. “By every saint above, I swear, that -while there is life in this body it shall not be dishonoured by a -coward’s punishment! The man who would sooner lose life than honour, may -find avenues to death at every step. Tell your master--again I say tell -him--that I will die resisting his infamous decree!” - -“You will die like a lunatic then, as you are,” retorted Ephra, turning -to go away, “I can tell you in return, that our master swears he will -not abate one jot of your punishment, even to please my lady, his -daughter: so don’t reckon upon _her_ interference.--Nay, for that -matter, she is lying sick at Mequinez, and will know nothing of this -business till it is over.” - -Ephra closed the dungeon door as he finished, leaving Sebastian to -contemplate the probability of death on the morrow. - -It was in vain that the young and ardent monarch strove to reconcile -himself to a destiny so inglorious: to perish thus in obscurity among a -handful of sordid Moors, without the means of conveying to his people, -and his Gonsalva a last blessing, was a thought which drove him to -phrenzy; he could not hope for the satisfaction of seeing Gaspar, nor -was Kara Aziek to be near, soothing his parting pangs with respect and -tenderness. - -A confused apprehension that she would too deeply regret his fate, -trembled at his heart, softening the wildness of despair;--“Amiable, too -tender Aziek!” he exclaimed, “when I am released from earthly -sufferings, may some miracle be worked for thee!--may thine eyes be -opened to the true faith, and thy days be spent in other scenes than -these, so full of horror and iniquity!” - -Hope, which hitherto had never completely left the intrepid breast of -Sebastian, now fled far away; the absence and sickness of Kara Aziek -appeared his death-warrant; he therefore endeavoured to meditate on the -probable event of his approaching struggle, with the seriousness it -demanded. - -It was the middle watch of night, when having fallen asleep after a long -train of thought; he was awakened by the sound of the heavy bolts which -fastened his prison door; they were withdrawn by feeble hands, for they -moved gratingly: at length the door opened, and he beheld two of Kara -Aziek’s women. - -They advanced timidly, closing the door behind them: the King sprung -from the ground; hope once more warmed his heart.--“Your mistress, your -angel mistress!” he exclaimed, “does she send you hither?” - -“She sends me to reproach you, you rash Christian!” answered the slave, -“did you doubt her promise, that you thus rushed upon certain -destruction by attempting escape?” - -“No, no, Benzaide,” replied Sebastian, “I doubted only her power to -serve me.--tell her that if I am to perish tomorrow, my soul will pine -in Paradise till it meets again, her pure and benevolent spirit!” - -At this passionate burst of gratitude, the companion of Benzaide (who -had hitherto leaned unnoticed against the dungeon wall) sobbed aloud, -and sunk down upon the floor: in strange alarm Sebastian hastened to -raise her; Benzaide put aside the slave’s veil to give her air, and the -lamp she held, shining directly upon her face, discovered the soft -olive-brown complexion and lovely features of Kara Aziek. - -Sebastian’s excess of pleasure was checked by an instinctive conviction -of Kara Aziek’s motive; and now those fervent acknowledgements he would -have lavished upon disinterested benevolence, were stifled by an -apprehension of heightening a sentiment which he could not return: every -animated word he should at this moment address to her, would be treason -against Gonsalva. At that thought he hastily dropped the trembling hand -he was carrying to his lips, and respectfully resigning her to Benzaide, -rose with a dejected air from his kneeling posture. - -The gentle Moor wept some time in silence; but how expressive was that -silence! her eyes spoke every feeling of a fond and pitying heart; as -they alternately looked from the dungeon to its noble inhabitant,--to -him whose feet were cut, and bleeding still from the sharp rocks he had -traversed, and whose countenance, though pale and wasted, was yet bright -with unsubdued heroism. - -“Ah, Fabian!” she exclaimed at length, in a voice that went to the soul, -“why didst thou do this rash thing? If I should not be able to save -thee?” she stopped at this, unable to conclude the sentence, and the -blood forsook her cheeks. - -Wrung with grief, sick, pale, and languid, Kara Aziek could not have -been seen by the man she wished to charm, at a moment more unfavourable -for personal beauty; but there is a beauty of the soul, so transcending -all mortal perfections, that it triumphs over deformity itself: that -beauty now beamed from her tear-dimmed eyes and colourless cheek; it -seemed to shed a glory round her, at once awaking love and veneration. -Sebastian must have yielded to its sweet force, had not his heart been -pledged to another. - -The agitated expression of the Christian’s countenance, reminded Aziek -that she was allowing too much of her own emotion to appear; struggling -to conceal it, she proceeded to repeat that he owed her present visit -solely to that sincere friendship which his misfortunes and his virtues -inspired; a friendship that feared not to shew itself in the form of -sympathy and succour. She informed him, that having been taken ill at -Mequinez soon after his flight, she must have remained in ignorance of -his return and fated punishment, had it not been for Hafiz, who secretly -dispatched a message to her, praying her intercession in behalf of his -favourite slave: she had then set off for the valley of palms, but -arriving too late for an interview with El Hader (who was gone to rest) -had ventured to assume a disguise, and pass the prison guards as one of -her own servants. - -Aziek anxiously tried to hide from Sebastian the distraction into which -his departure had thrown her, by mentioning her illness as accidental; -native delicacy taught her to conceal the tenderest and purest love that -ever warmed a human bosom; to conceal it because she would owe nothing -to gratitude, nothing to compassion; because his happiness was the first -object of her generous heart. - -The enthusiasm of Aziek’s manner while she spoke of pity and -philanthropy, almost persuaded her grateful auditor, that she would -indeed have done as much for any other man under such affecting -circumstances; yet he could not help allowing that the peculiar esteem -she felt for him, gave a charm to her benevolence. - -He now blamed his late vain idea’s, and thought, that in El Hader’s -daughter he beheld one who would learn with a sister’s sympathy his -affection for another, and lament with a sister’s sorrow the privations -of his love!--this belief restored him to composure, and after -expressing much of his lively admiration, he ventured to inquire about -Gaspar. - -Aziek replied, that Gaspar had so adroitly parried the questions put to -him (during the examination which followed Sebastian’s flight) that the -Almoçadem could find no ground for supposing him privy to the -run-a-way’s escape, especially as it seemed more natural for the former -to have escaped also, than to have remained behind: Gaspar had been -dismissed without censure, and was now occupied as usual under the -indulgent Hafiz. - -This information relieved Sebastian’s heart from its heaviest load, and -again he blessed the gentle Being whose humanity imparted some of its -own mercy even to Moors grown old in tyranny. - -Benzaide at this period reminded her mistress of the late hour, and of -her indisposition, which rendered rest indispensible; Kara Aziek -reluctantly took her arm: “I am going to leave thee, Fabian,” she said, -“Alla alone knows when and how we shall meet again!--that frantic spirit -of thine makes me tremble. If I should fail of softening my father, -alas, what will become of thee! thy terrible look at this moment answers -me but too plainly.” - -Her eyes swimming in tears were now fixed upon his violently agitated -features; Sebastian strove to calm himself for her sake: “I dare not -deceive you, amiable Aziek!” he said, “it is my determination not to -survive disgrace: yet perhaps they will not seek to inflict it. Let your -father change my punishment to the severest penalties of toil, famine, -or imprisonment--let him condemn me to unheard-of sufferings, and I will -consent to live on, in the fantastic hope of being miraculously -delivered at last: but were freedom, and all those blessings comprized -in the dear name of country, to follow the execution of that sentence, -which turns my cheeks to fire while I but think of it, I would abhor -life after such degradation.--No, no, generous Aziek, ask me not to bear -it and to live.” - -“I do not ask thee!--I know not what I would ask of thee!” exclaimed the -lovely Moor, in a tone of distraction, “thy life so precious--so -dear--so dear to all thy companions--O Alla! is it to be thus madly -thrown away! I would not have thee live disgraced, yet I would have thee -live. Perhaps if thou wouldest join thy prayers with mine, and humble -thyself to my father--prostrate at his feet, he could not surely----” - -“Prostrate at his feet!” interrupted Sebastian wildly, darting on her a -look of indignation. “What! for myself!--for a Mahometan’s -mercy!--No!--I will die as I have lived--a King!” - -The magnanimous and proud spirit of Sebastian, yet unsubdued by all his -mortifications, now shone out in full force over his face and figure: -like one awaking from some vanishing dream, Kara Aziek gazed on him, -faintly repeating his last words: she stood transfixed, while thought, -more rapid than light, was destroying every former hope. - -If a Christian King, what must be the daughter of a Moorish noble, in -his eyes?--an atom!--a mote in the broad sunshine of regal glory: as -well might she think to scale the immeasurable heavens, as to become the -friend and partner of a King: in one moment she was hurled from him to a -distance so remote, that it seemed madness to hope his heart would ever -again throb with a single feeling answerable to hers. - -Shocked, chilled, despairing, she silently tried to cover herself with -her veil, while half sinking in an attitude of reverence, excess of -emotion overcame her, and she was forced to catch at Benzaide for -support. - -The heavy sigh which came from Aziek’s heart as she fell on the arm of -her maid, recovered Sebastian from his paroxysm; he now threw himself -before her: “Proud as you may think me, gentle Aziek!” he said, “Behold -the King of Portugal at your feet, soliciting pardon for his -impetuosity: the discovery that fiery hastiness has made, will but -increase your pity for an unfortunate man who, while languishing in -captivity, has so much to lament.” - -He stopt, and Kara Aziek extending her hand to him with a varying cheek, -answered faulteringly, “The King of Portugal was said to have fallen at -Alcazar, and to be now buried in his native land--but I believe indeed -that thou art he.--Thou art then that Sebastian I was taught to _hate_!” - -A deep but tender sigh burst forth with the last expression: how did -that sigh appear to change the meaning of the word she uttered!--the -touching voice in which she spoke, the tears that floated her -momentarily-fixed, and then suddenly-averted eyes, were only too -expressive of an eternal devotedness; but Sebastian, self-absorbed, saw -nothing; he rapidly recapitulated to her all that he possessed in -Portugal, and was now on the point of abandoning for ever. - -On the mentioning of Donna Gonsalva, whom love painted in the most -seducing colours, Kara Aziek’s countenance suddenly changed; it varied -at every word, but she listened in silence: those fond hopes which had -again sprung up, when she saw him at her feet, those hopes which -formerly had been nourished by his tender manner, were now withered; -could she preserve his honour and his life, and after that obtain his -liberty, she would be doing this only to hasten the moment that would -give him to another. - -Her pure, impassioned heart almost exclaimed aloud, “Ah, it is not thy -throne I covet to share; thy love alone would be to me a kingdom: with -thee, a desart, or a dungeon, obscurity or poverty would bestow -happiness.” - -But though this regret filled her bosom, it could not displace for one -moment, that disinterested generosity which formed the basis of her -noblest qualities; whatever might become of herself she resolved to -renew her endeavour for procuring his release hereafter, should she -succeed in saving him now. - -Donna Gonsalva’s beauty appeared from the description of Sebastian to be -that of a Celestial, and her character delineated by the same partial -hand could not fail of impressing Kara Aziek with the conviction that -she was worthy to be adored: to such a rival she yielded with the less -pain. - -The King of Portugal was painfully affected by the changes he beheld in -the expressive countenance of his gentle friend; it was impossible for -him not to find his past fears recur, as he witnessed this ill-concealed -emotion: at one moment he repented, at another applauded the disclosure -of those dear engagements which must teach Kara Aziek that he was not -ungrateful in remaining untouched by her tenderness and charms: but his -heart saddened to think what the eventful morrow might prove to her. - -Benzaide now warned her mistress that day would soon break and expose -them to the notice of the Moorish guards; Aziek started, and covered -herself with her veil, unwilling to shew Sebastian the extent of her -grief at bidding him farewel: incapable of speaking, she timidly held -out her hand to him; it was cold and trembling--the King put it to his -lips--“adieu matchless creature!” he cried, “may angels benevolent and -pure like yourself, watch over all your days!--were not my heart in -Portugal with her who is mourning for my sake, this transcendant -goodness must either have softened or sharpened the pains of slavery:--I -should have forgotten my fallen state, and dared to love the lovely -Aziek.”-- - -The last sentence breathed in an agitated whisper over the soft hand he -was pressing to his heart, thrilled through the frame of Aziek; she -blushed, faltered, moved tremblingly away, and seeking the support of -Benzaide, faintly pronounced a parting benediction:--her senses were in -sweet disorder at so delightful and unexpected a confession; next to the -bliss of possessing that noble heart, was the certainty that he believed -her worthy of it. Transported with this assurance, she gave him a last -look filled with gratitude and pleasure, and then departed.-- - -Compassion heightened by admiration, was the reigning sentiment left in -the heart of Sebastian; long after the departure of his benefactress, -her endearing image solely filled his thoughts:--without a single -moment’s infidelity to the exquisite Gonsalva, he was yet deeply -interested in the happiness of her rival, and could not refrain from -thinking oftener of her than of himself.--Still hoping something from -her interference, he commended himself to Providence, and lay down to -sleep again, upon the floor of his dungeon. - -Sebastian had been awake some time the ensuing morning, when he heard a -bell ring; at the sound of which he had been, told to prepare for -punishment: as he listened, the blood forsook his face, and a horrid -chill suddenly ran through his veins:--Kara Aziek had then -failed!--recovering from the shock of disappointment (which had shocked -him only because it was unforeseen) he knelt down with the crucifix -clasped in his hands, fervently breathing over it a solemn supplication -of forgiveness for all his sins and errors. - -He prayed the Lord of Heaven to forgive or to enlighten him, if the -resistance he meditated, were an act of impious rebellion; he besought -blessings for his friends and for his enemies; he commended his people -to the protection of Him, who places Kings upon their thrones, and the -names of Gonsalva and Aziek were mingling on his lips, when the prison -door opened, and instead of guards to conduct him to a scene of blood, -he beheld the smiling Benzaide. - -Her mission spoke in her face, as she put aside her veil, bidding him -rise and follow her.--Sebastian obeyed: not before he had devoutly -kissed the cross he wore;--boundless gratitude to Heaven, did indeed -swell his heart, as he passed with his companion through the various -courts, leading to Kara Aziek’s apartments: on reaching them, Benzaide -threw a large mantle over him, in which she bade him wrap even his head, -as he would then pass unnoticed by the female servants; at the same time -she deposited a pair of slippers at the entrance, observing, that should -the Almoçadem come and see them, he would retire according to the -Moorish fashion, believing that some neighbouring lady was then visiting -his daughter. - -Sebastian learnt from this, that in rendering him such services as -these, Kara Aziek perpetually risked the displeasure of her father: this -thought did but the more enhance the value of her protection. - -Upon entering the chamber of Aziek, he found her alone, lying along a -sopha shaded by thin drapery: she spoke to him without altering her -position or uncovering her face, for she was ill, and greatly agitated: -her motive for admitting him to her presence at such a period, was not -merely to see him again, or to receive his thanks, but to soothe him -under a disappointment she had been forced to prepare for him. - -El Hader had been previously with her, when she had exerted all her -influence for the pardon of Sebastian: at first he refused to hear his -daughter’s petition, expressing great anger at her partiality to this -ungovernable Christian, on whom so many favors had already been thrown -away; he ridiculed the idea of a slave’s preferring death to a few -strokes of the whip, and told her plainly, that if she continued thus to -protect a Christian, merely because he was of her mother’s country, the -Moors would proclaim her an enemy to the true faith. - -Kara Aziek mildly allowed herself to be called foolish and profane, yet -redoubled her intercessions, availing herself of her severe illness to -plead with more earnestness for indulgence: she prayed, she wept, she -embraced her father’s knees, telling him that she had vowed for her -mother’s sake never to cease protecting the two Portuguese, and that -consequently, she could not remain inactive now, without breaking that -inward promise. - -Her tears and touching feebleness at length melted El Hader, and he -consented to limit the punishment of Sebastian to a month of the hardest -labour in his quarries: “as the fellow is so strong and ingenious,” he -concluded, “I would not part with him, but his countryman, your other -favorite, shall be sold immediately; he is a sickly, stupid, -good-for-nothing dog, and the sooner he is got rid of the better.--see -that you make no attempt to bring these Christian fools to a -leave-taking--if you do, I swear by the beard of the Prophet, that the -slave Fabian shall pay the price of your fault.” - -This had been the Almoçadem’s parting command, and Kara Aziek, for -Sebastian’s sake, did not venture to disobey,--she detailed her -father’s resolution with many sighs and expressions of deep regret: the -King turned pale: and an exclamation of grief escaped him; not for -himself he grieved, but for the less healthy Gaspar, who had so long -been accustomed to receive from him comfort and assistance.-- - -The distress painted on his manly features, was visible to Kara Aziek -through her transparent veil--she hastened to efface it--“I must not -detain thee here,” she said blushing, “even now my heart trembles for -fear, I have done wrong in admitting thee into these apartments--but I -could not deny myself the gratification of telling thee that I will not -lose sight of thy poor friend; if money may avail, Gaspar shall regain -his freedom, and return to Portugal to prepare the way for thee.--Go -Prince! (for I cannot call thee Fabian now) go, and believe that Kara -Aziek knows no other bliss on earth than that of trying to resemble the -ministering spirits of Heaven. Thy rare example first taught her, that -it is noble to live solely for others.” - -Sebastian’s heart made a more animated reply to this speech than he -suffered to flow from his lips: her disinterested goodness was exalted -in his eyes from the very circumstance which threatened to weaken its -force: if she loved him, and felt that her peculiar happiness was only -to be found in his presence, what heroic generosity was it, thus to -sacrifice every selfish consideration, by seeking to procure for him the -means of withdrawing to a rival and a distant land. - -After expressing some part of his feelings, and tenderly assuring her of -his deep concern at her increased illness, he once more wrapped himself -in the mantle, and passed with Benzaide through the outer chambers. - -On quitting that side of the Cassavee, Sebastian proceeded to see and -thank Hafiz, to whom he owed the prompt interference of Aziek: his -acknowledgements were received with a mixture of kindness and anger; for -Hafiz was to lose his services a whole month, and could not comprehend -what he wanted with liberty, when so indulged by him and the Almoçadem. -From the gardens the unfortunate monarch proceeded to the scene of new -labour; there he toiled under a sky like burning brass, without shelter, -almost without sustenance; but his mind was too full of interesting -thoughts to leave him time for noticing bodily suffering: Gaspar and far -distant freedom, tortured remembrance. - -Though the strict command of her father deterred Kara Aziek from -attempting to see Sebastian while he wore out his days of penance remote -from Hafiz, she contrived to send him every night various refreshments, -accompanied sometimes by short billets: in one of these she gave him the -unexpected information of Gaspar’s being free, and now on his way to -Portugal. - -After a cautious negociation through the means of a Jew merchant, she -had purchased the poor fellow’s liberty by the sale of a few jewels, and -now wrote to animate Sebastian into hopes for himself:--ardent were the -hopes her letter awakened! The King could not doubt but that Gaspar, who -knew in common with every other Portuguese, his engagements with Donna -Gonsalva, would immediately repair to her with the news of his life and -captivity, and that consequently her fond zeal would quicken the -exertions for his release. - -It was not in man, however disinterested, to lament the act which would -thus convey to his ministers and his friends the knowledge of his -existence: sincere as was his determination of never calling upon his -subjects for that succour he had a right to demand of them, he was not -insensible to the joy of finding that another was gone to tell the tale -of his sufferings, and to plead for his return. If the people of -Portugal loved their King well enough to tax themselves for his ransom, -he was well inclined to receive that obligation from their affection, -which both pride and principle had forbidden him to extort from their -duty. Not doubting the general sentiment, he surrendered himself up to -delightful anticipations. - -But a little while, and he would be free again! As his heart throbbed -high at this blissful thought, it naturally turned with warmer gratitude -to the generous friend from whom it proceeded. Kara Aziek, still dearer -than ever, from her unwearied goodness, was however to be abandoned, and -never more beheld! As well might a brother have contemplated the -prospect of eternally quitting a beloved sister; Sebastian _would_ not -dwell on it, but formed in fancy many romantic plans, each of which had -for its foundation the religious conversion of Kara Aziek. - -Towards this new and pleasing project, now suddenly conceived, he -determined to direct the whole force of his heart, that heart which had -never ceased to glow with its original zeal: from this period he devoted -his leisure moments to the recollection and arrangement of such -arguments in favour of Christianity, as appeared to him the most -convincing, and when again brought into the gardens, was enabled to -press them upon Aziek in the interviews she frequently afforded him. - -Kara Aziek listened with attention and pleasure, for she loved to hear -him talk upon any subject, more especially upon one which interested her -deeply; but though she afforded Sebastian frequent opportunities for -conversation, and almost wished to believe, as he did, her clear reason -could not blind itself to the monstrous system of Popery: unhappily the -young monarch was not qualified to remove this veil from the simple -beauty of Christianity: he had been educated a devoted son of the Romish -church, and was incapable of perceiving, that but from its unscriptural -authority, and intolerant tenets, Kara Aziek would have ceased to be a -Mahometan. - -These constant interviews only tended to fix Sebastian more firmly in -the heart of the gentle Moor; she felt that they did so, but with an -excess of generosity refused to purchase peace for herself, by the -sacrifice of his enjoyments: her society was evidently his chief solace, -and to her unremitting attention he owed every personal comfort; could -she then afflict him by sudden or gradual coldness, by long absences, -and assumed indifference? Sebastian knew her only as his friend, and to -that disinterested character she was resolved never to lose a claim. - -Consonant to this resolution, she accustomed herself to talk with him of -Donna Gonsalva, yet at his lover-like description of her rival’s -enchantments, she could not controul those tumultuous feelings, of which -a love so hopeless and so powerful was but too susceptible. - -“Happy, happy creature!” she would often exclaim to herself, “could I -believe that _thou_ lovest him, that _any one_ can love him as I do, -what should I lament? but who has seen him like Kara Aziek, a prisoner -and a slave, alternately the object of terror and admiration, -interesting even in his moments of wildest passion, who therefore will -ever learn to forget herself and the whole world in him? Alas! how shall -I live, when he who is become the very soul of my life, is far from me.” - -From that painful question Kara Aziek always turned without delay, -striving to be indeed as indifferent as she believed herself, to her own -happiness: love, ingenious at deceit, fondly persuaded her that in -sighing after the bliss of being united to Sebastian she was actuated -solely by this idea, that no one’s affection could equal hers, -consequently that no one would ever watch so attentively over his -conduct and his comfort. - -The King himself, hurried away by an earnest desire for her conversion, -no longer saw or thought of her attachment, but dwelt with grateful -enthusiasm upon the joy she might bestow on him, would she yield her -heart to the doctrines of the church, renounce her infidel country, and -consent to become like a sister to his adored Gonsalva. At length he -found that no arguments of his availed to convince her of the fallacy of -her own religion, she had many specious ones to urge in its defence, but -still more to urge against papal Christianity; sorrowing and reluctant -therefore, he relinquished his attempt. - -Sebastian now counted the days as they passed, welcoming each on its -arrival, as the day of freedom: Gaspar had been absent above a month; -Kara Aziek had learned at the Moorish court that the Prior of Crato was -alive and in Lisbon, therefore the King; reckoned still more confidently -upon his release: time, however, wore away; days, weeks, months elapsed; -as they fled, still they bore with them some health and spirit from -Sebastian; the excuses he mentally made for his people’s delay and -hesitation hourly decayed, apprehension and indignation took their -place. - -Was he to expect succour from his grand uncle, Don Henry? That uncle now -knew the gratifications of absolute power, and might not perhaps feel -willing to resign them: was he to hope for freedom from the voluntary -sacrifices of his people!--those people were the descendants of that -pitiless generation who a century before had basely suffered the infant -Don Ferdinand to die in captivity. Ferdinand had offered himself to the -Moors as a pledge for the fulfilment of a certain treaty, the Portuguese -refused to ratify it, and left him to languish out his youth in -confinement. Such a precedent might but too fatally influence the -present conduct of Portugal. - -At this piercing thought, the unhappy monarch lost all self-command, and -no longer restrained the expression of his fears. Sometimes Kara Aziek -would behold him given up to the bitterest grief, imagining his beloved -Gonsalva torn from him by death; at others, she would witness the -whirlwinds of his character, while he conceived himself abandoned by his -subjects, or his relations: resentment and sorrow then swayed him by -turns; and it was only at the sound of her pitying voice, or at the gaze -of her imploring eyes, that he would rein in his anger, or check the -tide of lamentation. - -So tossed by various passions, so agitated with many a fond fear, so -surrounded and touched by the ill-disguised tenderness of Kara Aziek, -there were moments in which Sebastian felt her excellence so -exquisitely, that he doubted whether he could be quite happy even in -Portugal with Gonsalva, unless she were there to complete it: his -imprudently-ingenuous nature spoke the sentiment as it arose, fatally -flattering the young and inexperienced Aziek with ideas she was -scarcely conscious of indulging. - -The different emotions of each, soon produced a visible effect: -Sebastian lost his strength and his looks; Kara Aziek suddenly became -languid, sick, and sad: when with the King, her eyes no longer dwelt on -him with an apparent forgetfulness of every thing but of that soul whose -movements she was tracing through the eloquent countenance; they were -tearful and downcast, and that irresistible meltingness which used to -make love visible in their floating orbs, was displaced by an expression -of troubled anxiety. - -Her careless attire, and unusual fits of abstraction, at length led the -King to suppose that some domestic distress had a principal share in so -painful a change; he interrogated Kara Aziek: as they walked together -with Benzaide under the starry sky, while others slept, he gently strove -to win from her the secret of her affliction; Kara Aziek alternately -blushed and turned pale, sighed and wept, but refused to satisfy him. - -Such conduct only stimulated the efforts of a friend whose tenderness -was increased by this first call upon its sympathy; but Aziek, mildly -inflexible, constantly left him at the usual hour in doubt and -conjecture. - - - - -CHAP. III. - - -Sebastian’s suspence did not continue long: one night he was summoned to -meet Aziek in the labyrinth. - -It was nearly midnight when his listening ear caught the sound of her -unsteady and hurried steps; she came leaning on her confidential maid: -her veil was down, and he could not therefore behold any peculiar -emotion in her countenance, but he perceived it in her air and voice. - -She answered his salutation in broken accents, then sitting down at some -distance from him, was awhile silent. - -The green, and now fading lamps, with which the subterraneous passage -was illuminated, cast a melancholy light over the veiled figure of Kara -Aziek; her silence, and the rapidly apprehensive mind of Sebastian -contributed to agitate him beyond measure: he approached her with -extreme solicitude. - -“Allow me a little emotion,” she said faintly, averting her head, “I -believe we are about to part for ever! thou art the only friend Kara -Aziek ever had reason to esteem and to regret--ah! if thou shouldest -forget her entirely!” - -She stopped, momentarily overcome, affording the King an opportunity for -uttering an exclamation of surprize and of affectionate reproach: -“Prince! she faultered out, thou art free; tomorrow thou mayest return -to Portugal.” - -Uncertain whether he had heard aright, Sebastian repeated her words, -conjuring her to say if his senses had deceived him: her answer -transported him to throw himself at her feet; he did not speak, but joy -triumphed on his face, and burnt in the kiss which he imprinted on her -trembling hands. - -This excess of joy was what Aziek had thought herself prepared to meet, -yet now it distracted her resolutions, and half-maddened her to exclaim, -“Ah, ungrateful man, is it thus that my friendship is returned!” - -Liberty, home, happiness, every dear and oft-remembered object was now -present to the ardent imagination of Sebastian; the names of his country -and of his mistress were the only sounds that escaped his lips: they -penetrated the heart of Kara Aziek: she strove to extricate herself from -the transports of his gratitude and rapture, for, alas! their -impassioned expressions glowed more from anticipated emotions, than from -any that she herself excited.--Faultering and tearful, she besought him -to let her depart. - -“Depart!” he repeated, (roused from his selfish delirium) “depart so -soon, when we are to meet no more! Do not poison the felicity you give, -by making me fear that you think me indifferent to the future fate of my -benefactress! You tell me, Aziek, that it is to your intreaties I am -indebted for this blessing, but you do not say how it was -granted--whether you did not incur some wrath.” - -Aziek hastened to assure him that she had secured her father’s assent -without incurring his displeasure: “Thy freedom was unexpectedly -offered, upon a condition which I need not detail, as it does not relate -to thee. Take thy liberty, prince! and be convinced that though these -eyes shall never more behold thee, thine image--the memory of thy -misfortunes--thy virtues--thy delightful converse, will exist in my -heart, while life and memory--” - -Tears interrupted the sentence, and she cast herself back upon the bosom -of Benzaide. - -Vehemently agitated by her emotion, Sebastian pressed her to trust -herself to his honour, and to quit Africa with him: he promised her the -friendship of his Gonsalva, and protection in the exercise of her own -religion; he urged to her the delights of polished society; and perhaps -Aziek would not have resisted his pleadings had they been seconded by -vows of love; but now she was able to feel and to avow the strong claim -of filial obligation. - -Her refusal to desert her father was grounded on arguments which the -King wished, but was not able to shake; “Yet I will not say _farewel for -ever_!” he said, “were I able to do so, Kara Aziek, I should abhor -myself: you are dear to me as a sister, you are the object of the -tenderest and truest gratitude that ever penetrated a human heart,--how -then can I consent to forego all thought of beholding you again? If -Providence permit me to regain my former power, the Moors will no longer -find me their enemy: for your sake I will court their friendship, and -when in amity with their Xeriff, may tempt my Gonsalva to cross the sea -in search of her Sebastian’s guardian angel.” - -Kara Aziek did not reply; she was overcome by recollection of the price -she must pay for his deliverance, a price which would remove her far -from the seducing prospect he pictured; formed with all the weakness and -strength of woman’s mixed character, she could command her actions but -not her emotions; she could constrain every selfish consideration for -the sake of another, though she knew not how to conceal the grief such -sacrifices cost her: her fast-falling tears now fell without -interruption. - -Shocked and afflicted at her excess of sorrow, the young monarch -scarcely knew how to suppose that it originated solely in the regret of -parting from him; indeed he wished to believe otherwise, and suffering -his imagination to take a new direction, importuned her to say whether -she had not heard distressing intelligence of Gaspar, or of some of his -dearest friends in Portugal. - -Aziek hastened to relieve his apprehensions, and by exerting herself to -do so, gradually recovered her own composure. - -Having succeeded in calming him, she held out a letter, conjuring him -not to open it till he should be restored to Donna Gonsalva; “In it thou -wilt find a braid of Kara Aziek’s jetty hair;” she said, striving to -smile, “thou wilt sometimes look at it, and remember her who gave it -thee: perhaps thou wilt contrast it with the golden tresses and ivory -skin of thy beloved; ah! tell her, as thou dost so, that the heart of -Kara Aziek is fairer than her face.” - -As she spoke, she lifted her veil, and fixed on Sebastian her lovely -eyes, now swimming in tears; the look they gave entered his soul: -neither time nor distance ever effaced their impression.--Thrilled with -pity, admiration, and regret, he could only faulter out a repetition of -his hope that they were not parting for the last time; Aziek faintly -repeated that hope, adding, they must now separate, to allow him some -repose ere he began his journey. - -“Hafiz is instructed to provide for thy accommodation,” -she continued, “he has my father’s commands.--Adieu, -Prince!--friend!--instructor!--light of my once dark mind!--may thy -prophet, may my prophet conduct thee, not merely to thy throne, but to -the hearts of thy people!” - -She turned aside her head while she spoke, and stretched out her hands -to him; the half-distracted and bewildered Sebastian made a movement as -if he would have thrown himself at her feet, but the feelings of nature -triumphed over every idea of established customs, and he found that he -had pressed her to his heart, instead of distantly saluting her hand. - -In a tumult of new emotions, Kara Aziek gently pushed him from her, -“Leave me, leave me, Prince!” she exclaimed faintly,--“think of me in -Portugal--remember me there, as the mutual friend of thee and thy -Gonsalva.” - -At that name the agitated monarch recovered from a moment’s oblivion; he -fixed his eyes earnestly upon her lovely figure, then lifted them to -heaven, as if invoking blessings on her, and hurried from the grotto. - -Occupied with contradictory feelings, the King reached his own -apartment: to sleep was impossible; he walked up and down, watching the -dawn of that day which was either to restore him to liberty, or to crush -him with disappointment. The capriciousness of the Moorish character -made him dread some change in the sentiments of El Hader; yet hope -preponderated, and the joyful tone now given to his mind, dissipated -those fears for Gaspar and Gonsalva which had before tormented him. - -How rarely does our reason behold any object uncoloured by the medium -of passion! not a single circumstance had arisen to warrant a change of -opinion, yet Sebastian now banished every suspicion of his people’s -infidelity and his relations unkindness; he recollected the timid spirit -of his uncle, which might have procrastinated, without wishing to -frustrate measures, and warm with present happiness, confidently -anticipated superior felicity in the future. - -Giving himself up to the most gratifying anticipations, he rapidly -sketched out plans for times remote, and these still included Kara Aziek -and the benevolent Abensallah:--to Sebastian’s ardent romantic heart, -every thing it wished seemed probable. - -An hour after sun-rise Hafiz appeared: he came to inform the Portuguese -that their illustrious master, Mahommed El Hader, had generously granted -his freedom, and that he might depart immediately. At this confirmation -of what he had been so long and apparently so confidently expecting, -Sebastian’s emotion rendered him speechless: meanwhile Hafiz poured -forth a most pathetic lamentation. - -It was some time ere the King could comfort him sufficiently to obtain -information about his route: his sole aim was to travel expeditiously -and safely towards some Christian settlement; this was an object not -easily attained. Unless under the protection of natives or licensed -merchants, a liberated captive was but too likely to fall into a second -captivity: Hafiz knew no way for his friend to avoid such a mischance, -except by joining a party of travelling traders from Syria, who were -going that very day from Mequinez to a Moorish port, between Tangier and -Ceutah. From this port a passage might easily be obtained in one of -those vessels employed in carrying on a contraband trade with the coast -of Spain, or the King might hazard a short expedition alone, and strike -across to the Christian town. - -The journey from Mequinez was indeed long and fatiguing, but it would be -performed leisurely, and as the road lay near Benzeroel, would afford -Sebastian an opportunity of ascertaining whether Abensallah were yet -alive. After settling this important point, a most momentous -consideration remained: how were the expences of this journey to be -defrayed! happily the Almoçadem had given orders that the Christian -should be conveyed whither he chose, at his cost, and therefore nothing -now remained but to take leave of his fellow prisoners. - -Never before had the King; felt so acutely for his brethren in -affliction; the alteration in his own situation appeared to deepen the -misery of theirs: he parted from them with many expressions of sympathy, -charged with commissions to various quarters of the globe, and -promising faithfully to have them all executed. - -From the slave-court Sebastian returned through the gardens, bidding a -joyful farewel to every structure and every plant that his labour had -formed or fostered: yet regret mingled with gladness, for these gardens -were the peculiar property of Kara Aziek, and her gentle image appeared -to rise at every turning to reproach him. - -Hafiz had obtained permission to attend his favorite slave to Mequinez: -as they mounted their mules at the great gate of the Cassavee, Sebastian -recalled the last time he had passed those gates after his fruitless -attempt at escape; he was then returning he believed to eternal -thraldom; but four months had elapsed since, and as if by miracle his -chains were broken! - -The mules were swift of foot, and well acquainted with their road; when -they had conveyed their riders to the top of an eminence leading from -the valley, Sebastian turned round to take a farewel look of the -habitation that contained Kara Aziek. The gilded pinnacles of her -apartment glittered above rows of tall cypress trees; he breathed -unnumbered blessings on her, fixed his eyes for some moments upon that -quarter of the Cassavee, then spurred his mule down the opposite side of -the declivity. - -An arrangement with the merchants was quickly made by Hafiz, who paid -beforehand the charges of his companion’s journey; at parting, the -good-natured man shed tears, which Sebastian repaid by sincere -expressions of esteem and everlasting sense of obligation: he was -preparing to commence his journey, when one of the Syrians brought him a -packet which Hafiz had instructed him to deliver when he should be on -his return; the King took, and eagerly opened it. - -Its contents were a purse containing several gold sequins, some valuable -jewels, and a number of those small shells which then passed current -through Africa, and are still known there by the name of Barbary money; -upon them lay a slip of vellum, with these words written on -it--“Unforeseen accidents may render this purse of use to the friend of -Kara Aziek.” - -This fragment of her hand-writing made the amiable Moor almost present -to Sebastian; he looked intently on the characters, sighed and sighed -again, for memory too forcibly told him, that in striving to succour him -she had lost her own peace. Closing the packet with a mixture of -gratitude and regret, he mounted the animal provided for him, and began -his route. - -The men with whom he travelled, were too much occupied in calculations -of profits and losses to interrupt their companion’s reveries; they were -furnished with an order from the Almoçadem, purporting that Fabian his -slave was going on business to the sea-coast, and therefore not to be -detained on suspicion of being a runaway: in consequence of this, their -progress was unmolested, and they continued journeying on slowly, but -safely. - -The traveller’s road lay near Alcazar; it crossed that fatal plain, -where, above twelvemonths before, the King of Portugal, at the head of a -few gallant troops, had rashly braved the whole force of Morocco: what -were his emotions when he now entered on it! - -The meridian sun blazed over its broad and arid surface, marking with a -glaring light every spot affecting to memory: Sebastian transiently -closed his eyes, as if to shut out a picture, that, alas! was painted -yet stronger on his mind. That dismal plain covered with dead, such as -he had seen it with Abensallah, was even more present to him than the -one he actually saw: Stukeley, De Castro, the young Braganza, every dear -and lamented associate, pressed upon recollection; those deep wounds of -the heart which new anxieties had closed, now opened afresh, and he -became once more the prey of profound though unavailing remorse. - -Given up to gloomy retrospects, Sebastian sought to indulge them alone -and at liberty; for this purpose he took advantage of his companion’s -halting for refreshment, and went to visit the tower where Sir Thomas -Stukeley fell. His path was whitened with human bones! he trod amongst -them hastily, yet apprehensively, for whether these were the last mortal -relics of Moors or Portuguese, they were still the relics of men. - -Seen under the cheerful light of day, the broken watch tower was not in -itself so dreary an object as it had appeared by the glimmering of -moon-light, but Sebastian viewed it with still drearier reflections: -time had altered his sentiments, and taught him to consider the blood -shed under those walls, as blood shed uselessly and madly; but for his -fanatic enthusiasm, Stukeley might have been then living honored and -happy. - -Struck with this thought he slowly approached the ruins, that he might -look for the last time on the spot where he had found his friend’s body; -as he advanced, two men issued from the shattered gateway, and passed -him; one of them started as he passed, and stopped--Sebastian moved on, -thoughtless of personal danger. He had gained the place he sought, and -had stood sadly contemplating it, when, on raising his eyes, as he -turned away, they were arrested by the sight of faces peeping at him -through the lower branches of some trees: in one of these he recognized -the dark scowl of Ben Tarab. - -Instinctively he grasped the head of a loaded pistol which he wore in -his girdle; this action, and the sudden blaze of his eyes, made the -cowardly Moor relinquish his hold of the tree, its boughs closed as he -let them hastily out of his hand, preventing Sebastian from seeing -which way he went. - -Somewhat disturbed at this unexpected rencontre, the young monarch stood -for a moment to determine on his future movements, he was too conscious -of Ben Tarab’s animosity not to apprehend its effects, and therefore -thought it best to rejoin his companions without incurring fresh risk by -attempting alone to find the cave of Abensallah: regretting this -necessity, he hastened from the ruins, and looking back, beheld Ben -Tarab and his comrade stealing between the trees and the wall in the -same direction with himself. - -Once more he turned round and stopt, determining to accost the Moor and -be satisfied if the meeting were accidental; but on seeing him pause, -Ben Tarab again retreated and concealed himself among the broken walls: -Sebastian then resumed the road to his friends. - -The travellers had pitched a tent on the plain, and were therefore -visible at a great distance: through the loop holes of the tower Ben -Tarab now watched the course of the King, and saw him enter their tent; -he then descended, and rejoicing at the chance which had led him to this -spot for temporary shelter from the heat, called his associate and ran -off to the town of Alcazar. - -On rejoining the merchants, Sebastian thought it best to speak of his -adventure and the apprehension he grounded on it: one of the Syrians to -whom Hafiz had peculiarly recommended his favorite, proposed immediate -departure; if Ben Tarab wished to cast obstacles in their way, he might -easily find means for doing so, by questioning the freedom of Sebastian, -or by informing some of the Emperor’s officers in Alcazar, who would -then seize him for their master’s service. Under this idea it was fit -the whole party should hasten to get the start of the Moor. - -Their tents were now struck, their camels re-loaded, and bidding adieu -to the pleasing hope of seeing Abensallah, Sebastian mounted a swift -horse and resumed his journey. - -They had scarcely passed the boundaries of the plain, when a party of -horsemen from Alcazar, overtook and detained them: the King gave himself -up for lost; but he dissembled this despair, and met the scrutiny of the -Moorish soldiers with apparent composure. Surrounded by armed guards, -Ben Tarab could rail and threaten with impunity: he accused Sebastian of -being a runaway slave; to oppose this assertion, the principal merchant -simply produced the writing and signet to the Almoçadem, purporting that -the Christian who accompanied them was a servant of his, bearing -important dispatches to the Alcayde of Kouf.--At sight of this -convincing testimony, the Moors began to excuse themselves, and were -about to depart, when Ben Tarab called their captain aside and said a -few words to him in a low, furious tone; the officer directly -countermanded his men, telling the merchants that as they were going to -travel through a Cavila then in a state of insurrection, he would honour -the Almoçadem’s messenger by escorting him to the Alcayde and afterwards -protecting him back to Mequinez. - -At this masterly trick of Ben Tarab’s the blood forsook the face of -Sebastian, but it rushed indignantly back, while haughtily braving his -fate he told the Moorish captain to lead on.--Ben Tarab eyed his -changing countenance with a doubtful look;-- - -“If thou art not a runaway,” he said, “thou and thy master will thank us -for this safe guard; and if thou art deceiving us, thy punishment will -not wait for the sentence of El Hader, whose signet thou must have -stolen; the Alcayde of Kouf will doom thee to death immediately.” - -“_Thou_ art not my judge,” replied the King, directing a withering -glance towards him: intimidated by former scenes, the malicious wretch -nimbly fell into the ranks of his military comrades, and proposed -advancing in their journey; the merchants acquiesced. None but the -acquaintance of Hafiz knew the real destination of Sebastian, and they -were therefore pleased to find, that instead of being detained by this -adventure, it would expedite and protect them: they proceeded on their -way, headed and flanked by the soldiers, who were content to observe the -object of their suspicion riding in the centre:-- - -While Ben Tarab was exulting in an accidental meeting, which had thus -enabled him at least to annoy, if not to frustrate the supposed design -of his former enemy, Sebastian was ruminating upon some mode of escape: -not one presented itself: he must either confess that he was made free, -and going to embark for Portugal, or try a bold experiment on the -Alcayde. - -To dare the former, would be madness, because all Christian captives -above the rank of artizans or peasants, belonged by law to the Xeriffs; -Ben Tarab could therefore plausibly question El Hader’s right to -liberate him, until his true rank were ascertained, and such a scrutiny -would be destruction: he then resolved to hazard a suddenly-conceived -stratagem. - -During the time in which they halted for the night, he selected a superb -diamond from the jewels of Kara Aziek, and placing it in the embroidered -purse by itself, folded it in a piece of brocade after the Moresco -fashion, and deposited it in his breast. The character of the Alcayde -had been given him by Hafiz’s friend, to whom he communicated his plan, -and upon that he built for success. - -After some days of wearisome travelling, and days full of agitation, the -cavalcade came in sight of the chief town in the province of Kouf; the -merchants were suffered to pursue their way to the port they sought, -leaving Sebastian, whom they dared not attempt detaining, solely to -fortune and his guards. - -Ben Tarab’s ferocious eyes glared with satisfaction as he followed his -unprotected victim into the Alcayde’s house; disdaining to notice him, -Sebastian calmly proceeded.--while passing from the court to the -audience-hall, his upright mind shrunk from unmanly deception; he was -tempted to risk the truth, though convinced it would throw him again -into slavery; but his country, his duties, his beloved, all tugged at -his heart-strings, and aided by the universal toleration of stratagem -under circumstances like his, weakened every other impression: he sighed -over the bitter necessity of the act, besought Heaven to pardon it if -really culpable, then entered the hall. - -His fate was quickly decided: the gem he brought, appeared an undeniable -proof that he came direct from El Hader; he presented it in his master’s -name, alledging that the Almoçadem had sent it as a friendly token, -requiring from his relation in return only a satisfactory account of the -province he governed, as it was said at Mequinez, to be ripe for -revolt.--The credulous Alcayde readily promised to give him every -information on the morrow; and immediately issued orders, for the guards -from Alcazar to be refreshed in his house, and lodged there during their -stay. - -Sebastian now carelessly told him the story of their officious -protection, at which the foolish Alcayde laughed heartily, though he -deigned to say, they had not acted amiss; and telling the Christian to -repose himself wherever he chose, left him for the night. - -It was quite dark at this time, and the room in which Sebastian -remained, opened into a piazza on the outer side of the house: the sound -of laughter and voices, mixed with the sharp notes of a tabor, and the -ringing of drinking cups, assured him that Ben Tarab and his followers -were already relaxing from their watchings, among the domestics of the -Alcayde.--The Syrian had hastily sketched out to him the site of a -neighbouring village, from whence he might possibly cross to Spain, (for -to reach Ceutah or Tangier undiscovered, was out of the question) and by -the rocks he saw towering before him, he knew the village must be at -hand: now then was the moment for flight. He felt in his sash to -ascertain if the remainder of Kara Aziek’s present was safe, and feeling -it under his hand, he pushed open a latticed door, and sprung into the -piazza. - -A short winding path brought him to a slanting defile of rocks, whose -feet were washed by the united seas of the Atlantic and Mediterranean; -the sublime sound of their waves, first quickened the motion of -Sebastian’s heart and steps; he rushed forwards, and their vast volume -of waters, heaving under a clouded sky, burst upon his view. - -Joy unnerved him; he stood rivetted for awhile, straining his eager eyes -towards the shore of Spain. Through the dusky night, the lofty rock of -Gibraltar (towering like some fabled giant) was alone dimly discernible; -its watch-fires cast a sullen gloom above the horizon, now ascending -steadily, now blown by sudden gusts along the air, roused by the -creaking of vessels, the King started from his trance, and hurried to -the village. - -It consisted of a few fishing-huts, and except an old man and his son -who were busy in towing their bark to shore, all its inhabitants were -gone to rest. There was just light enough for these men to see in the -hand of Sebastian, a heap of sequins, with which he tempted them to put -off immediately for any port on the opposite coast: they hesitated only -a short time; his ardent intreaties and persuasive manner, but above -all, his gold, decided them to incur any risks, they once more hoisted -their sail, he leaped into the bark, and in a few minutes they were far -out at sea. - -Is there a heart to which liberty is sacred, to which a country and a -home are dear, that does not throb with anxiety for Sebastian? and if -that heart has known the bitterness of long and hopeless exile from -these blessings, will it not paint his feelings only too faithfully?-- - -As the little boat flew direct before the wind, and the waves roared and -foamed round its slender keel, the King of Portugal sat motionless, like -one stunned; his eyes indeed moved; they roved over every object again -and again, to impress their reality upon his mind with that assurance he -felt it needed: doubtfully he hearkened to the splashing of the sea, -mistrusting the evidence of every sense, and unable to steady or to -compose his thoughts. - -Assuredly joy overcomes us more frequently than sorrow: perhaps it is -because we arm ourselves against the latter, and abandon ourselves to -the former without reserve. - -While myriads of bright visions were passing and repassing through -Sebastian’s entranced imagination, the fisherman and his son were -shifting their sail and tacking about with plodding indifference; they -neither observed nor shared their royal companion’s emotion. - -The wind continued favorable, the coast of Africa receded, and the -fertile mountains of Grenada and Andalusia advanced from the horizon: -the vessel now ran into a creek, and disembarked her crew. - -The moment Sebastian’s foot pressed Christian ground, he threw himself -down and embraced it; gratitude and adoration locked up the powers of -speech; so much pain and pleasure melted his heart, that it was too big -for utterance, and he wept. His companions did not long allow him an -indulgence of this honorable weakness, their voices made him start from -the earth, he flung them their reward, and then they hastened away. - - - - -CHAP. IV. - - -Day was just breaking over the high tops of an olive ground, beneath -which stood a solitary cottage; Sebastian approached, and unwillingly -roused its inhabitants: they were a simple good couple, and finding that -their disturber was a Portuguese escaped from Barbary, they brought him -in, forced refreshment on him, half-wearied him with questions, and at -length resigned to him the only bed their habitation afforded. - -Secure of freedom, and of all the blessings in its train, the King -hastened to give repose, both to his body and to his mind; his exhausted -spirit bathed itself in a long and deep sleep, which not even a blissful -dream disturbed: the noon-day sun awoke him to a livelier sense of what -he had regained. - -Glowing with rapturous emotions, and eagerly anticipating that moment -which should restore him to Donna Gonsalva, he knew it would be -impossible for him to endure those delays which must arise, were he to -declare himself in Spain or in his own dominions, ere he had reached -Xabregas; he therefore determined upon travelling disguised, and giving -himself the romantic delight of surprizing her. - -Having told the people who lodged him that he was a Portuguese officer -journeying homewards, he had no difficulty in procuring a guide and -mules to take him through Andaluzia, the low condition of the men with -whom he must associate during his journey, would render a recognition of -his person very improbable, and relying on this circumstance, he left -the sea-coast without apprehension of discovery. - -In one of the valleys through which he passed, the ringing of a convent -bell gave the welcome tidings of evening prayers; how many months had -elapsed since that holy sound had spoken to him of heaven! he hastened -to obey its summons, and leaving his guide in charge of the mules, went -into the chapel: scarcely any one was there except a few poor monks. -Sebastian prostrated himself before the image of his dying Saviour, and -the emotion of his heart again flowed out in tears. - -Tears like these the manliest eyes need not disdain shedding; nay, tears -like these, honor him who sheds them. - -Animated by this delightful act of duty, he retired immediately after -the service, and regained the muleteer; they set forward once more -towards Portugal. - -Traversing the luxuriant vineyards of Andaluzia, they followed for some -time the course of the Gaudiana, then crossing its stream, they left its -wild rocky banks far behind, entering upon that part of Portugal which -is denominated the kingdom of Algarve. - -As Sebastian descended the steep heights that divide the two countries, -the winds sweeping over his native land, came on his sense with -imaginary sweetness: at every gale, the remembrance of former joys -became more vivid, and his heart beat with additional impatience. -Freedom had so intoxicated him, that he hoped even against -probabilities, expecting to find his Gonsalva’s beauty and health -unimpaired, and his uncle willing to resign the sovereign power without -a struggle. - -Sometimes grateful thought turned back to Africa, and a blessing on the -gentle Kara Aziek would burst from his lips; but such thoughts were -transient, for love, friendship, and a kingdom, were before him. - -Travelling without intermission, only snatching a hasty meal -occasionally at some goatherd’s cabin, or under solitary shades. -Sebastian, with his guide, quickly traversed Algarve, penetrated through -a pass of the Sierras de Caldaraon successively into the provinces of -Alentejo and Estremadura, and at last found himself in the vicinity of -his own capital. - -Having dismissed his guide, he now sought some obscure house where he -might make such enquiries as hitherto he had urged in vain: the people -whom he questioned could merely tell him that the prior of Crato had, -indeed, escaped from Barbary very soon after his capture, and that the -cardinal King was declining fast.--Of Donna Gonsalva they knew nothing. - -In those days information of court changes did not travel down to the -lower ranks of society, as it does now in these freer times; newspapers -and magazines were then unknown; the titled and the powerful were -considered like so many gods, and their actions were as imperfectly -known and as rarely scrutinized as if they really dwelt above the -clouds.--Sebastian, therefore, was forced to satisfy himself with the -belief, that if she had fallen a sacrifice to grief, her death must have -become public, he consequently concluded that she was still living in -the palace of Xabregas. - -To Xabregas hastened the young and impassioned lover. While hurrying -over the road which led to it, his warm fancy pictured in endless -variety the circumstances of their meeting; the well-remembered beauty -and enchantments of Gonsalva agitated him to weakness: “Another moment -and I shall hold her in my arms!” he exclaimed, hastily advancing to the -private gate of her abode. The gate yielded to his hand; he entered, and -treading lightly across an angle of the garden, passed into a pavilion -whence issued a secret passage leading into the state apartments of the -palace. - -The springs of every door were known to Sebastian; he pressed one, which -opening, led him into the subterranean gallery: breathless, trembling, -almost flying, he was at the entrance of a favorite room of Donna -Gonsalva’s ere he thought of the alarm his appearance might cause her; -he paused, and for that instant his limbs failed under him; but the -sound of Gonsalva’s voice banished every temperate consideration, -new-strung his nerves, and made him suddenly push open the door. - -Donna Gonsalva was standing alone with her back towards him, she turned -round, and Sebastian beheld again that resplendent beauty which had -never for a moment been absent from his thoughts.--He rushed forwards -and fell at her feet. - -Overpowered with the violence and the variety of his emotions, her very -name expired in sighs on his lips, and he could only cover her hands -with kisses and with tears. - -At sight of a man coarsely habited and obscured with dust, Donna -Gonsalva uttered a cry of terror; but the action of Sebastian, his -emotion, the well-known touch of his lips and hands, the very -circumstance of his entering by a private way, made him apparent to her: -she turned deadly pale, and sunk upon a seat without speaking. - -Her impassioned lover hastened to support her in his arms: “Yes, -Gonsalva!” he exclaimed, in a voice broken by excess of joy--“My own -Gonsalva! it is your Sebastian who now presses you to his enraptured -heart.” - -Amazement! Donna Gonsalva struggled in his embrace. Still silent, she -endeavoured to escape from his arms, sometimes appearing on the point of -calling for assistance, and then suddenly checking herself. - -The young King hastily threw off his hat and pushed aside his hair; -“Look at me, my beloved!” he exclaimed wildly, “look at me and -acknowledge your Sebastian; changed as my person is, surely my voice, -this agitation--” - -“Release me!” interrupted Gonsalva, averting her head still more,--“I -know you not: Don Sebastian is dead.” - -The King looked at her with surprize, amounting to stupefaction; “Dead!” -he repeated, “you have believed me dead, and yet live on in health and -beauty--Gonsalva, is this reception acted to try me?--O yes, yes,” he -added, again falling passionately at her feet,--“You cannot have -forgotten me,--you cannot have ceased to love the man who has suffered -so long, so much, and so faithfully.” Again he wrapt his arms round her, -and again she struggled and broke away. - -As she fled towards one of the doors, her foot struck against a little -couch and awoke an infant that was sleeping there. At the sound of a -child’s cry, Sebastian was transfixed, but instantly recovering, he -sprung forwards and tearing off the covering mantle, beheld a boy whose -features appeared to mingle those of two well-known faces: his eyes -flashed from the couch to Donna Gonsalva. Covered with confusion, and -scarcely conscious of what she was doing, she hurried back, and threw -herself on the bed to conceal the child. - -Pale, aghast, speechless, lost in a mist of frightful apprehensions, -Sebastian remained gazing on her; crowds of agonizing recollections, of -vanishing hopes and wishes, floated confusedly before him. Was this the -welcome he had expected? was this the fond Gonsalva whose gratitude and -friendship he had pledged so liberally to Kara Aziek and to Gaspar? was -this she, for whose dear sake he had slighted, afflicted, and abandoned -the tenderest of hearts. - -“Gonsalva!” he sternly said, after a long silence, “you know me, and you -are false. Nay, attempt not to fly;” he added, seizing her arm with an -iron grasp, “stay and explain this damned mystery.” - -The hitherto-confounded beauty now haughtily raised herself, and making -a bold effort, ordered him to leave her. “Whoever you are, she added, -that dares usurp the name of Don Sebastian, and intrude thus upon my -privacy, I command you to quit me: the King of Portugal, were he indeed -alive would not have presented himself thus before me.” - -The air of disdain with which she spoke was yet clouded with terror. -Sebastian’s reason became unsettled: “by the blessed mother of Jesus!” -he cried, “I know not what to think! is it possible that only fourteen -months have so utterly changed my person, my voice, my manner, that -_you_ should doubt my identity? O Gonsalva, bless me but by saying that -Sebastian’s memory still reigns in your heart, and I will soon convince -you that it is he who now stands before you agonized and disappointed.” - -Again love and hope, mingled with grief, floated his eyes; Donna -Gonsalva uttered a few inarticulate, evasive words: in astonishment the -King looked wildly at her, then at himself, and seizing the arm he had -let go, he dragged her towards a mirror, where he gazed intently for a -moment upon his own figure, exclaiming in a voice of thunder, “I am -_not_ so changed! you know me, faithless, inhuman woman!” - -The fury of his looks made Gonsalva’s frail heart quail within her; fear -banished artifice, and she sunk to the ground, imploring him by name, -not to destroy her. - -As self-preservation was now her first object, she besought him to -forgive her infidelity--to allow for the desperation of her present -shame, to be assured that the belief of his death and the unceasing -importunities of Don Antonio de Crato, had alone rendered her untrue. At -the name of her new lover the unfortunate Sebastian staggered a few -paces and fell against the side of the apartment: What a blow, to find -himself at the same instant betrayed by his friend and by his mistress! - -Terrified at the consequences of her imprudent disclosure, Gonsalva -began to intercede for her guilty lover and her child: Sebastian ran his -eyes over her without speaking; despair and destruction was in that -devouring look; it increased the terror of Gonsalva, and she clung to -his knees, sobbing out expressions of penitence.--Invincible beauty -still gave an angel’s semblance to her deceptive features; as Sebastian -beheld that heavenly countenance deluged with tears, his head swam, his -heart melted, his convictions were shaken; Gonsalva saw her advantage, -and redoubled her seducing contrition; but at that moment the accidental -disorder of her drapery discovered that she would soon again become a -mother. - -Recovered by this sight, he broke away, and hurried to the cradle: for -awhile he stood over it with a terrible countenance; his looks changed -every instant, all his joints shook, he did not speak, but the drops of -agony on his forehead seemed to say, “Live on! thou hast not betrayed -me.” - -Hastily he averted his head from the mother and child, and without -having uttered a word, rushed from the apartment. - -Darting along the private passages, and then taking the first path that -presented itself, he was soon several miles from the groves of Xabregas. - -The mind of Sebastian was now in that tumultuous state which is the very -acme of misery; a state in which every object of suffering is distinctly -perceived, while memory appears sharpened by the very acuteness of -regret: like the waves of a stormy sea, thought urged on thought, -without order or intermission; those hours once spent with Gonsalva and -Antonio, and those expectations, which for fourteen long months had -cheered the gloom of slavery, now thronged on him like spectres. He -traversed hills, valleys, and woods, with the rapidity of madness, -vainly seeking to fly from himself. - -Night was far spent, when he heard himself addressed by a stranger; he -stopt, and beheld an honest-looking man standing at the door of a -solitary little inn, where some travellers were just alighting from -their horses. - -“What makes you journey through such a night as this?” said the man, “If -you have a mind for a shelter, stay here and welcome; by your garb you -seem a poor fellow and not able to pay for a supper--yet you shall have -something to eat nevertheless.” - -Sebastian paused at the voice of kindness, and found that he was indeed -roving about under a dreadful storm: the rain failing in sheets had -wetted him through, and he was without a hat, having left it in the -chamber of Donna Gonsalva.--Bowing silently, he followed the benevolent -innkeeper. - -On the threshold of his door the good man paused, and holding a lamp up -to Sebastian’s face, uttered an exclamation of surprise at his haggard -looks, adding, “However, there’s something in that countenance that -tells me I am not going to harbour a robber, so come in poor fellow.” - -Sebastian followed him into a large kitchen where the horsemen who -preceded him were already seating themselves near a fire: by their dress -and mien two of them appeared noble, and the remaining four, their -attendants. They took no notice of the King, but called for wine and -omelets, and began discoursing about the weather: meanwhile the humane -landlord offered his humbler looking guest some cheese and onions; -Sebastian in a low voice declined the coarse supper; he wrapt himself up -in his capote and stood remote from the fire, thinking upon the past -scene with Donna Gonsalva. - -Of her guilt, and that of his cousin Antonio, he could scarcely doubt; -her own confession, and the existence of the child, were proofs -undeniable, and from the apparent age of the latter it was evident, that -their criminal intercourse must have begun ere the period of his -attachment to Gonsalva: the conduct and conversation of Don Emanuel, -(hitherto so mysterious) then flashed across his mind, and his blood -froze when he thought that, but for his persevering conduct, he might -have become the husband of Antonio’s mistress. - -With what piercing regret did he recall the harsh treatment of the -generous De Castro, who had too surely suspected, if not known, the -guilty secret!--A groan now escaped him that made the company start: -fearful of exciting curiosity, he drew his cloak round his face, and -moved further from the light, complaining of a sudden pain.--The -travellers eyed him suspiciously and laid fire-arms on the table. - -Of his Crown and his people, Sebastian thought no more; the monstrous -ingratitude of Antonio, the perfidy of Gonsalva, and their mutual -duplicity, (which he vainly endeavoured to trace back to some suspicious -circumstances,) alone occupied him; he did not even glance towards the -measures he should pursue for the recovery of his rights as a sovereign; -but while he sat lost in rumination, the sound of his own name made him -start: it was spoken in a conversation now held in Latin by the two -superior travellers.--Attention completely roused, enabled him to catch -every word, though the men spoke in low tones, and seemed afraid that -not even a learned language was a sufficient guard for their subject. - -The moment these travellers laid aside their large feathered hats, -Sebastian recognized two of his own courtiers. - -“You will find it difficult to convince me of this,” said the younger. - -“What! you don’t doubt the fact?” cried his companion, “do you -disbelieve that a man, arrived from Africa, who asserted it to be true?” - -“No, I do not question that;” rejoined the other, “but I believe the -fellow told an impudent lie. Don Sebastian fell at Alcazar, as sure as -yon poor rogue stands shivering in the corner.” - -“I am not of your opinion:” answered the elder gentleman, “I was present -when this man from Barbary brought the intelligence to Don Antonio; his -account was so clear and circumstantial that I did not scruple to avow -my faith in it: and though Don Antonio pretended to treat it with -contempt; I saw it alarmed him dreadfully; and well it might, for the -return of Don Sebastian would be a day of awkward reckoning for him.” - -“Pshaw!” exclaimed the other cavalier, “had Don Antonio believed the -impostor, policy would have made him stop the news-bringer’s mouth.” - -“The Portuguese seemed to guess as much,” returned the former speaker, -“for though he promised to come again on the ensuing day, he posted off -from Crato to the houses of different nobles, telling the same story, -and praying to have it carried to the King.” - -“Well! and why were all these persons unbelievers too, if the tale -appeared so true?” - -“Why?--because every one of them are either pretenders to the -succession, or friends to the pretenders. Some were partizans of Philip -of Spain, others of the Braganzas, the Prince of Parma, &c. nobles who -knew well that the restoration of their former sovereign would not -afford them such a chance for power, as a scramble amongst numbers. Our -old Cardinal draws to an end, in a few months perhaps the Spaniard will -sit on his throne, (for in my opinion he stands the best chance), and we -all got a hint of the way to please Philip, by hearing how rigorously he -treated every officer who returned from Africa, and ventured to speak -doubtfully of Sebastian’s death. If Don Sebastian could get here by -miracle, he would not find a man in Portugal unbiassed by some faction; -he might return to his chains.” - -That Sebastian of whom he spoke, was now kindling into fury; he gnawed -his nether lip, and grasped his cloak with a convulsive action.--The -last speaker resumed. - -“Every body concludes that our present monarch relished the first report -of his nephew’s being alive as little as Philip; for I can tell you that -Don Emanuel de Castro would not have got the viceroyalty of Brazil had -it not been deemed politic to send him out of a country which he was -continually agitating by assertions of Sebastian’s existence: nay, the -silence of his ministers on the subject of this last report, and the -disappearance of the poor devil himself, speaks pretty plain; the rope -or the cup has most likely silenced him for ever.” - -At this horrible conjecture, the joy of hearing that De Castro lived, -and was in a land of freedom, gave way to anguish, a second groan burst -from the unhappy King, the speakers stopt, and fixed their eyes on him. - -“Who is this fellow?” asked one of them: “a sick traveller, I fancy,” -replied the landlord, drawing near and speaking softly, “or rather I -should think a poor youth crossed in love: for he has a noble -countenance, full of grievous wildness, and was roving about under all -that storm without feeling it.” - -The good man now approached with a cup of wine, to which Sebastian put -his lips, that he might avoid importunity, acknowledging that he was -sick: the travellers resumed their discourse. - -“For my part,” said one, “I would never draw a sword to rescue Don -Sebastian, his court was too moral for me: neither Venus nor Bacchus was -worshipped there, and where they are not worshipped, I beg leave to make -my congé. Besides, he put a public affront upon my cousin, the young -Marquis Cellamare: he happened to carry off the daughter of a merchant; -the old man got her back after one night’s absence only, yet he -complained to the King, and he insisted on Cellamare’s offering her -honourable reparation in presence of her family and his own: the girl -(tutored by Don Sebastian, no doubt), affected to despise such -reparation, preferred taking the veil, and refused him.” - -“Refused him!” repeated the other. - -“Yes, indeed: the degradation was thus made worse than if she had -polluted his illustrious blood by becoming his wife: you were not in -Portugal then, I know.” - -“No, I was in Italy,” rejoined his companion, “now I know your -sentiments, I will frankly confess that I do not pray for the -rash-brained monarch’s return--he was liberal enough, to be sure, but -then he exacted heavy returns.--For instance, he gave me a regiment, but -it was on condition I followed his mad course to Morocco: fortunately -the opportune sickness and death of my wife kept me at home. No, no, Don -Sebastian made away with all his friends, when he led on twenty thousand -Portuguese like himself, to slaughter, at Alcazar.” - -Quivering with restrained fury, his eyes striking fire, the young -monarch started from his seat, and half-sprung towards the ungrateful -miscreants--but suddenly recollecting himself, he turned away, and -hastily left the apartment. - -As he went through a passage opening into a field, he found the -landlord had followed him: “What is the matter with thee, friend!” said -he, “my guests pronounce thee mad, and recommend my turning thee out: I -have not heart to do that--Lopez Vernara never yet closed his door on -the houseless.” - -Sebastian turned round with a look of anguish somewhat sweetened by -grateful feelings; “I am not mad--not quite mad,” he said, “though at -this moment the most wretched of men. Fear nothing from me, honest -Lopez--suffer me only to rest in some place where the sound of human -voice may not reach me. I can reward thee, for I am not so poor as I -seem.” - -The good innkeeper pointed to a barn at a little distance. “Go there,” -he said, “you will find plenty of clean straw, and no soul shall disturb -you. Jesu help thee, poor youth, thou lookest at thy wit’s end!” Lopez -turned back into the house as he concluded, and Sebastian wildly trode -the path before him. - -The information afforded by the two travellers had thrown his mind into -fresh tumults: to find himself thus blotted out from his subjects’ -hearts, hated for his justice, derided by those he had served, betrayed -by those he loved, forgotten almost by the whole world, an outcast even -in his own kingdom--was a consummation to his misery, which not even -misanthropy could have imagined. Murdered for his sake, Gaspar seemed to -cry aloud for vengeance: yet where was he to find the means of -retribution, when the court, the army, and the people, were steeled -against him? - -What a return! and how fearful was the spectacle which it presented!--as -if a veil had been torn off by some invisible power, he beheld every -heart in which he fondly thought himself cherished, false to their vows, -and panting for his blood! his sick soul--“sick unto death,”--turned -from object to object with increasing anguish: the only human beings -whose love could be relied on, were out of his reach; De Castro, though -living, was beyond the Atlantic, Gaspar in the grave, and Kara Aziek in -the hateful empire of Morocco. - -These convictions half-disordered Sebastian’s brain: he walked with an -irregular pace, sometimes stopping, then darting eagerly forwards; -alternately striking his breast and his forehead, repeating, as their -images shot through his mind, the names of Gaspar, Antonio, and the -perfidious Gonsalva. - -Though it was his wish and his interest to remain unknown, the mere -circumstance of having passed unrecognized by two men whom he had so -often noticed, joined to the singular fortune of never having been once -suspected for their King by any of the Portuguese, now completed his -anguish: distempered in mind, he saw not a single exception to the -prevalent forgetfulness; but wild with grief, with indignation, with -blasted expectations, hurried into the barn and cast himself on a heap -of straw: “Leave me my reason, O, God!” he exclaimed, in a voice, the -tone of which proclaimed a reason just tottering on the verge of -madness. - -At that sound, a rustling was heard amongst the straw, Sebastian started -up, the next moment a large rough dog sprung towards him, and leaping -against his breast, sent forth a cry of joy: “Barémel! Barémel!--O, -heaven! and art thou then the only one?” Interrupted by a gush of -tenderness, the houseless monarch clasped his dumb friend in his arms; -then recollecting the last time he had seen him, and the words he had -spoken, “Stay and be loved for my sake,” his heart became so subdued -that he burst into tears, and wept with all the vehemence of a woman. - -Whining and fawning on him, Barémel lay at his master’s feet, with -upturned eyes, expressive of that instinctive attachment which so often -shames the affection of reasoning man: the King now stood painfully -contemplating this added proof of popular instability; “If thou hadst -become hateful to Antonio’s mistress,” he exclaimed, “was there none of -my court who would take thee in, and cherish thee for my sake!--poor -Barémel! from a palace to a shed!--the favorites of fallen princes can -hope for nothing better.”--He smiled gloomily, and sinking down on the -straw, laid his head upon the body of Barémel. - -The happy animal seemed proud of his royal burthen; Sebastian then fell -into a train of less distracted but equally wounding thought, till by -degrees stupor succeeded to frenzy; his feelings became benumbed and “a -waveless calm” spread over them: imperceptibly every agitating image -faded away, till deep sleep, like midnight darkness, buried all things -in profound oblivion. - -Early the next day, after seeing his nobler guests on their horses, -Lopez came to learn how the poor traveller had rested; he found him -asleep with Barémel. On advancing to awake them, the dog sprung and -seized the good man by his coat--Sebastian opened his eyes, and at his -command Barémel released old Lopez. “Thou’rt an honest fellow I’ll be -sworn!” exclaimed the latter, “or this dog would not have taken a fancy -to thee.--Come, get up and let me give thee some breakfast.” - -Briefly thanking him for his offer, the King enquired how he came to be -in possession of a creature that had once belonged to their sovereign. -Lopez eyed him curiously; “So, thou hast been a courtier, friend! or -mayhap a soldier, and--” Sebastian interrupted him, willing to lull the -curiosity which might otherwise annoy him. - -“I am a soldier,” he said, “lately escaped from Africa. After fourteen -months slavery, I have returned to my country to find some friends dead, -many perfidious; my rights usurped by others, and the woman I adored, -false,--false as hell!” he paused, and the before pale gloom of his -countenance, was now changed to the crimson flush of frenzy;--then -recollecting himself, he added, “wonder not that I am half -distracted--the sight of this dog, which I remember to have seen -following the King, has brought back some ideas that ought never again -to agitate this betrayed heart.--How did you get this dog?” - -“Why, by good luck,” replied Lopez, “one of my cousins, you see, is -under scullion in the kitchen of the Donna Gonsalva Vimiosa--she that -our last King was to have married. Sorrow on her! what a jade she has -proved! worse, I reckon, than the woman you are raving about--Come, come -man, don’t shake so; women were sad deceiving devils ever since the -fall.--I dare say now, your jilt had not played the harlot with your -cousin, as this Donna Gonsalva has done? all the world cried shame on -her. You see, in less than five months after the King’s sailing for -Africa, she brings into the world a chopping child, at first my lady -tried to make it out the King’s, and said they were privately married; -but on Don Emanuel de Castro’s getting back from Barbary, he disproved -that story somehow, and she would have gone to die in the inquisition, -had not the prior Antonio boldly owned her and the child, procured an -absolution for them both from the Pope, and so forced the present King -to pardon her. - -“See the world now!--the other day she was scorned by every body because -both she and her paramour were in disgrace at court, but since the King -gets so infirm and seems so averse to fix the succession, all the world -worships her again. People think, you see, that Don Antonio will have -the throne.” - -“Where then are the Braganzas?” exclaimed Sebastian, “What claims can -the bastard Antonio make?” - -“Why, you see,” replied Lopez, “this same Antonio would have the best -right if he could prove himself the lawful son of our cardinal King’s -brother, the late duke De Beja; and so since he cannot prove it, he -swears it; that is, he gives out that his father and mother were -secretly married.--As for the Duchess of Braganza, she poor soul -scarcely cares for a throne; her heart is out of this world.” - -“Alas!” exclaimed Sebastian, “did she lose both her sons in that fatal -battle? Surely the Duke of Barcelos was only taken prisoner?” - -“Only!” repeated Lopez, “Holy Mary defend us! you soldiers think nothing -of such matters. I can tell you, my lady duchess did not make so light -of it when she got her poor boy back again, with a face like a corpse. -He’ll never be the ruddy youth he was.” - -“He is returned then?” said Sebastian sighing deeply, “but the noble -Diego, that wondrous child”-- - -“He never came back,” interrupted the good Vernara, “Alas, what a sad -day was that which brought the disastrous news! My cousin, who has a -sweetheart in the duchess’s family, was there when an officer came who -had received his last breath.--The pretty boy was killed by a cannon -ball: he fell in his place, following the King; and you may be sure then -that he fell in the thick of the battle.” - -At this passing tribute to his bravery, the cheek of Sebastian suddenly -glowed; he turned aside to conceal his emotion, and Lopez went on; “the -King’s arm beat back the coward Moors that would have trampled over his -pretty page; so this officer that I was speaking of, had time to stop -and see if he could assist him, but the dear child made a sign that he -would not be taken off the field; he grasped the officer’s hand and -said, ‘tell my mother’--he could not go on, so pointing up to Heaven and -raising his eyes with such a smile as if he would have said he was going -to join angels like himself, he fetched a gentle sigh, and died.” - -Lopez put the back of his hand to his eyes as he spoke, and when he -removed it again, it was quite wet with tears: the severer emotion of -his royal companion shook his voice, as he hastily said--“but this dog, -Lopez--you have not told me how it came into your possession.” - -“O, aye, the dog--why you see the Donna Gonsalva took an aversion to it, -and ordered her people to put it out of her sight--that you know was -next hand to bidding it be killed--however nobody liked to do that, and -yet they were afraid to give it a courtier in case she should see it -again; so my cousin offers to take it to me, because, as he said, I had -a wonderful knack at gaining dumb creatures’ hearts, and would be sure -to make him stay with me; and sure enough, so it turned out; for Barémel -laid himself down as soon as Garcias brought him in, and never seemed to -want to go back again.” - -Sebastian looked at the animal with an expression of piercing pain, for -he could not forbear thinking poor Barémel had had no caresses to -regret when he left Xabregas. - -While such thoughts passed through his mind, he was tempted to ask -himself whether he were awake; a groan of bitter conviction followed the -question. “Do you remember Don Sebastian?” he said, abruptly. - -“Not I, Lord help you; I never saw him.--Some folks say he’s alive -still, and that he’ll be amongst us when we don’t expect it; but for my -part I wish he may be dead, for he’d find but a dismal welcome in -Portugal. All his young nobles courting the prior of Crato because he -makes one in their lewd courses; the old ones sticking to the cardinal -on account of his peaceableness; the poor folks not knowing which side -to take for fear of their betters; Donna Gonsalva turned into a common -harlot,--mercy on us! I’d rather be a mouldering corpse in the shabbiest -burying-ground that ever was, than the living Don Sebastian with such -vexations to meet him.” - -Sebastian suddenly laid his icy hand on the arm of Lopez, with so -convulsive a grasp, and such a ghastly smile, that the innkeeper turned -mortal pale, and began to tremble; he thought himself in the power of a -maniac, whom he pitied and yet feared: the wretched Sebastian seeing his -terror withdrew some steps, saying in a softened tone, “forgive my -strangeness, worthy Lopez: do not wonder that my own sufferings, and -sympathy with those of an unfortunate prince should thus transport me. I -will trouble you no longer, give me some food, for I must be gone.” - -Lopez hastened to obey; alarmed by the varying complexion and eyes of -his companion, by his irregular steps and suffocated voice: he led him -into the kitchen, where he placed before him some coarse food, though -the best he possessed. Sebastian ate a few mouthfuls without sitting -down, and with an averted face, for there were soldiers and servants in -the place by whom he feared a discovery: having finished his scanty -meal, he walked quickly out of the kitchen, motioning for Lopez to -follow him. - -By the time the corpulent innkeeper overtook him in an adjoining field, -he had drawn from his bosom the treasure of Kara Aziek, and selected -from it a bracelet of gems: this graceful ornament forcibly recalled its -generous wearer, and fixing his eyes on it with a mixture of regret, -tenderness, and consolation, he sighed often and deeply. - -The gems sparkling in daylight rivetted the attention of Lopez, and he -ventured to commend their beauty: awakened by this remark, Sebastian -turned round; “Friend!” he said, with an air of gentler sadness, “your -kindness has not been thrown away upon an ungrateful man; I have found -one heart in Portugal worthy of a Portuguese: take this precious -present, turn it into money, and continue, with added means, to succour -the unfortunate. Do not eye me with distrust,” (he added, seeing Lopez -retreat doubtfully,) “I came honestly by it; ’twas the gift of one to -whom I owe my freedom. She is a Moor, Lopez, an infidel, join your -prayers with mine for her conversion and her salvation: promise me that -you will never pray, without soliciting the saints to intercede in -Heaven for her soul.” - -Again Lopez thought his companion mad, and gently putting aside the -bracelet, exclaimed, “Poor youth! I would not rob thee for the whole -world; thy brain is disordered, thou knowest not what thou are doing.” - -Touched with such uncommon disinterestedness, the amiable monarch -exerted himself to convince Lopez that he was perfectly reasonable and -sincere; after much difficulty he succeeded: Lopez took the jewels, and -gave up his title to Barémel. Sebastian squeezed the hand of his host, -and telling him to remember the Moorish lady in his prayers, plunged -into a neighbouring thicket. - -The royal wanderer was now journeying towards the river Zadaon, near the -extremity of which lay the home of Gaspar: he hoped to learn there -something of that humble friend, to have preserved whose life he would -willingly have poured forth all his blood; and hope yet surviving every -shock, began to soothe him with promises of Gaspar’s safety. - -On that subject alone, could hope exert her heart-supporting influence, -all others were desperate; and the wretched Sebastian, blasted in every -tender expectation, dishonored by the matchless depravity of her who was -to have shared his throne, wished only to find some gloomy solitude -where he might bury his shame and his despair. - -A betrayed lover cannot easily learn to think of the woman who once -entranced him, in any other manner than that to which he has been -accustomed; impressions repeated again and again are not to be -immediately effaced by one impression, however just; the heart retains -its first print of excellence long after a faithless object has ceased -to impress it: we may regret without weakness for a while, what it would -be meanness to love on, for ever; in short, we may lament that the -brightest vision of our days was _but_ a vision! - -Sebastian could not revert to his last interview with Donna Gonsalva, -and not find his thoughts hurried away by a multitude of softening -recollections; past looks of tenderness, impassioned replies, tears, -caresses, the touch of her hand, the tone of her voice, thrilled through -his veins with the force of present existence; then returned the -conviction of her baseness, and he cast himself on the ground, bathing -it with tears, and uttering a thousand distracted exclamations. - -His devious course was too frequently interrupted by these bursts of -despair; but he quickly recovered himself, for friendship yet claimed a -share in his soul, and whether Gaspar lived or died, his family had -claims on the protection of Sebastian. - -Travelling through the wildest, because least frequented roads, the King -procured food at goat-herds’ huts, or from passing muleteers; his -remaining sequins gave him the means of paying these people well, and -the watchfulness of Barémel rendered any precaution for his personal -safety wholly needless: at night they slept together amongst woods, and -in the day journied along, rarely noticed by those who met them. - -During his route, Sebastian had more than once taken out the letter -given him by Kara Aziek, but his bleeding heart shrunk from the pain of -reading sentiments so tender and so noble; sentiments which would revive -too forcibly the vanished virtue of Donna Gonsalva. “Another time,” he -exclaimed, as he returned the sealed vellum to his breast, “another -time, matchless angel! for _woman_ I will not call thee. I was to have -read this after my re-union with----,” that perfidious name died upon -his tongue; he started up, called to Barémel, and hastened to lose -thought, in the rapidity of violent motion. - -Remembering the directions originally given by Gaspar, Sebastian left -the Zadaon on his right, and entered some beautiful meadows, among which -stood the cottage of his friend’s mother. The mists of morning were but -just beginning to clear away from its low roof, and no sound of man or -cattle came from the fields around. He approached the cottage; its -windows were closed, its garden in ruins: the silence that reigned there -caused his heart to stop; could it be possible, he thought, for the -family of Gaspar to have shared his cruel fate? grief and horror seized -him at this suggestion. - -With an unsteady hand he shook the fastened door, calling loudly for -admittance: after several attempts to rouse the inhabitants, if -inhabitants there were, he was preparing to relinquish them in despair, -when a casement was cautiously opened, and a female voice was heard to -ask, in a tone of extreme alarm, who was there; this question was only -answered by a hasty inquiry of whether she belonged to the family of -Gaspar Ribeiro. - -At this demand the young woman uttered a faint cry, exclaiming “O, don’t -harm us!--indeed, indeed, he is not here.” - -Perceiving that she mistook him for some officer of justice, the King -told her in a tone of convincing gentleness, that he was a friend, not -an enemy; one that had shared captivity with Gaspar, and sought only -the satisfaction of beholding him again. - -At this assurance the girl hastened down, and opening the door, admitted -Sebastian into a low, earth-floored room, in which he saw a younger -girl, half clothed, pale, and trembling: their resemblance to Gaspar, -and the desolateness of their situation, struck him so forcibly, that -uttering an expression of concern, in which the name of his friend was -more than once repeated, he sat down to recover himself. - -The two young women looked at him fearfully: his habit, indeed, was mean -and shattered, but the nobleness of his countenance, the grandeur of his -mien, awakened a suspicion of his real character. “My brother spoke but -of one companion in slavery,” said Marakita, the eldest, hesitating as -she proceeded, “and to him he gave a pledge at parting, a ring which--” - -Without speaking, Sebastian held out his hand, and Marakita recognizing -on it a coarse bauble that had once been her own, hastened to prostrate -herself at the feet of her sovereign: struggling in vain to repress his -extreme emotion, Sebastian raised her and her sister, desiring them to -tell him the fate of their brother. Marakita took out a letter from an -old leather case which she had hidden under a stone of the door-way, and -gave it the King; opening it, he read eagerly as follows. - -“Most honoured sovereign, and may I venture to say, dear as honoured! -should these ill-written lines ever come into your hands, (and God alone -knows how to bring that blessed event to pass) I hope they may be given -you on your throne; then you will not forget, sire, the poor orphans who -present it, nor blush to acknowledge their self-exiled brother: but if, -as I fear, it should be given to you after your unassisted return, O! -let it warn you to trust no man in Portugal. Interest and ambition have -corrupted every heart. - -“They who should have loved their King most, have injured him most. I -have personally applied to Donna Gonsalva, to Don Antonio, to the Dukes -of Braganza and D’Aveyro, nay, to the Cardinal Regent himself, and all -have pretended to disbelieve me. I have been imprisoned for my zeal, but -thanks to an honest fellow-soldier have escaped, and am at this moment -writing in a vessel bound for the land of Brazil: a man who is leaving -her, and will journey towards the interior, has promised to convey this -packet to my sisters. May the saints guide him on his way! - -“I go, sire, to make a last effort for justice. Don Emanuel de Castro, -the most upright of your majesty’s subjects, having been ransomed out of -Barbary, is at present the Viceroy at St. Salvador; his great soul never -yet knew any other ambition than that of being unsurpassed in virtue: he -will hear and credit my story, and assuredly will interest the powers of -Europe in his master’s cause. - -“Rely on him, sire, and if he still rule in the new world when your -majesty receives this letter, follow me thither: O! trust not your -precious life amongst a set of traitors, who have thirsted even for the -blood of your humble messenger. - -“Obeying the call of a superior duty, I trust my family confidently to -the Holy Spirit: fortunately no one knew more of me than my name, and my -sisters may therefore live without fear of molestation. - -“I invoke Jesus, and the Virgin Mother, to hear all those prayers I -daily put up for the good Kara Aziek and for my injured sovereign!--I -throw myself at his august feet, and venture to kiss and to embrace his -sacred hands.-- - - “The devoted GASPAR.” - -The first emotion of joy which had for some time warmed the frozen heart -of Sebastian, now glowed there; transported out of himself by this -unexpected assurance of his friend’s existence, he exclaimed aloud, “Not -at his feet Gaspar, in your King’s arms!”-- - -A profound sigh followed these words, and Sebastian’s mind was soon -filled with so many torturing remembrances of the worthlessness of -others, that he forgot both his situation and his companions. Starting -from a reverie at an action of Barémel’s, he addressed the awestruck -girls, enquiring about their condition and their resources. - -From the younger he learnt that they obtained a living by working in -vineyards, (their mother having died while Gaspar was in Africa,) and -that the eldest might be married to the son of a wealthy muleteer, did -she possess only a portion of five gold crowns. - -How often had the present of Kara Aziek kept Sebastian from feeling the -sharpest sting of misery, an inability to reward services or to bestow -relief! he now took out the Moorish handkerchief in which it was wrapt, -and bidding Marakita advance, put into her hands some ornaments of -precious stones; “Take these,” he said, “they are all that is left an -injured monarch to bestow; they will enrich your husband, and enable you -to give a portion to your young sister when she is of an age to marry: -the remainder I go to share with Gaspar.--Do not shew these gems for -awhile; I may then be far from pursuit--far from a country where love, -loyalty, friendship, the ties of blood, and the closer bond of -affection, exist no more for me.” - -Alarmed by the excessive wildness of the young monarch’s looks and -voice, and well informed of his sad story, the two sisters shed tears in -abundance, timidly asking a few questions, and scarce venturing to raise -their eyes, while they invoked blessings on their royal benefactor and -on their brother. - -Much affected, the King returned their blessings, adding with a -strangely-frantic smile, “Hear me, ye guardian saints of -Portugal,--unless I am Heaven’s outcast also!” - -The sun’s broad light now warned him to begone; and repeating his -injunctions, he bade adieu to Marakita and her sister. - - - - -CHAP. V. - - -Directing his course downwards towards the coast, the King found himself -at night in a mean town six leagues from Setuval; some shops were open, -and at one of them he purchased a homely dress, better calculated for -disguise than the mutilated habit he had brought with him from Africa: -but alas! the unfortunate Sebastian scarcely needed any other disguise -than the alterations wrought on him by hardships and sorrows. The -roundness of health and youth was no more to be seen in his figure, -giving beauty to strength, and proportion to grace: his cheeks were wan -and hollow, his eyes dim, his brow furrowed with the frequent -contraction of thought; that enchanting smile which used to distinguish -him from all mankind, never appeared on his lips; who then was to -recognize Sebastian in this gloomy-looking traveller? - -He slept in the town, and the next morning resumed the road to Setuval. - -The second night he took up his abode in a cavern on the coast whence -there was a noble view of the town and bay. A radiant moon, brightened -by slight frost, (for it was now November,) illuminated this quiet -retreat; its roof, hung with crystal stalactites, like natural fringes -of diamonds, startled Sebastian on entering, he paused and looked back: -the same resplendent moon was more temperately reflected from a vast -stretch of sea; myriads of stars twinkled around her; the vessels in the -bay, and the buildings in the town were silvered by her light, and only -a faint dashing of waves broke the tranquillity of the scene. - -Is there a heart to which moonlight is not hallowed by some association, -or in which it does not awaken devotional feelings? Sebastian felt its -softening, purifying influence, and making the sign of the cross over -his breast and forehead, gently breathed a prayer to the Divine Being -from whom that lovely orb derived her beauty and her light. - -He entered the cavern with a calmed spirit: when he beheld its fantastic -interior flashing splendor on him from a thousand tremulous crystals, he -owned with admiration that no mortal palace could surpass the -magnificence of this to which chance had conducted him. - -The tumult of indignant emotions that had agitated him incessantly since -his reception from Donna Gonsalva, now gave way for awhile to tenderness -only: he was about to leave his country and his people, he was going to -try the attachment of subjects, who, situated in another quarter of the -globe, knew him solely by his choice of their former governors. Could he -expect to find from them that grateful fidelity which his own court and -familiar friends had failed to shew! and was it from the harshly-treated -De Castro that he was to seek for love and duty? - -“Yes, from De Castro!” answered the noble spirit of Sebastian, “I cannot -better recompence his virtue and efface my own injustice than by -voluntarily affording him an opportunity of serving me.” - -To the Brazils therefore he determined to go, confidently expecting to -be there recognized and obeyed; he might then dispatch letters to all -the powers of Europe, notifying his existence, and requiring their -assistance for the restoration of his rights; to regain those rights -without bloodshed was his earnest wish: his heart sickened at the -prospect of a civil war, should he, by remaining in Portugal, give the -different parties a hope of securing his person; for if those now in -authority chose to start doubts of his identity, he must call on his -inferior subjects to rise in arms for his support. - -This extremity was what he sought to avoid: indeed the wounds inflicted -by the perfidy of his cousin and mistress, bled inwardly, making every -well-known scene hateful to his eyes, and every friend to whom otherwise -he might have revealed himself, an object of suspicion. - -While these thoughts were gloomily displacing the serener melancholy -with which he entered his present lodging, he had thrown himself along -the ground, and raising his arm to form a support for his head, struck -it against something, which, on moving out of the way, he found to be a -tablet, with writing on it in discoloured ink. He cast his eyes -incuriously over the writing; the first line struck the chief chord in -his own breast; and with his hand shading the tablet from the dazzling -glare of the cavern, he read the following wild effusion. - - O that it were no sin to ask for death! - Then would I pray to yield this hateful breath; - Then from life’s desart vast, its spectred gloom, - These eyes would turn and rest upon the tomb! - There griefs approach not, pain and thought are still; - Nor hope, nor fear, can wake one trembling thrill: - Smote by the glare of death’s petrific eye, - Locked in eternal ice, life’s currents lie; - No more their tides quick-circling through each part, - Send warm emotions to the eager heart - No more the gates of sense delighted move; - No more weak reason yields her throne to love; - But all things cease; thought, feeling, mem’ry gone, - And black oblivion broods unmarked alone. - Whether our souls released, immediate go, - Or sleep in trance awhile, we ne’er shall know, - Till as our change begins, experience shews - The awful secret of the grave’s repose; - But pardon, Heav’n! a frantic wretch who dares - To own a heart so torn by rending cares, - So loathing each remembrance, so possessed, - As but to groan and pray for _endless rest_! - If when these vital fires have ceased to burn, - Thought, or mere consciousness, should e’er return, - Say, would not _her_ idea rush again - And stab seraphic bliss with piercing pain? - Mixed with my being all, for ever mixed, - Of change incapable, her thought is fixed, - And here on earth, or there in Heav’n would come - To render still the same my bitter doom. - - * * * * * - - O God of mercy! from thy records raze - This guilty frenzy!--let some pitying rays - Beam on my madden’d brain, and teach my soul - To bow submissive to thy wise control! - Teach me to know, that when I loved too well, - I gave a mortal in thy place to dwell! - O teach me then to own thy just decree, - And bless the thorny path that leads to thee! - -Pity, heightened to the poignancy of agony by fatal sympathy with the -situation here described, seized Sebastian; he put down the tablet in -extreme agitation, for love began now to struggle with indignation, and -the tenderness of the unhappy unknown became infectious: a confusion of -fond, delightful recollections, at once entered his soul; some rare -moments of transcendent happiness again re-appeared,--moments in which -the beauty, the accomplishments, the well-acted love and purity of -Gonsalva had exalted him to beatitude. O! how was it possible that this -transport had been deceptive, that this perfection of woman’s charms -was even then immersed in the low gratifications of illicit passion, in -the horrible practice of systematic deceit? - -After this hateful idea rapidly followed a recapitulation of her various -arts while urging on a secret marriage, which was too surely destined to -cover the proof of her shameful conduct, as by no difficult manœuvre her -child might have been passed upon him and on his people for the -legitimate heir to the crown of Portugal. Fury flashed from Sebastian’s -eyes at this thought; tenderness fled; and the frenzy of a heart -outraged and betrayed in every point, suddenly succeeded. “No, -perfidious monster!” he exclaimed aloud, “thy crimes murder -regret.--Thou hast not been commonly frail, nor deserted me for another -honorable lover; then I might have lamented thee, pity might have united -with love in regretting that thou wast not perfect, and I might have -still doated on the past, like this fond wretch: but thou hast fallen -into such an abyss of guilt, that even memory sees thee only as thou -art now.” - -He closed his eyes as if to shut out her image, and turning to another -part of the cavern, threw himself down once more in the hope of -obtaining repose. - -It was long ere his tumultuous feelings and throbbing brain were stilled -by sleep: piercing thoughts, like flashes of lightning quivering by fits -through the blackness of some starless night, frequently shot across the -gloom that gradually succeeded to frenzy: but at length the dumb -caresses of Barémel softened every emotion, and he sunk to rest amid the -calm of rising resignation. - -Sebastian dreamt, and he dreamt of Kara Aziek. He fancied himself once -more going through the last interview with Donna Gonsalva, and dragged -by her orders to a loathsome dungeon; there he beheld the gentle Aziek -braving death for the sake of pouring balm upon his wounded spirit: he -felt himself in her arms, he heard her touching voice, her tears dropt -over his face, while bending down she impressed on it a kiss of tender -compassion. - -At this instant of his dream, Sebastian awoke; his heart was beating -strongly; the kiss, the breath of Kara Aziek, seemed yet warm upon his -lips: so lively was their impression that he stretched out his arms with -an entranced look, believing he should indeed clasp her within them.--He -leaped from the ground; no one was visible; the moon had set, and -profound silence and darkness reigned throughout the cavern. - -“Aziek! angelic Aziek!” he repeated in a voice tender as her -own--“friend, comforter, benefactress! where art thou?” he stopped and -scarcely respired; for as yet his heart and his imagination were -dreaming, and he expected to hear her speak, or at least sigh. - -While the echo of his own exclamation murmured along the walls, his -senses gradually recovered from their delusion, and he knew himself to -be alone in a place remote from her he dreamt of: tenderness rapidly -diffused itself over his whole soul, while he supposed his dream -realized, and himself held in the pitying arms of Kara Aziek. Her -artlessness, her sweetness, her mild yet heroic goodness, her trembling -soul-subduing love, her soft beauty, and still softer voice, floated -before him, awaking hopes and wishes which a few hours previous, he -would have deemed it impossible for him to feel. - -How naturally does the warm and youthful heart cling to the source of -man’s sweetest emotions! how eagerly does it embrace the hope of finding -its transports renewed; of blessing and being blessed,--of learning -again to behold the world with complacency for the sake of one amiable -object!--Sebastian believed himself solely yielding to friendship, -gratitude, and the desire of atoning to Aziek for the wounds he had -unintentionally given her peace, when he was thus dwelling delighted on -the probability of one day becoming her husband. - -“She would share my varying fate without a murmur;” he said to himself, -“if happy, she would exalt and refine my enjoyments; if wretched, she -would alleviate my afflictions. On a throne, or in obscurity, with her -my grateful heart could never know a want; her love, boundless as her -virtues, would satisfy and fill it.” - -While he uttered this sentence, a thrill of more genuine affection than -had ever stirred his bosom for Donna Gonsalva, glided through his veins: -perfect esteem, perfect admiration, perfect gratitude,--what are they, -but the purest species of love? - -To these sentiments were now added the conviction of no longer -possessing any other source of happiness. - -Delicacy gives law to woman’s heart; Honor to that of man: woman blushes -at the idea of entertaining a second passion, yet naturally tender, -adheres too tenaciously sometimes to a changed object. Man, accustomed -to consider the weaker sex as dependent on him for protection, abhors to -exercise his power in proportion as it is easy to do so, and while he -believes himself beloved, refuses to break through ties of which he may -have become weary. - -Unconsciously this sentiment of honor had long been Gonsalva’s auxiliary -while Sebastian was in Africa; the transporting emotions caused by Kara -Aziek’s inestimable qualities, and those tenderer ones inspired by her -devotedness, had then been uniformly repressed by remembrance rather -than by anticipation: when he recollected whole days of exquisite -felicity, he paused not to discover, that after having become acquainted -with such a being as Kara Aziek, the less endearing character of Donna -Gonsalva could no longer satisfy him. - -Now was the moment for a perusal of the letter: Sebastian drew it from -his vest, and hurried to the mouth of the cavern; but clouds and -darkness had succeeded to the moon’s radiance, and it was impossible for -him to read it. He returned with chagrin, and seated himself on a -projection of rock, holding the precious vellum in his hand. - -While thus watching the dawn of day, his mind became busied by a -multitude of new projects to which the conviction of Aziek’s attachment -gave birth; to bestow happiness on her, was now, he thought, an act of -justice: while Gonsalva appeared virtuous and faithful, honour and -inclination retained him in her chains; but since she had shamefully -forfeited those rights, gratitude imperiously demanded him for Kara -Aziek: the disinterestedness of her love had been proved, he had -therefore no circumstance to lament or to dread in an union with her, -except her hateful religion. - -To this serious obstacle the ardent character of the King, yet sanguine -and romantic, opposed the delightful hope of becoming Heaven’s -instrument for her conversion: perhaps the fond zeal of a husband might -be destined to remove this only blemish from what otherwise seemed -perfection. He dwelt on so gratifying a conclusion, till expectation -assumed the form of certainty. - -Having determined on one day regaining Kara Aziek, he naturally fell -into reflections upon the manner in which such an event was to be -produced: was he to return immediately into Barbary, and under some -disguise endeavour to see, and persuade her to abandon her country? or -was he to pursue his voyage to Brazil, commence and conclude his attempt -at recovering Portugal, honorably negociate for her hand, and wed her -only when he had a throne to share with her? the last project was most -in character with a generous Prince, and he resolved to adopt it. - -By the former scheme, he might indeed earlier and more certainly secure -Aziek, but then it would be selfishly tempting her to share exile, -difficulties, dangers, perhaps ultimately disappointment or death: by -the latter, he would merely delay domestic blessings to ensure their -permanence; and reflecting on the delicacy of her character, he felt -assured that years must elapse ere she could yield her heart to any -other affection, or obey the customs of her country by wedding a man to -whom she was indifferent. - -These considerations reconciled him to the prospect of removing for a -while yet further from her, and the bliss he hoped hereafter to bestow, -gave him such exquisite delight in contemplation, that even the -guardian angel of Kara Aziek must have smiled with satisfaction on -reading the reveries of Sebastian. - -“Yes Aziek!” he tenderly repeated, folding her letter to his breast, “we -shall meet again, even in this faithless world! A time will come when -thou only wilt reign in my heart: to appreciate thy tenderness, to know -thy unrivalled excellence, it has been necessary for me to learn what -dæmons charm under the forms of women. Ah! who is there like thee?” - -At this impassioned question Sebastian sunk into a train of thought, in -which he remained absorbed till morning shot her first beam into the -cavern. - -No sooner was there light enough to trace the characters made on the -vellum, than he hastened to read what he believed would reanimate all -his hopes and resolutions: who can describe the dismay which seized -upon him when he found this letter contained Kara Aziek’s eternal -farewel? - -To procure his freedom and restoration to Donna Gonsalva, this generous -friend had consented to become the wife of a Grandee who had long -solicited her of her father: by this time she was his and living far -from Morocco. Immurred within the walls of a Harem, her noble and -delicate soul had no other enjoyment left than the conviction of having -sacrificed herself for the sake of him she loved. - -It was not from passionate complaint or studied explanation of her -feelings, that Sebastian gathered the extent of her generosity--no--her -relation was simple and brief, yet she was forced to tell him, that by -marrying the Basha of Syria she was binding herself to the customs of -his nation, and rendering it impossible for her to retain a male friend. - -Sebastian was too well aware of her repugnance to such heartless -connections, not to divine instantly, that his liberty had been offered -only on such cruel terms. - -Here then was the explanation of that mysterious sadness which had -overwhelmed Kara Aziek several days before his departure: doubtless she -had then been struggling against that virtuous horror which every woman -ought to feel who meditates yielding her vows and her person to a man -she cannot love. - -The lock of her hair was now in the hand of Sebastian, his eyes were -intently fixed on it, without his seeing or thinking of it; the complete -distinction of all his hopes was contained in this fatal letter; the -bright vision of gratitude had vanished, and misery’s last blow stunned -both thought and feeling. - -Such a benumbing influence was on him, that he remained nearly on the -same spot from sunrise to sunset without food or sleep, or the -consciousness of wanting either. - -It happened that towards evening a sudden storm drove some countrymen -into the cavern for shelter. The noise they made roused Sebastian; on -seeing him, they naturally concluded that he had taken refuge from the -same motive with themselves; and entering into conversation with him, he -learnt that there was then a vessel in the bay of Setuval bound for -Brazil. He no longer contemplated with lively emotions a voyage to the -new world, but he was sick of that which he inhabited; and to the -wretched, change of place seems ever desirable. He accompanied the men -to Setuval, where he fortunately procured a passage in the ship -described, and she sailed at midnight. - -While the vessel was tossing among the turbulent waves of the Atlantic, -Portugal’s self-exiled monarch had leisure to arrange those events, -which by their painful rapidity had unsettled his reason: he gave up -the hope of happiness; with a moody smile he gave up the hope of -blessing his benefactress; but still it was not possible for him to -abandon the expectation of regaining his rights, and with them the power -of benefiting others. For him there was no middle station; he must -either mount again to empire, or sink to utter desolation; and it was -only in the active duties of sovereignty that he could lose the -remembrance of his present sufferings. - -Since Kara Aziek was lost,--and alas! how sad to think she was -self-condemned for his sake! private affections had no claim on him, -except indeed in the person of Gaspar, (for the worth of Don Emanuel was -yet to be proved.) What a sterile scene did life then present! he -pondered over the present and the future, till his heart took so deep a -print from despair, as to make him wildly doubt whether he had ever -known what happiness was. - -In this state he was ill-adapted to share in the noisy garrulity of his -fellow voyagers; he shunned their society, sitting retired in an obscure -part of the vessel, from the deck of which he seemed to be stupidly -watching her track through the waters. - -It was on the sixth morning after their departure from Setuval, that the -clearing away the thick mist discovered a Turkish galley which had been -blown out to sea, striving to re-gain her course, and bearing up towards -the straits: the captain of the Brazilman being a fellow of an -adventurous spirit, proposed giving the infidel chase; though his vessel -was inferior in size and weight of metal, the hope of a rich booty -animated his sailors: by general consent their track was altered; they -crowded sail, and soon came alongside the galley, whose heavy -decorations impeded her motion. - -The infidel perceiving flight impossible, resigned himself to necessity, -and prepared for action. - -At the first broadside, Sebastian, who had hitherto sat desperately -inattentive to the hasty preparations, started up; his brave heart, -roused at the alarm of war, and every nerve was braced; but suddenly -recollecting those reflections in Barbary which had prompted him to vow -he would never wantonly draw the offensive sword, he cast himself again -on the deck, where he lay inactive. - -His limbs shook with an internal struggle; the sailors supposed he -trembled from fear; but as the balls showered over him, they changed -their opinion, and pronounced him mad. - -Though the Portuguese were lavish of their blood and their ammunition, -they were no match for an experienced enemy: he manœuvred his vessel -with a quickness and dexterity which soon gave him so decided a -superiority, that the Brazilman, in despair, ordered his crew to strike. -At that command Sebastian sprung from the deck, threw himself before -the colours, and exhorted the sailors to defend them from infidel hands; -then seizing a weapon, he rushed forward to the most exposed station. - -It was no longer for mere conquest, but for liberty, for the honour of -the Christian name, and the Portuguese flag, that he was about to fight: -his eyes now flashed with their former fire, his figure seemed to -dilate, and his inspiring voice roused and inflamed every heart. Used to -command, and theoretically skilled in naval tactics, he was unconscious -that he alone gave orders, that those orders were instantly approved and -obeyed: the captain had just knowledge sufficient to perceive that he -had got one on board, to whom war was familiar, and he therefore -suffered his people to follow the dictates of their new leader. - -The Turk fought ably; his vessel skilfully worked, and favoured by the -wind, for a long time bade defiance to every effort at boarding her; her -shot and fireballs hailed through the rigging of the Brazilman, but -happily the wind fell, and the Portuguese rapidly throwing out their -grappling-irons, succeeded in fastening her along-side. - -The remembrance of former combats, and the fire of native valour, now -shone on the brow of Sebastian: like a blaze of lightning he flamed on -the enemy’s deck; his voice, his looks, his gestures, called on others -to follow; in one moment he fell with the force of a thunderbolt amongst -the infidels, whom his powerful arm crushed and scattered in every -direction. After a short, yet desperate resistance, the Turkish captain -cast a gloomy look over the blood and devastation around him, then -dropping the point of his sword, he delivered it to Sebastian. - -The King having returned the captain’s sword, flew from place to place -to stop any wanton slaughter; destruction then ceased. The commander of -the Brazilman eyed him with gathering discontent; “What share do you -expect of the booty?” he asked sourly. “None,” returned Sebastian, “I -ask only care and compassion for these wounded men.” - -The gentleness of his manner testified sincerity, and well-pleased to be -so cheaply served, the captain promised prompt obedience. While they -were speaking, the shrieks of a woman were heard from below; at that -sound Sebastian sprung over a heap of arms, and leaped down into the -cabin: there he beheld a group of women clinging together, as if seeking -to protect the entrance of an inner room where a lady had fainted. At -his decisive voice, some sailors who had alarmed them, fell back; his -intrepidity had gained their admiration, and admiration is quickly -followed by submission. - -“My friends, we do not war with women!” he exclaimed, in a tone of noble -reproof; the men blushed and withdrew. Pleased with the effect of his -ascendancy, the young monarch hastily fastened the door, and advanced -respectfully; sobbing, the ladies prostrated themselves at his feet: -touched with their distress, he tried to re-assure them, while he -approached the one who had fainted, and was lying wrapt up in her shawl -at full length upon the floor of the inner cabin. - -Bending one knee to the ground, he raised her gently, and in doing so -discomposed her veil; trembling, agitated, almost transported, he lifted -hastily the long black hair that her fall had disordered, and beheld the -soft features of Kara Aziek. “Gracious God! am I awake?” he exclaimed, -gazing on her, and clasping her to his breast. The consternation of her -attendants at this bold action was painted in their faces; Sebastian -regarded them not, he held Kara Aziek still, calling on her to revive -and behold her protector in him. - -Did that voice, so beloved, penetrate the dull ear of insensibility? -Aziek opened her eyes, and they met those of Sebastian fixed tenderly -upon her: doubtful rapture flashed over her countenance, she sprang up, -drew quickly back, looked at him an instant, then uttering a joyful cry, -precipitated herself into the dear arms she had quitted. - -This was not the action of one conscious of belonging to another: -Sebastian was exalted to the extremest point of human felicity; -happiness, lost happiness, he now clasped in the form of Kara Aziek, and -enjoyed in the certainty of being able to confer it. “We part no -more--we part no more!” he repeated. - -Bewildered in a maze of delight, and merely conscious that the looks and -voice of Sebastian breathed love like her own, Aziek forgot awhile every -obstacle between them; her tears and sighs mingled with his, as she -rested on his bosom with the sweet serenity of a pure heart, sure of -loving and being beloved; his name, coupled with endearing epithets, -breathed repeatedly from her lips, and her soft arms returned the -pressure of his: at length, starting and trembling, she averted her -eyes, and pronounced the name of Donna Gonsalva. - -Indignation alone appeared on the brow of Sebastian; in a few words he -detailed her perfidy and his own disappointment, and was about to paint -to the horror-struck Aziek his new wishes, when voices at the door of -the outer cabin called him away. - -It was the captain of the Brazilman with his mate: Sebastian hastened to -demand respect for Kara Aziek. He informed them that in their fair -prisoner he had discovered a Moorish lady, to whom he had once been -indebted for liberty; “I owe her my life,” he said, “and I will defend -her with my life: her sex and situation ought to ensure her generous -treatment. I hope and believe they will; but if not, this arm shall -either protect or avenge her.” - -“And a rare strong arm it is,” replied the captain, “we’ll keep to -windward of it, be sure. He sha’nt overhaul the lady, only what we find -in the money way is lawful prize; has she no coin nor jewels to pay the -men for civilly treating her and the rest of the women?” - -Sebastian had not time to reply before Aziek herself appeared; she came -forth from her cabinet surrounded by her maids: her unsteady step and -tearful eyes were directed towards him, for whom alone she feared when -the voice of what she thought violence reached her ear. Struck with an -apprehension of being discovered, Sebastian hastily told her in Moresco, -that his rank was unknown, and that these men commanded there. - -Aziek turned frightfully pale, she trembled, and leaned on him for -support; the captain advanced bowing, his eyes fixed on her glittering -armlets, spoke a language easily understood, she hastened to take them -off and present them to him: at the same time she pointed to some large -chests, the keys of which one of her maids laid at his feet. - -During the examination of these chests, Aziek remained leaning on -Sebastian, lost in painful conjectures upon his mysterious disguise: -alas! was he a prisoner also! yet, how then could he have power to -succour her? She turned her eyes on his countenance; the sunny look that -met hers, the smoothed brow, and entrancing smile, promised permanent -protection. What could she dread, when the looks of him she loved bade -her dismiss apprehension? - -Satisfied with a casket of jewels and several purses of gold coin, the -mercenary seaman shut the boxes; “We shall leave you and the lady to -yourselves,” said the captain, “that you may try to reconcile her to a -voyage to Brazil; if she don’t like that, she may go to Portugal in the -prize: settle that as she pleases. - -“Whoever you are, friend, with your coarse doublet, you’re a strange -brave fellow, and have a right to share our gains, and so if you like -women better than money, there’s a whole lot of ’em for you.” - -“I take you at your word,” interrupted the King, “these are my prizes.” - -The men withdrew laughing, and Sebastian again alone with Kara Aziek, -(her women having retired into the inner chamber,) proceeded to satisfy -those anxious inquiries which her eloquent eyes had so long been making. -He briefly detailed the circumstances of his return to Portugal, the -conduct of his supposed friends, the intentions with which he was -leaving it when he read her farewel letter; he painted the emotions that -letter excited, with all the force of tender gratitude. - -“Such were, such are my feelings, Kara Aziek;” he added, throwing -himself at her feet, “I am again what I was when your generous pity -first succoured me--a beggar, and a fugitive--one who must soon be every -thing or nothing:--it remains for you to decide on the dearest part of -my destiny. Speak your wishes, and they shall be obeyed; if they be to -fulfil your engagement with the Basha, I will myself conduct you to him; -but if a friendship more sacred even than love--a gratitude exalted to -adoration--every sentiment in short, except passion itself; if these may -touch you--if you can condescend to accept a heart yet smarting with a -former wound--a heart that shudders at love, yet where your image is -worshipped and cherished--” - -“O say no more!--no more, beloved Sebastian!” interrupted Kara Aziek, -hiding her blushes and tears on his shoulder, “thou knowest too well, -that to be permitted to dwell but on the threshold of that noble heart, -is happiness to Kara Aziek.” - -How eloquent was the silence which followed these few words! how did the -blissful sighs breathed by each, seem to incorporate their souls, and -blend their destinies for ever! - -It was long ere either of them could recover sufficiently to converse -with calmness; when they did so, Aziek timidly explained her situation. -She informed Sebastian that her hand had been frequently sought by the -Basha of Syria, a relation of her father’s, but having avowed an -invincible repugnance to marriage, (at least to marriage as it exists in -Mahomeddan countries,) her indulgent father had forborne any -importunity: his wishes however, were for the union, and seizing the -opportunity afforded by her zeal for the supposed Fabian, he offered his -liberty as the reward of her compliance. - -At first, shocked and terrified, Kara Aziek utterly rejected the terms; -every delicate and tender feeling revolted from the hateful prospect of -submitting to the caresses of a man whom she remembered from her infancy -as one with whom her heart could have no commune; far sooner would she -have laid her head on the block for the dear sake of him she loved: but -when she witnessed the failure of his hopes after the departure of -Gaspar, and beheld his profound, and corroding melancholy; when she -thought of his passion for Donna Gonsalva, and fancied her pining -over his loss, her tender soul shook with irresolution, she -hesitated--reflected--struggled with her repugnance--renewed those -struggles, and at length determined upon the sacrifice. - -Ravished with her consent, El Hader did not give her time to retract, he -released the Christian, and immediately dispatched messengers to his -kinsman: the Basha Ibrahim was at that time with the Sultan his master -at Constantinople; he sent from thence a sumptuous galley, laden with -presents for his young bride, and it was on its return with the -self-devoted victim, that Providence threw them into the hands of the -Portuguese. - -To Kara Aziek the event did indeed appear an especial act of Providence, -since beyond her fondest hopes it not only restored Sebastian to her, -but re-united them at the very period in which they were priviledged -never to part again. In her secret mind she did not regret the loss of -his throne, for it was with Sebastian divested of power and grandeur, -that her heart had first been woven: accustomed to profound retirement, -her inexperienced nature shrunk from the vast sphere of duties which -surrounded sovereignty; it seemed as if the love of one little heart -would be lost in so wide an ocean: she looked with partial eyes to a -scene of narrower views; to a home, private yet not unuseful, where the -social virtues might have full room to expand and to adorn what they -supported. - -It was an amiable weakness in Kara Aziek, yet it was a weakness, to -desire only that situation in which her love would be always felt, and -always necessary; she judged rightly, that power and luxury are not -friendly to the existence of any sentiment which is devoid of -selfishness.--In accompanying Sebastian to Brazil, she hoped that he -might be induced to resign his ungrateful people altogether, endeavour -to forget his former state, and find in the bosoms of Affection and -Friendship those calm delights which are never the companions of high -responsibility. - -To dwell with him any where, to see him, to hear him continually,--what -joy did not such a prospect afford! Life seemed too short to her -impassioned heart for the complete enjoyment of so much -happiness.--Never, indeed, did woman love like Kara Aziek: it must be -remembered, however, that her attachment concentrated all the ardour of -her nature; the habits of her country did not suffer the growth even of -friendship; she had no sisters, no brothers--and hitherto she had lived -devoid of any other sentiment than that of duty towards her father. - -As Sebastian contemplated the mixed expression of her ever-varying -countenance, his enraptured feelings assured him that in her’s his soul -had met its partner; but he sighed to think they should have met so -late, when _his_ exhausted heart had no longer love to bestow. - -Excessive tenderness, admiration and gratitude, contending with as -lively emotions of timidity and apprehension, by turns sparkled in -Aziek’s eyes, or suffused her cheek; the aspen-like tremor of her voice -thrilled the susceptible King: it was now that for the first time he -felt the full sweetness of love, in the perfect conviction of giving -happiness to the beloved object; devoid of this conviction all its other -enjoyments are lifeless.--Cold as ice were the sensations awakened by -the beauty of Gonsalva when compared with this heart-penetrating, -ennobling glow! he looked back on them with amazement, and with -something of that joy with which a man recals a danger from which he has -recently escaped. - -These new feelings enabled him to speak of the perfidious woman with -composure; to Kara Aziek this calmness was animating; for though at one -moment she believed herself indeed rewarded by his preference, at -another she trembled lest Sebastian were self-deceived, and might -hereafter find gratitude and esteem but feeble substitutes for love. - -Having calmed the fears and satisfied the scruples of his gentle friend, -Sebastian remembered that humanity had other claims upon him; the -ascendancy he had gained over the captain and crew by his valour and -disinterestedness, rendered him in some degree answerable to himself for -the treatment of the Turkish prisoners; he therefore reluctantly quitted -Kara Aziek. - -By his advice the Brazil trader consented to send all the Turkish -sailors, with their commander, into the first neutral port, whence they -might easily find a conveyance home, and in that port the prize might be -advantageously sold. It required all the King’s rhetoric to persuade his -companion that it was merciless to push advantage to its uttermost -verge, by insisting upon a ransom for all the prisoners; the man was a -long time in perceiving that there was any merit in being generous to -infidels. - -Sebastian’s mingled arguments and persuasions at length succeeded; and -the prize, manned by a few stout sailors, headed by the mate, was -ordered to convey her former owners to Cadiz, in Spain, that country -being then in amity with the Turks. - -Concluding that the women were forcibly detained by the captors, the -Turkish commander thought it unwise to contest about such immaterial -objects; so making a profound obeisance to his conqueror, he suffered -him, undisturbed, to lead Kara Aziek and her maids from their cabin to -that of the Portuguese vessel: in a few minutes after, the galley -hoisted sail and bore away before the wind for the shores of Andaluzia. - -Anxious to obtain every accommodation for Kara Aziek, Sebastian thought -it needful to inform the captain that he could reward him amply for -every attention he might bestow, and that on landing at Brazil he would -prove his truth by actions: having simply announced himself a Portuguese -officer and a friend of Don Emanuel de Castro, he insured the respect -and submission of all the sailors. His remonstrances had now the force -of commands, and the Moorish ladies were permitted to live as retired in -their cabin, as they might have done in Morocco. - -Into their apartments no one intruded except Sebastian and Barémel: that -faithful animal, interesting from the peculiar circumstances under which -he had recognized his master, was constantly fed and caressed by the -gentle Aziek; he formed the amusement of her women, whose simple minds -sought no higher recreation than that of seeing him fetch and -carry:--but to her he was an object of affection. - -Often, while looking at Barémel, and pondering on the incidents his -figure recalled, she shuddered at the incomprehensible conduct of Donna -Gonsalva, and had to remember that Sebastian witnessed her depravity ere -she could persuade herself of that depravity’s existence. - -From the King’s mind the remembrance of Gonsalva was vanishing like a -confused dream; to the agony of betrayed love had quickly succeeded -indignation, aversion, and finally contempt: the charm of virtue and -tenderness united in the person of Aziek, completed his cure, and his -soul, formed for freedom, eagerly seized again upon its natural right. - -How do our desires grow with our hopes! how does the possession of one -blessing, quicken and inflame our thirst after others!--but a little -while before, and Sebastian was indifferent to every thing; now, the -smallest of his expectations was considered with lively interest: he -contemplated his reception at Brazil, and his restoration to Portugal, -with the anxiety of a spirit newly roused to action; and secure of -domestic felicity, felt that no other station than that to which he was -born, could fill the expansion of his large soul. - -It is not difficult to communicate our own fire to a heart that lives -only to reflect the feelings of ours. Kara Aziek lent not merely a -docile, but a delighted ear, to the animated discourses of her lover. He -talked to her of the charms of empire, of the sublime privilege of -diffusing comfort and protection throughout nations; he painted the -trials and the triumphs of that virtue which belongs to exalted -stations, its fame here, its immortal reward hereafter; he spoke to her -then of those softer joys which public duties endear and enhance; those -delightful throbbings of the heart, sacred to the names of husband and -of father, which contrasted with the severer virtues of royalty, seem -like the serene beatitude of Heaven. - -His voice, his eyes, his smiles, heightened the effect of his eloquence: -Kara Aziek no longer saw before her the captive Fabian, but the powerful -monarch of Portugal and the two Indies, who, in selecting her from all -the world to share his throne and to fill his heart, was yielding the -most delicious proof of his tenderness; she saw in him only a beneficent -(not an ambitious) sovereign, who sought to extend the dominion of -happiness. - -At these moments she kindled with congenial enthusiasm, and her soul -soaring after his, left far below its first humble and personal wishes. - -But how were these ardours chilled, these transports arrested in their -flight, by the spirit with which Sebastian spoke of his wrongs! he -thirsted for vengeance: with the expectation of one day returning to -take his place amongst the monarchs of Europe, came the fatal belief -that he must wash out his stains in the blood of his injurers. - -At mention of Don Antonio, a terrible light flamed on his brow, his -limbs shook, and his articulation became smothered; every look and every -word announced still that imperious and fierce character which had so -often in Barbary blazed before Kara Aziek like sudden earth-fires. - -Her soft nature trembled and grieved; for it was to this intemperance of -feeling, this want of self-government, that all his misfortunes were -attributable; while it continued to rule him, there was no security for -his happiness either on a throne or in a cloister. - -On the present subject, however, she found it difficult to oppose any -arguments that were not immediately overturned by his impetuous and -irresistible rhetoric: neither her education nor the precepts of her -religion afforded support to the merciful pleadings of her nature; she -could only urge that instinctive feeling which cries aloud from the -depths of every human heart, that forbearance and forgiveness ought to -be the virtues of erring man. - -Sebastian’s vehement passions were deaf to the voice of her softer -sentiments; pity and mercy could not make themselves heard, where -insulted honour, love outraged into hatred, wounded pride, and -disappointed confidence, were clamorous for retribution: he sought to -teach her the lesson man learns from his cradle, that to preserve -reputation he must often do violence to his character, and seek revenge -where he would willingly concede pardon. - -Ah fatal and monstrous spell, which not even Christianity itself has yet -had power to dissolve!--by thy enchantment the sacred laws of humanity -are disregarded, and murder is enrolled in the catalogue of honourable -deeds! - -Aziek had nothing to urge against opinions which she was thus told were -sanctioned by great authorities; she could only repeat her native -abhorrence to whatever was the effect rather of passion than of reason. -To appease justice and to satiate revenge, were in her estimation very -different things, and she strove to convince Sebastian that true dignity -resided with the former. - -Sometimes her gentle persuasives conquered: he would listen delighted to -the music of her voice and the tenderness of her sentiments; his heart -would melt under their genial softness, till the perfidious Antonio, his -court, his crown, his wrongs, and his deprivations, all forgotten, he -would remember only that he lived to love and to be loved by her. - - - - -CHAP. VI. - - -Hitherto light airs and cheering suns had accompanied them on their -voyage, but now the weather changed; thick clouds arose, volume after -volume, from the horizon, till the whole heavens were darkened; a hollow -wind muttered among these threatening clouds, and the turbid sea seemed -to labour with an approaching storm. - -It was on the sixteenth day of their voyage that the tempest burst -forth. A tremendous gale from the south-west began to blow, accompanied -with lightning and hail; the ship drove before the blast, her rigging -all torn, and the waves washing over her deck: every peal of thunder was -followed by ghastly yelling of shrill winds, a thousand times more -dreary than thunder. The rattling of hail and rain among her cordage, -the flapping of her wet sails, the creaking of her masts, the confused -sound of voices and feet, as the sailors hurried to and fro along the -deck, the tremendous roaring of the sea, all struck terror to Kara -Aziek; she sat trembling in her cabin, listening to every sound, and -sensible to hope only when she saw Sebastian. - -Aware of their danger, (for the ship was driving rapidly towards a lee -shore,) the King’s anxiety discovered itself in his pale and disturbed -countenance; he presented himself perpetually at the door of Aziek’s -cabin, as if to see that he had her still, and as often hurried away -again to assist in the labours of the seamen. - -Whenever he appeared the devoted Aziek felt her terrors disperse; it -seemed impossible to her that Heaven should abandon him she loved, to a -dreadful death. Her women, drowned in tears, on their knees, and half -distracted, mingled shrieks with their prayers and lamentations; the -soft soul of their mistress became a coward for their sakes, and she -wept more for their apprehensions than from her own. - -In the midst of this awful suspense a crash was heard, the next moment -Sebastian entered; his wild look and hurried step transfixed Kara Aziek; -for the first time she believed that they were about to perish together: -without speaking, he snatched her up and bore her in his arms to the -deck; she found he trembled violently: Yes Aziek, but it was for thee he -trembled,--that great soul knew no other fear! - -Merciful Heaven! what a sight presented itself! the vessel, with her -masts swept by the board was lying a mere hull upon mountainous waves; -through the blackness of midnight, by repeated sheets of lightning the -whole ocean was momentarily discovered, dark, raging, covered with -horrid foam,--now swelling to the clouds, now sinking as if into the -depths of perdition. - -Imprecations, vows, prayers, and cries, mingled with the dreadful roar -of the winds and waters; sometimes the storm made a pause, and then was -heard distinctly the noise of the ship, as she drove furiously towards -the rocks: but again the blast and thunder would unite, till heaven and -earth seemed rocking with the sound. - -As the tempest had swept away their boat, and they were driving upon the -perilous coasts of Tarradunt and Suz, every soul on board gave himself -up to destruction. It was at this moment that Sebastian yielded to -despair: he pressed Kara Aziek in his arms with convulsive strength, -while he repeated wildly, “You perish Aziek! and my love cannot save -you.” - -“I perish on thy bosom--in thy heart!” she said faintly, fixing on him -her asking eyes, swimming in grief and bliss. - -“Yes, in my heart, Aziek!” he exclaimed vehemently, “I call God to -witness at this awful moment, that you only share my thoughts with Him!” - -Aziek raised her speaking eyes to Heaven with a look of ineffable -emotion--“O grant,” she cried, “divine prophet, that we may live -together in thy paradise!” - -At that expression, mortal pains seized Sebastian, his blood froze, cold -damps stood on his forehead; Aziek, the beloved and generous Aziek, was -a Mahometan, and in the other world they would never be re-united. -Pierced with pious sorrow, he uttered a deep groan, his arms lost their -strength, they slackened their hold, and the sea breaking over them, -carried with it the last earthly blessing of Sebastian. - -The next moment the ship struck upon a steep coast; confusion, terror, -despair, followed; the frantic King calling on Kara Aziek, ran, from -side to side, yet hoping to find her he had lost. Some of the crew -clung to the shattered wreck, others threw themselves into the sea on -planks and spars; the women shrieking and invoking their prophet hung -round Sebastian, his heart was wrung with pity, and regardless of his -own situation, he exerted his small remains of strength to succour these -unfortunates. - -A sort of raft, hastily constructed, offered the only means of safety; -to that he committed them, while he sprang to the topmost part of the -stern, madly striving to catch a broader view of the ocean amid the -blazes of lightning. - -Aziek’s name, coupled with that of the awful God he implored to save -her, were soon the sole human sounds heard mingling with the roaring -elements; alone and hopeless, his eyes were still straining round, when -another shock loosened every plank of the vessel, and scattered her in -fragments upon the waters. - -Sebastian sunk; but his guardian angel yet watched over her charge, and -he rose again: cold, motionless, spent with grief and fatigue, -insensible to every thing, he was seized by his watchful dog who kept -hold in defiance of the storm, and at last brought him safely to land. - -The chill morning air contributed to awaken Sebastian from that lethargy -into which his senses had fallen; when he unclosed his eyes, they fixed -upon Barémel, who lay shivering at his feet; he turned them from him to -the objects around: nothing was to be seen beyond arid rocks, and a -measureless ocean whose turbid waves sullenly heaved under a leaden sky. - -He gazed wistfully, for his thoughts were dim and imperfect, and memory -seemed blotted out from his faculties; the confused idea of Kara Aziek, -alone remained. - -He lay some time looking stedfastly before him, while his senses roused -slowly; on a sudden a cry escaped him, he leaped up, and glanced round -with a maniac’s wildness; the perfect recollection of his misfortune -had shot through his brain, enlightening while it maddened him: he tried -to articulate the name of her he lamented, but the sound expired on his -lips, and smiting his breast, he sat down again upon the ground. - -It is not at first that our hearts feel the full force of a blow which -breaks them in pieces: we do not easily comprehend how a few hours or -moments can have made us so utterly wretched; ’tis only by degrees that -our thoughts, measuring the extent of an irrevocable calamity, ascertain -its existence and its magnitude: then rush forth regret and lamentation, -then the images of past joys surround us like demons assuming beloved -shapes to torture us more keenly; and those deadly words, _lost, lost -for ever_! resounding perpetually thro’ our souls, fill them with -desolation and despair. - -Pale and motionless, Sebastian sat with his head leaning on his hand, -gazing on that wide ocean which had entombed Kara Aziek: even yet, his -senses were not quite awake; nay, they seemed to have fallen back into -that trance out of which they had transiently started.--His dull eyes -saw not the wistful ones of his dumb companion, who sensible to his -master’s grief, lay moaning before him: nothing rouzed him till some -fragments of wreck floating on shore gave birth to hope. - -Again the face of Sebastian shone with animation, his nerves were -new-strung, he called to Barémel, and flew rather than ran towards the -sea.--Every where he beheld broken masts and yards, mixed with dead -bodies; some were already washed on shore, others borne in with the -tide: at that afflicting sight he averted his head and groaned heavily. -Alas! it appeared his destiny to be for ever surrounded by -destruction!-- - -He traversed the sands and shore in vain, he searched the rocks and -their caverns, he sent Barémel into the waves for every object but -faintly discernible; Barémel only brought him Kara Aziek’s shawl: at -this sight his fortitude ceased, he snatched the sad relic, while -burning drops rained from his eyes--she had perished then, she had lost -her life for him!--since but for his unhappy sake she would never have -consented to be the Basha’s wife, never have braved the sea, never have -met so disastrous a death. - -Overcome with these convictions, the unfortunate prince held the shawl -to his lips, and remained in the same attitude with his face enveloped -in it, alternately pursuing in thought the body of Aziek to the hideous -depths of ocean, or following with trembling anxiety her pure spirit -into the courts of Heaven. - - - - -CHAP. VII. - - -In this state of abstraction, the King was perceived by a groupe of -natives, who had come to the strand, in hope of plundering such vessels -as they might find wrecked there; it cost them no trouble to make him -their prisoner; the formidable Sebastian had not then any care for -himself.--having explained to them as well as the difference of their -provincial Moresco would permit, that he had been cast on their shore by -the late storm, and was consequently too much enfeebled for great -exertion, they were induced to let him walk slowly. - -They led him towards some mean houses, which lay at a distance up the -country; there they left him, and ran off again to the wreck. Barémel, -though beaten away by those surly Africans, had still returned and -followed his master’s steps, but plunged in profound grief, Sebastian -ceased to think of his faithful dog, and entered a hut, unconscious that -clubs and stones were then driving the poor animal far away. - -An old woman within offered him some coarse provisions, and pointed to a -miserable bed of dried weeds, where she said he might sleep off his -fatigue: Sebastian threw himself down in silence, and the woman quitting -him, bolted the door on her charge.-- - -The certainty of being again a slave, made little impression on a heart -already exhausted of its capability of suffering. There are periods in -our existence, when we seem able to refuse any further sacrifices to -grief; in these moments a species of sullen resignation succeeds the -transports of despair, and life or death appears equally a matter of -indifference. - -Such were the feelings of Sebastian; he lay on his rude bed, gloomy and -tearless, careless of the passing hours which were to bring back his new -masters. - -It was evening when these men returned: they brought with them many -things from the wreck, which they greedily shared. Their captive’s -silent acquiescence in his destiny, moved them to promise that they -would sell him only to a good master, and that in the mean time he -should be well fed and kindly treated. - -While tempting him to eat part of their hard fare, some one opened the -outer door, and Barémel rushing in, sprung to his master’s feet: one of -the Moors would have thrust him out, had not Sebastian besought the -comfort of retaining his only friend: after a short demur, consent was -granted; and having devoured some scanty fragments of the supper, -Barémel was suffered to retire to rest in the same corner with his -master. - -As the King put aside his doublet and vest, he observed on the back of -them the deep indents of teeth; the miracle of his preservation was -then shewn to him; grief mixed with gratitude, and a sentiment nearly -amounting to tenderness, swelled from his heart to his eyes; it burst -forth in tears, while hastily glancing from his clothes to his mute -friend, he exclaimed, “Ah Barémel, what a life hast thou preserved?” - -The feelings once melted are not soon restored to their former state; -Sebastian wept silently a long time; for he thought of Kara Aziek, and -wished that Barémel had saved her only. - -Vain were these wishes, these poignant regrets; the hollow blasts -sweeping over the roof which sheltered him, and the hoarse waves -resounding from afar, seemed to repeat again and again that Aziek had -been their victim. - -It was now that Sebastian felt conscious of having loved that generous -Being, her loss had torn away the veil of self-delusion, and convinced -him that what he believed but solicitude for her happiness, was in -reality anxiety for his own.--Ah wretched condition of humanity! no -sooner do we begin to feel the full value of our possessions, than they -are wrested from us!--is it the law of our being that we are never to -possess and to enjoy at the same moment? - -Providence had consigned the unfortunate monarch to merciful men; they -tried to cheer his melancholy, and did not urge him to any services: if -he would but share their meal and submit to confinement, they were -satisfied.--’Tis true, it was interest they chiefly consulted in this -conduct, (for on his healthful looks depended their expected profit) yet -ignorant men do not often calculate remote advantages. - -The first day after a new moon, these people set off with their captive -for the town of Mesa, where repairing to the house of a slave merchant, -they encountered an aged man in want of a servant, who purchased -Sebastian. - -Something of his former fierceness blazed in the eyes of the proud King -when he found himself the object of degrading traffic, but the gentle -image of Kara Aziek glided before his fancy, and absorbed every other -sentiment in that of regret; he paused, sighed profoundly, and tears -stole down his cheek. - -The old man looked at him with an air of compassion; that look -encouraged Sebastian to ask if Barémel might share his destiny, the -request was granted, and soon after these inseparable companions were -removed to a comfortable abode in the town of Mesa. - -Tefza, Sebastian’s master, was a native of the kingdom of Fez, and -having made a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, bore the title of Hadgé; -(a religious distinction conferred only on such as have visited the -birth-place, and the tomb of their prophet) far advanced in life, and -naturally averse to domestic cares, the Hadgé had neither wives nor -children, so that all the occupations of Sebastian were to work in a -little garden, and assist in charitable offices. - -The latter part of his duty was one to which his benevolent nature -yielded with delight, and by sharing in it, he learned to esteem his -master, and to obey him in other matters without reluctance. Assuredly -there can be no degradation in serving the good. - -These humane employments softened the bitterness of Sebastian’s regrets, -but though he complained no more, raved no more, an austere sadness -settled on his character: the virtues and the love of Kara Aziek had -penetrated the utmost depths of his heart, and now devoured with vain -remorse at having ever preferred another to her, he abandoned every -other wish, and every other source of enjoyment. - -His docility and his dejection, but above all, that dignity which the -divine hand had stamped upon his lineaments, interested the Hadgé; he -would frequently endeavour to draw him into conversation about his past -life and condition, and would often urge on him what he believed the -only true religion: but Sebastian contrived to elude his questions, and -silence his arguments. - -A month had not elapsed, when Tefza informed his slave that they were on -the point of commencing a long journey; he had a brother in Fez, dying -of a lingering disorder, who had sent to beg he would come and close his -eyes; he was therefore about to set forward on the morrow. - -What a tumult of sweet and maddening remembrances did not the prospect -of this journey awaken!--Fez had been the scene of Sebastian’s principal -misfortune; it was once the residence of Kara Aziek; he was going again -to tread that ground, bathed in the blood of his bravest warriors, and -sacred to the memory of Stukeley; he was going to revisit as a slave, -the place which he had left only two or three months back, with love -and a kingdom before him!--How would the worthy Tefza have been amazed, -could he have seen all the movements of that heart, which to him was so -mysteriously reserved! - -Accompanied by Barémel, sometimes travelling on camels or on mules, the -Hadgé and his companion quitted the territory of Tarradunt, crossed the -range of Atlas, and journeying over the plains of Morocco, penetrated -through the passes of the Green Mountains into the kingdom of Fez; -directing their course westward, they came at length to the dwelling of -the Hadgé’s brother, a solitary house near the town of Riffa. - -Death had already sealed the eyes of the sick man; but as his property -devolved to the nearest relative, after providing for his widows, the -good Hadgé resolved upon spending the remnant of his own days in his -native place: they returned therefore no more to Tarradunt. - -Days and weeks now revolved in the same wearisome round of trifling -employments and complete retirement; Sebastian almost wished for -laborious tasks which might distract his attention by fatiguing his -body; his attention alas! was occupied with past events. Regret assuming -the form of remorse, preyed on him incessantly, reminding him of the -worthless woman for whose sake he had slighted happiness when he might -have secured it with Kara Aziek. - -With this regret was mixed some repining at the hard destiny which had -never presented him to Aziek but under circumstances of humiliation; he -wished she had seen him in his prosperous days, surrounded by pomps and -pleasures, yet disdaining their caresses, and emulous only of fame! he -wished she had beheld the man she loved in the full plenitude of power; -his preference then, might have appeared a distinction! - -Fruitless were these wishes! that proud heart could now never be -gratified by laying worldly honours at the feet of one chosen object. -Once a frightful apprehension suddenly sprung out of these meditations; -Kara Aziek might have perished doubting the reality of his rights, -surely their strange rencontre on the ocean might authorize such a -suspicion! - -Not even the pang inflicted by her death could equal that which now -wrung Sebastian; he imagined himself to have been suspected an impostor; -the thought was maddening to honour. - -It was many moments ere that impatient spirit could calm itself -sufficiently to silence so preposterous a fear: gradually it was -tranquilized by the recollections of Aziek’s ingenuous looks, where -respect ever mixed itself with love.--But the vanquished alarm had left -behind it some thoughts which roused the slumbering energies of -Sebastian: he felt that Kara Aziek’s memory required that he should -endeavour to restore the man she adored to the rank and the duties -allotted him by Providence. - -Often when plunged in deep fits of gloom, during which his faculties -seemed benumbed and his feelings callous, an inward voice would cry out -to him, “Awake! arise Sebastian! days of glory yet await thee!” then the -blood would pour in tides of fire through his veins, he would start from -his desponding posture, and look round with an inflamed countenance, as -if on the point of breaking the bonds which held him. - -Had they been real bonds how soon would his powerful arm have burst them -asunder! but they were the bonds of gratitude and honour! - -The Hadgé confided in him implicitly, treated him like a son, ceased to -exact his attendance; save where humanity demanded their united cares, -evinced the liveliest interest in his salvation, in short, offered him -every thing, granted him every thing except his freedom.--Could he then -basely turn these benefits into engines of ingratitude? - -At liberty to go whithersoever he pleased, Sebastian was more a prisoner -than when shut up within the cells of El Hader’s residence: the -generosity of his present master was a wall of adamant in his eyes. - -Unable to use stratagem, he tried the effect of entreaties; he combatted -his unsocial melancholy, and spoke unreservedly to Tefza of his desire -to quit Barbary: Tefza’s questions forced him to confess that he had -neither parents nor dear connexions to whom he wished to be re-united, -that he was a solitary wretch going to cross the Atlantic in the forlorn -hope of finding a lost friend. - -“I love thee too much poor youth, to grant thy foolish suit,” said the -Hadgé, one day to him; “thou hast owned that death and perfidy have -swept away all thy possessions, where then wouldst thou seek happiness? -believe me it is only placed in piety. Stay contented with me, listen -to my instructions; it will be impossible for such a soul as thine to -remain long in darkness; I shall convert thee at last to the religion of -our holy prophet; then, thou wilt bless thy misfortunes which brought -thee to covet the bread of life. No, no, thou shalt not go; I am -interested for thy soul.” - -This vain idea had fixed itself so firmly in the good mussulman’s mind -that no protestations of Sebastian’s could shake it: the more the one -resisted arguments the more the other redoubled them; and when he found -his slave resolute in rejecting every persuasive for him to be present -at one of their religious ceremonies, he merely shook his head, telling -him the time would come when he would look back upon his present -obstinate blindness with shame and compunction. - -Neither the indulgence, nor the good intention of Tefza, moderated that -mixture of sorrow and resentment with which the still-impatient monarch -of Portugal received this decision: disdaining further solicitation, and -resolved never again to reveal his rank while it was in the power of -adverse accident to give an air of doubt to such an assertion, he -withdrew once more within himself; and like the proud steed newly -brought under man’s subjection, who champs his bit, and paws the ground -with indignation, he performed the duties of a slave with the haughty -air of a prince. - -Adversity hardens some hearts, and melts others: Sebastian’s -unfortunately did not soften from the grasp of calamity: his eyes, not -yet opened to his own character, had not observed how inevitably some -lines of conduct produce certain misery. Had he reflected -dispassionately, he might have been convinced, that to his romantic -wilfulness and contempt of counsel, all the disasters of Alcazar were -attributable; that rash enterprize, together with his blameable -attachment to the betrothed wife of De Castro, had prepared the hearts -of his subjects for future indifference about his fate. - -There were times, indeed, when Sebastian severely censured parts of his -own conduct, but for want of steadily tracing actions and their -consequences through the whole of their course, he remained -self-deluded, believing Providence, not himself, responsible for his -heaviest calamities. Often did he exclaim, “What have I done to merit -ruin like this!” - -Remote from any social intercourse, (for he abhorred the society of the -Moors) and almost abandoned of hope, his spirit was gradually -contracting a severity bordering upon hardness: that soft being was gone -who alone knew how to melt him into tenderness; that soft being, who -ever possessed a charm capable of awakening him to philanthropy and to -delight. - -Deprived of Kara Aziek, he was likely to lose all that was amiable in -his character, and to retain only the sterner virtues: sometimes he -sighed over this changing character, and felt sorrow at the alteration; -but except his faithful dog, whose attachment always affected him, he -possessed no object for tender solicitude. Was it wonderful then, that -he should become cold and unsocial? - -The short winter of that sultry climate had now passed away, and the -almond trees were already covered with their bright, rosy blossoms; one -of the Moresco feasts was approaching, at which the Hadgé urged his -slave to be present: from such a proposition Sebastian started with -horror, hastening to redouble his devout prostrations before a wooden -cross which he had shaped for himself, and kept within his own chamber. -The Hadgé left him disappointed. - -It was evening when he returned: the captive monarch was alone on one of -those terraces which the Moors raise upon the flat roofs of their -houses, and plant with odorous shrubs; he was stretched out under the -shade of a citron-tree, whose branches enveloped him, and plunged in a -reverie, did not hear the Hadgé utter the following words. - -“Fabian, I have brought home a venerable traveller for rest and -refreshment, see that you prevent all his wants; I must go out again, -and trust him awhile to your care.” - -The noise Tefza made in closing the door that opened on the terrace, -roused Sebastian, he started round, and beheld with rising emotion, an -aged man clad in a dark-brown garment, whose silver beard descended to -his girdle: the mildly-intellectual look, assured him it was Abensallah. - -Uttering an exclamation of joy, Sebastian pressed forward to kiss his -hand; the dervise put his finger on his lip, they were both silent: at -length, venturing to believe Tefza beyond hearing, he stretched out his -arms, and pressing him within them, shed some tears, “We meet at last, -my son,” he said, in a low feeble voice, “the gracious Mahomet has -heard my prayers, and repaid me for this pilgrimage in search of thee.” - -“In search of me!” repeated Sebastian, “surely, father, you have not -been wandering throughout Africa in pursuit of me, ever since the day we -parted.” - -A benign smile gently moved the old man’s lips. “No, my son, I have not; -for I knew not then, whether thy departure had not been voluntary: since -that period I have heard the whole of thy sufferings; they have been -severe--but I come to thee now with comfort--I bring thee a strange -present from a hand deservedly dear.” As the old man spoke, he put aside -the foldings of his mantle, and drew out of his breast a milk-white dove -which nestled there. - -“This bird,” he continued, “is destined to convey intelligence of thy -safety and my success, to one who scarcely values life preserved, -till----” - -The violent emotion of Sebastian interrupted him: pale, trembling, -oppressed with sudden hope almost to agony, the King vehemently seized -one of Abensallah’s hands in both his, while his eyes only articulated -the name of Aziek: the dervise hastily replied to them. - -“She lives, my son--she sends me to thee.” - -At these life-giving words, Sebastian’s transported countenance might be -said to emit visible rays; he dropt the hand of Abensallah abruptly, and -raising his own to heaven, uttered with his heart the acknowledgment his -lips could not pronounce. - -When this rapturous disorder of the senses would allow him power, he -exclaimed, “She lives--you say she lives, Abensallah!--how saved?--where -sheltered?--This bird, soft and tender like herself, (ah, fit emblem of -Kara Aziek) why is it sent?--assure me that she lives--you would not -deceive me.” - -The impetuous agitation of youth was here gracefully contrasted by the -majestic calmness of age: Abensallah listened with mildness to these -broken and fluctuating sentences, then exhorting him to be composed, -began to detail the circumstances of Kara Aziek’s escape. - -At the dreadful moment in which she was swept away from the arms of -Sebastian, Providence ordained that a large wicker basket should be -swept off also; by an instinctive action she snatched at it for support, -and borne up by its elasticity, continued floating forward. - -The tide was flowing in, so that every surge impelled the basket, and -its precious freight, nearer shore: one wave stronger than another, -lifted them to a prodigious height, and then precipitated them upon the -land; Aziek had just life enough left to feel the possibility of -preserving life, and the fond idea that perhaps Sebastian was with her, -gave her strength to move among the ledges of the rock on which she was -cast, and to secure herself in a chasm: there she sunk down wholly -exhausted, no longer sensible of danger, though the foaming billows -alternately lashed and receded from the projection which sheltered her. - -The same morning air that had revived her distant lover, brought her -back to a sense of existence; but she was incapable of motion, and -remained two whole days undiscovered by any one, even while she heard -people on the shore below, whom her feeble voice could not reach. She -called on Sebastian, but her doleful accents alone returned on the echo. - -Some sea-fowl’s eggs deposited in the cleft that hid her, sufficed to -keep nature from perishing; but grief, and the wounds her tender body -had received while beaten against the rocks, had nearly terminated her -short life, when a Moorish child clambering up in search of birds’ -nests, descried her, and ran off to tell his parents. - -As her complexion, dress, and language, assured them she was a native of -Barbary, these people carried her to their fishing-boat with great -care; she fainted ere they reached it, reviving at last only to a state -more like death than life. - -In this situation she was taken to their hut some miles further down the -coast, and remained there many days, almost expiring; at length the hand -of Heaven raised her, and she was able to tell her name and rank. - -Deprived of her soul’s treasure, Kara Aziek believed that she should not -tarry after him on earth, but she was willing to die on the bosom of her -parent, and to receive the consolations of religion in her parting hour. -She therefore gave orders for being conveyed to the Alcayde of the -province, who deeming it his duty to forward her to her father, supplied -her with guards and a physician, under whose protection she was moved in -a sort of litter, by easy stages, from the kingdom of Suz to that of -Fez. - -At this part of his narrative, the dervise suddenly broke off, “alas my -memory!” he exclaimed, “this bird was to have been dispatched with -tidings if I found thee--I see Tefza approaching along the road--thou -hast no time to write--the sight of her bird will suffice--” - -“Stay Abensallah!” cried Sebastian, catching his arm as it was extended -to give the dove liberty;--the dervise paused, while the King hastily -pulled from his head a lock of hair, and pushing aside the loose sleeve -of his habit, untwisted a braid of Kara Aziek’s, which from its length -surrounded his wrist several times. - -The sight of that lovely-soft hair, revived the memory of her lovelier -form, and Sebastian’s emotions now assumed a more passionate cast; his -eyes sparkling with vehement wishes, floated in a kind of rapturous -dizziness; half-closing them, he leaned for support against the shoulder -of Abensallah: an ardent sigh burst from his oppressed heart. - -“Moderate this transport, my son!” said the dervise gravely, “or turn -it towards that God to whom thou owest so much.”-- - -Sebastian blushed, and roused himself. “My heart _does_ overflow with -gratitude;” he replied, “Heaven reads it: but surely I may be permitted -to feel the value of what that Heaven restores?”-- - -As he spoke, he was weaving the locks of hair together, intending them -to convey to Kara Aziek the sentiment of their inseparable union,----the -gentle dove scarcely fluttered in Abensallah’s grasp, while -Sebastian fastened the precious knot under her wing; no sooner was it -fixed, than running to the furthest edge of the terrace, he unloosed the -bird, which shot away with the velocity of light. - -Her white pinions, rendered visible by the darkening twilight, enabled -them long to trace her course through air, but at length she diminished -to a mere speck, and the next moment disappeared wholly. - -The eyes of the King remained fixed upon that part of the sky where she -had vanished; Abensallah had just time to whisper that he would finish -his story on the morrow, before Tefza joined them. - -When the Hadgé found that the stranger had not partaken of any -refreshment, he was going to rebuke his slave, when Abensallah turned -his wrath into pleasure, by assuring him the young man had done better -by attending to his discourse. - -Concluding that so pious a personage could only have talked upon one -topic, Tefza smiled graciously, and leading his guest down to a covered -apartment, ordered a dish of kusscason, and dried fruits. - -During supper, Sebastian discovered that Abensallah had introduced -himself in the chief mosque to the Hadgé, and proclaiming himself the -hermit of Benzeroel, had immediately received an invitation to rest for -the night under his roof: he was to set off again the ensuing day. - -“A charitable errand brought me to Riffa,” he said, addressing Tefza, -“our blessed prophet has allowed me to fulfil it: by sun-rise to-morrow -I must return to my mountain, for many unfortunates are now perhaps -waiting for me there to ask my feeble prayers,--let this Christian -accompany me a little on my way.” - -Tefza joyfully consented, and they separated for the night.--There was -no sleep in the breast of Sebastian, agitated by anxiety to learn more -of Aziek’s situation, and thrilling with a multitude of sweet -anticipations, he left his bed, and traversed his room: sometimes he -stopt and embraced Barémel, thanking him for having preserved a life now -unspeakably dear to him; but still oftener he prostrated himself before -the cross, and yielded up his whole soul to the delightful duty of -gratitude. - -It was in these moments that the proud spirit which had rebelled against -its trials, and dared to question divine justice, became soft and -malleable, and melted into penitence: how was he touched and overcome -when he reflected, that at the very time he was resisting the almighty -hand, that bounteous hand was preparing for him the most miraculous -blessing! - -Struck, penetrated with remorse, he wept his fault; and never was the -imperious monarch of Portugal more humble, more impressed with a sense -of human dependance, than at this period when happiness seemed to woo -his embrace. - - - - -CHAP. VIII. - - -Day dawned over the high top of Atlas, bringing the hour for -Abensallah’s departure; Sebastian was first ready: they set off -together, the former seated on a quiet mule, which Tefza kindly forced -the dervise to accept; the latter walking by his side. - -No sooner were they beyond the precincts of Riffa, and passing under the -refreshing shade of trees, than Sebastian besought his companion to -proceed with his narrative: Abensallah hastened to acquiesce. - -“My story will not be much longer;” he observed, “it is enough to tell -thee that Kara Aziek reached her home in safety, where the ablest -physicians were employed to restore her health: but her soul languished -for thee, my son, and medicines cannot reach the soul.--her father too, -happy in beholding her again, and moved by her melancholy, though -ignorant of its cause, consented to defer sending information of her -safety to the Basha of Syria, till our prophet should have heard the -prayers of the physicians: this indulgence somewhat revived her, yet her -heart drooped again, for she believed thee lost. Wasted by sorrow and -sickness, every one supposed her fast descending to Hades, when lo, her -looks brightened, her spirit overflowed with joy, and she revived to a -second life. This wonderful change was wrought in her, by one of those -events which Providence orders, but which erring mortals so often -attribute to chance.” - -Dost thou not remember, prince, having found a traveller in the road to -Riffa, whom robbers had stripped and left covered with wounds?--thou -did’st carry him in thine arms to the house of thy master, thy pious -cares restored him to life, he sojourned with thee five days, at -parting, thy words were these, “Moor, do not thank _me_, thank Christ, -whose servant I am, and who has taught me to succour even those who deny -his name.” - -“Yes--I remember this man, but what had he to do with my fate?” - -“Much,” returned Abensallah, “see how good actions bless -themselves!--this man came to Mequinez to visit a brother, who is -married to Kara Aziek’s favorite woman: he spoke of thee, he detailed -thy humanity, described thy person, and thy discourses, but chiefly he -spoke of yon faithful animal, whom he had heard thee call thy preserver -from shipwreck: at this relation Benzaide ran to her mistress, -transfused her own hopes into her bosom, and quickly suggested a mode of -being satisfied.--The Almoçadem El Hader, had been just offered the -government of Benzeroel; Kara Aziek was to persuade him to accept it, -as that step would bring her into a cavila near thee. - -“No sooner was she removed thither, than remembering thy accounts of -Abensallah, she dispatched messengers for me, partly that I might teach -her how best to thank the great prophet for restoring her health, partly -to interest me with her own anxiety: the sad story she had to tell of -thy misfortunes, renewed all my affection, I set out, and found thee.” - -At these words, Sebastian precipitated himself into the arms of the -benevolent dervise, his excessive emotion deprived him of utterance: “Ah -my son!” resumed Abensallah, “if Providence destines thee to regain thy -rights, thou hast promised to sheathe the sword, which for so many -centuries has desolated Africa;--be true to that promise, and then I -cannot believe myself culpable in seeking to obtain thy freedom, and -preserving for thee the heart of her, whose virtues will prove the best -guarantee of thy good faith. Thou knowest I am no bigot; wherever they -are to be found, sincerity and zeal obtain my respect. Christians are as -yet but walking in darkness, they see not the light that we do, but if -they walk uprightly according to their own laws, may we not hope for -their salvation? Obey _thy_ prophet, prince, and then I trust we shall -meet again, even in the paradise of his superior, Mahomet.” - -“Hold, hold, father,” interrupted Sebastian, averting his face with a -look of horror, “I must not listen to such impious words. I acknowledge -no superior to Him under whose banner I fight.” - -Abensallah cast on him a glance of pity, but did not answer: Sebastian -for some time preserved a dignified silence, at length suddenly -recollecting the commission he had formerly given the dervise, he -enquired whether he had ever sought out the Portuguese prisoners. - -A new source of satisfaction opened to him when he learnt that -Abensallah’s charitable exertions had procured the release of several, -and that amongst them was Don Emanuel de Castro. - -Had he then told De Castro of his sovereign’s existence? How had he -received that information? What sentiments had he uttered? These, and a -croud of other questions, followed each other with such impetuosity, -that the dervise scarcely found an opportunity of replying to them. - -“When he took the ring thou didst instruct me to display,” said -Abensallah, “his otherwise calm and thoughtful aspect, became suddenly -as changeful my son, as thine own: his cheek alternately reddened and -grew pale, and his eyes bent on the momentous signet, seemed fraught -with past events: once or twice he sighed, but soon brightening into -joy, he put it respectfully to his lips, and devoutly blessed thy -prophet for having preserved thee. Having told him of thy strange -disappearance, he seemed greatly disturbed, although I endeavoured to -make him believe that some hasty impulse had prompted thee to brave thy -fate, without my assistance: he then won from me the ring, assuring me -that shouldst thou not be returned to Portugal, unless he could produce -that, such of the grandees as found it their interest to doubt, might -plausibly suspect him of falsehood. To this reasoning I yielded, and -soon after, journeying to Tangier, made my way to the governor, and -brought back with me a redemption friar, to treat for Don Emanuel’s -ransom. - -“Ignorant of his rank, the person to whose lot he had fallen would have -sold him for a trifle, but thy friend refused to take advantage of this -circumstance: he left with him seven purses of gold crowns.” - -“How like De Castro!” interrupted his once-intemperate rival, “nobleness -and he were twin-born! Father, it is one of my sins to have used this -man unworthily.” - -“What an unworthy passion must that have been which blinded thee!” -exclaimed Abensallah, with an earnestness unusual to him. “Were I to -paint Truth, the majestic portrait should have the lineaments of Emanuel -de Castro.” - -“It was an unworthy passion;” returned the King, casting his eyes down, -yet somewhat proudly still--“However, father, I believed the object of -it, what she appeared, an angel!” - -This oblique defence produced some observations and admonitions from -Abensallah which carried along with them infinite instruction; Sebastian -listened with profound attention, and many of the exhortations he then -heard, were remembered in after years with solid advantage. - -They parted near a village where the good dervise had some charitable -visits to make. - -Reflective but happy, Sebastian returned homewards, too much occupied -with Kara Aziek’s safety, and Abensallah’s friendship, to recollect that -he was even now remote from enjoying them; fortunately for human nature, -it is ever inclined to take one good as the earnest of another; and -sweetly cheated by this self-delusion, the King of Portugal already -looked confidently to the ultimate possession of all his wishes. - -Tefza welcomed him back with many an encomium upon the pious dervise, -whose discourses he ventured to hope would not be thrown away: -encouraged by the complacency with which his slave heard him, he renewed -his own arguments in favor of Mahomet, promising to make the Christian -his heir, provided he would embrace Islamism. At any other period such -a proposal would have drawn down on him a storm of indignation, but the -harmonized feelings of Sebastian were at present inclined to put the -most amiable construction upon every thing, he therefore saw only zeal -and affection in this weak attempt at bribing him to abandon his -peculiar faith, and answered him temperately yet firmly. - -This unusual gentleness on a topic which had hitherto roused fiery -opposition, gave the good Hadgé grounds for believing him not unmoved by -the conversation of Abensallah. - -While he was indulging unreal satisfaction during the days which -followed this, his royal slave was impatiently watching the -re-appearance of that winged messenger whose speedy return Abensallah -had led him to expect. The first glow of blissful surprise was now over, -chilling fears began to succeed; and in proportion to the value he set -on Liberty and Love, so increased his doubts of ever obtaining them. - -Kara Aziek under the command of her father, and himself in slavery, were -ill able to give a happy change to their mutual destiny: it is true -Abensallah had informed him that she would purchase his freedom through -the medium of Benzaide’s brother-in-law, but observation of the Hadgé’s -character warned him not to rely too much upon his acquiescence, and -while contemplating the blind zeal of that devotee, he trembled to -think, that after all, this bright dawn might darken, and the sun of -felicity sink in clouds. - -The fourth day elapsed without bringing any intelligence from Benzeroel: -every hour of those days had the King hurried to the terrace, and -hastily glanced round the whole circle of air; in the evenings when -Tefza was at the mosque, he repaired to his station, gazing with a -throbbing heart, which mistook every cloud for a bird. - -The day was done, Tefza had come home and retired to rest, Sebastian -sought the terrace again; he leaned over its railing, and his eyes -wandered round a scene of solemn beauty. - -The “moon walking in brightness,” cast her sublime shadow upon the city -below; the minaurets of its mosques, and the flat roofs of its houses -were covered with light as with a mantle; profound repose rested on -these buildings; but a moment before they had been full of hurry and -noise: distant groves of tall palms, and the far-off mountains of Atlas -with their snowy summits, glittered faintly on the horizon, filling the -imagination with yet nobler images, and prompting genius and piety to -awake together. The whole prospect breathed peace, and all nature -appeared to feel in this majestic stillness the immediate presence of -her Almighty Maker. - -Sebastian’s heart was touched, a sweet melancholy penetrated and filled -it, never before had he thought of Kara Aziek with so little passion or -so much love; never before had he contemplated eternity with her, with -so much enthusiasm; he repeated her name softly, and some tears stole -down his cheek. - -“O beautiful planet!” he exclaimed, fixing his swimming eyes on the orb -above, “Thou alone art like my beloved! perhaps she is looking on thee -at this moment, and thinking of her Sebastian: our souls are then -meeting, Kara Aziek, sympathy unites them, though a hard fate separates -our lives.--Are we not destined to live together in another world?--O -yes, thou wilt abjure thy error, and give thyself to the God I worship.” - -He stopt, mused awhile, then recollecting the dove, again looked -wistfully round. Perhaps some disaster had happened to her, some -wandering Alarbe might have shot her as she flew! at so probable an idea -composure vanished, and anxiety blended with pity began to encrease -insupportably. - -But at that instant a bright speck is seen on the deep blue of the -Heavens; it increases, approaches! soon the white wings of a bird are -visible, they move swifter, they pause, it is the dove! - -She drops from her height and alights beside him: Sebastian seizes her -hastily, but his trembling hand almost fears to grasp his prize; he -covers her head, her wings, with kisses, he feels the letter beneath -them, yet, as if afraid of too much joy, is unable to do more than to -renew those kisses and to call on Heaven as the witness of his -gratitude! - -Having at last secured his treasure, neither humanity nor justice would -permit him to enjoy it, till he had rewarded its carrier; he ran with -the little creature in his bosom to his own chamber where he gave it -food and water, caressing it all the time with a fondness which excited -Barémel’s jealousy; he barked, and leaped upon his master as if to -remind him that he too had served him. - -“What a change!” exclaimed Sebastian, musing, “from a court and crowds -of serving nobles, to this Moorish hovel; and these two mute creatures! -ah well, they love me, and are faithful.” - -He now placed the pigeon in a cage of oziers which he had before -prepared for her, and while her weary eyes closed in sleep, and Barémel -was comforted by licking his master’s hand unchidden, the momentous -letter was opened and read. - -All that the tenderest and freeest of hearts could dictate when -addressing the object dearest to it on earth, that letter contained; it -repeated vows of eternal constancy, and assured him that his freedom -would immediately be attempted: but the joy diffused over Sebastian’s -mind by this promise was blighted at once by learning, that a lamentable -disorder had seized El Hader, and that in consequence of it, Aziek -believed herself bound to remain with him. - -“Thou wilt quit Barbary,” she wrote, “alas! thou wilt then have to quit -it alone, (for how can I clandestinely desert a dying father who has -indulgently heard my prayer of being released from the Basha?) but -thoughts of Kara Aziek’s love will live in thy generous soul, and thou -wilt claim her after thy return to Portugal.” - -“Yet O! think not my beloved, that I will not follow thee to the -remotest corner of the globe, should the angel of death summon away my -kind parent: my soul is inseparable from thine; it is lost, confounded, -mixed with thine for ever. Whatever be thy destiny I have a precious -right to share it: in happiness or in misery art thou not _my_ -Sebastian?” - -In another part she described in the most affecting language her -emotions on receiving the proof of his preservation Sebastian did not -require so lively a picture of Kara Aziek’s devotedness to be convinced -that she lived only in him, and that while a sacred duty withheld her -from sharing his fate immediately, she was rending her heart to obey its -dictates. Alas! if he were to quit Barbary without her, how many years -might pass ere he could return to claim her! - -The joyful tumults excited at first, now sunk into sadness; trouble and -apprehension took possession of that breast which so lately seemed -filled with an eternity of happiness, and reclining his head on his -hand, the sorrowful Sebastian sat thinking away the hours of night in -cheerless solitude. - -Aziek had settled that Babec (the dove was so called,) should remain in -his care till after the arrival of Benzaide’s brother-in-law, and that -then the pretty messenger was to be dispatched with news to his -impatient mistress: Sebastian was to journey with his purchaser to the -house of Benzaide, from whence it would not be difficult to manage an -interview with Kara Aziek. - -These were all the arrangements Aziek had yet made, at least all that -she had written down; for in her heart were multitudes of contrary -wishes, fantastic plans, seducing hopes, which she meant to communicate -to her lover when they met. She was indeed meditating a full avowal to -her father, whose sanction alone could reconcile such opposite -affections; this project however, required infinite consideration, as El -Hader might not easily give credit to the royal dignity, and base -injuries of his former slave, or if he did, might deem it an act of -conscience to betray him into the hands of his own sovereign: at any -rate a Mussulman’s antipathy to a Christian would cost much pains to -overcome. - -After the lapse of a few days, Benzaide’s brother appeared at Riffa; -the Hadgé instantly recollected in him the merchant whom his slave had -succoured, and welcomed him, as he did all strangers, with benevolent -hospitality: but when he proposed purchasing his benefactor, and so -returning his goodness by the gift of freedom, Tefza turned pale, -stammered out some encomiums upon his gratitude, and refused the -request; a look of indignation from Sebastian made him cast down his -eyes. - -The traveller ventured to name a decided sum of money, and receiving no -answer, doubled its amount; the Hadgé replied by a short angry negative: -again the traveller redoubled his offer, and again Tefza refused it; the -whole day was wasted in fruitless proposals on the one side, and firm -denials on the other. - -Meanwhile Sebastian watched with breathless anxiety the countenances of -each; the letter Kara Aziek had sent him by Benzaide’s brother -increased this anxiety, as it contained an account of her father’s -heightened danger, warning him to prepare for many fresh obstacles if he -were not free at the moment of his death to snatch her from the power of -her relations. Tefza’s obstinacy almost irritated him to utter bitter -invectives against that bigotted religion by which it was dictated: -never before had he expressed himself so violently. - -The Hadgé was grieved, somewhat displeased, but not shaken. “Come, come, -no more of this my son, you speak the language of the evil-one, and he -would fain make prey of that well-disposed heart of yours.--I know what -is good for you--my frequent prayers do not arise in vain--some day our -prophet will hear them, and you will feel that he does. What is money to -me?--I have plenty of it--I covet only the treasure of good works;--and -is it not a good work to save a soul?--once for all, I say I will not -part with you.--Traveller you have your answer.”-- - -Kara Aziek’s agent sorrowfully departed.-- - -Sebastian hesitated a moment, then remembering that he owed her a -sacrifice, he surmounted his towering spirit, and threw himself at the -old man’s feet: there he implored his generosity, he acknowledged his -obligations, he described his own affection and respect, but then he -painted his passionate longing for freedom in the liveliest colours, and -ventured to touch upon his own fidelity in having so long borne the -weight of servitude, rather than act treacherously to a confiding -master. In short he left no persuasion unapplied. - -Tefza shed tears, and raised him tenderly; but he began upon the old -argument, repeating his unjust determination. - -Lashed into fury Sebastian now flung away the Hadgé’s hand, and looking -at him with an inflamed countenance, exclaimed--“Take back then, all -your favours;--at least oppress me with them no more---- I here abjure -them, tell you I abhor them--will retain them no longer!--from this hour -I hold myself released from every scruple of honour, and will employ my -whole soul in trying to fly your accursed country! look well to me -then--say not I have basely deceived you, for I tell it you in the face -of Heaven.---- Why do you force me to this ingratitude, old man?--you -_have_ used me most graciously--may God bless you for it”--his voice -faultered as he spoke the last words, but impatient of reply, he rushed -out of the apartment.-- - -Blinded by passion, his reason did not see the folly of a too hasty -communication to Kara Aziek; he hurried to his own chamber, wrote her a -short detail of his disappointment, ending with an assurance that he -would break his bonds at any rate, and soon hasten to her: having taken -Babec from her cage, and fastened the vellum under her silver wing, he -opened the casement and let her fly. - -Scarcely waiting till she should disappear, he left his room and ran -with the quickness of chafed feelings towards the town, where he had -several sick persons to visit, and much alms to distribute: this -occupation, by reminding him of the Hadgé’s best qualities, caused him -to regret having expressed his purpose, however determined, in such -harsh terms: regret increased painfully, and brought him back sooner -than his accustomed hour.-- - -Tefza was out, and did not re-appear till night was far wasted: on -seeing his slave quietly standing at the gate watching his return, he -uttered an exclamation of joy; Sebastian then found that the Hadgé had -been all these hours in search of him, whom he believed gone to put his -threat of flight into execution. - -The garments of Tefza were dripping with wet, for it had rained heavily -after sun-set, and he was too solicitous to get tidings of his runaway, -to think of sheltering himself: he now embraced Sebastian, saying, he -trusted that Alla had made him repent his cruel anger, and disposed him -to continue happily with one who loved him like a father. - -Gratitude and compunction did indeed appear in the King’s reply, but he -gently repeated his unaltered determination, even while occupied in -changing the old man’s soaked galebia, with a careful tenderness hostile -to his words. Tefza sighed, squeezed the Christian’s hand, and withdrew -shivering to his chamber. - -The night was spent by Sebastian in such disturbance of mind as keeps -sleep far distant: passion and gratitude urged him to fly to Kara Aziek; -gratitude joined by honour forbade him to escape from Tefza. In the -storm raised by those contradictory emotions, reason’s voice was -unheard; what passion wished, she pronounced lawful, what her rival -attempted to say was hastily silenced. - -Never before had Sebastian found it difficult to discover the path of -duty; he dreaded his final decision, because it might be influenced by -his desires, and nearly leaned to the erroneous side merely from fearing -himself too much. - -The next morning however, found him resolved to regain his rightful -liberty by any means, since he had neither consented to part with it, -nor forfeited his claim by the commission of crimes: accident alone, not -even the chance of War, had brought him into bondage; perhaps, he -thought, they who enlist under her banners bind themselves to abide by -her nicer laws; here, however, no laws exist to chain me.-- - -Cheered by the serenity which always follows a resolution grounded upon -conscientious deliberation, he lightly left his room, and was proceeding -out of the house with an intent of purchasing in Riffa some coarse -habit to serve as a disguise, when a low groan arrested his steps; he -listened,--another, and another followed,--they came from the -sleeping-room of his master. - -Forgetful of all those anxieties which but a moment before had engrossed -him, he pushed open the door, and cautiously entered; the sound of his -tread startled Tefza, he faintly unclosed his eyes, exclaiming “ah! is -it you, my son!--give me some drink--I am very ill.” - -Sebastian hastened to his bed-side, on touching Tefza’s hand he found it -dry and burning; his eyes were heavy, his breath short--every symptom -announced one of those malignant fevers which so frequently ravage -Barbary, and are produced by excessive moisture after intense heats. - -Struck with the conviction that it was to the search for him that Tefza -owed his malady, Sebastian’s heart smote him more powerfully than -justice required; he hurried to rouse the household slaves, and have -the physician sent for, then he returned to the old man, and sat -watching and soothing him by turns. - -The Moorish doctor was just skilful enough to perceive his patient’s -extreme danger, and to prescribe a few innoxious useless simples; he -repeated his visit at night, by which time the Hadgé was delirious, and -his fever alarmingly increased. - -Observing the ignorance of this practitioner, and remembering the -remedies resorted to by the Portuguese, Sebastian assumed some command, -and ventured to act according to the suggestions of his own -understanding; the medicines he administered were in some degree -successful: but a fierce disease must have its course; the fever raged -for one-and twenty days, till it had spent its fires, and then they went -out of themselves. - -During this tedious period Sebastian was agitated by the greatest -inquietude for Kara Aziek; Benzaide’s brother-in-law (having delayed -his return a few days,) had been the bearer of a letter describing the -tie which now bound him to Riffa, and Babec had afterwards appeared with -the information of El Hader’s death, and the removal of Aziek to the -neighbouring house of an uncle. - -Plunged in filial sorrow, she had scarcely said more than that her sad -heart needed the consolation of its dearest object, though at the same -time she urged him by every sacred law of gratitude and humanity not to -desert the Hadgé till death had released him, or health returned. - -As Sebastian sat by the old man’s pillow, contemplating his wasted -figure while it lay composed in sleep, (for the fever had left him,) he -could not refrain from heaving deep and repeated sighs; a tedious -convalescence must follow such a violent disorder: Tefza, reduced to -infantine feebleness, would long require the tenderest care--who would -bestow it in the absence of Sebastian?--Alas, even goodness cannot -always insure to itself a comforter in the time of need! most men are -capable of making _one_ great sacrifice to their benefactor, but how few -are disposed to yield without murmuring, their time, their enjoyments, -nay their rest and personal liberty, in a continued round of privations! - -“Poor childless old man!” said Sebastian, looking tenderly on him, “thou -hast thy wish, I remain with thee.” - -At this virtuous resolution, some sweetness mingled with the pain of -regret: O delightful emotion of self-approval, how amply dost thou repay -the soul for any sacrifice! - -Sebastian’s heart was calmed yet elevated, and he added devoutly--“This -is Heaven’s will.” - -It was his purpose to stay at Riffa, till Tefza should be sufficiently -recovered, and then he hoped to obtain freedom from his gratitude, -without having recourse to violent measures. Kara Aziek, shut up in her -uncle’s house with the privacy of mourning, would be almost -inaccessible, were he near her abode, and it was therefore as well, -perhaps, for them to be thus far asunder, till her grief was enough -abated for them to concert together a mode of flight: two or three weeks -longer, and he hoped to be with Benzaide in the cavila of Benzeroel. - -Tefza’s recovery was tryingly slow; and though he felt and acknowledged -his obligation to the heroic faithfulness of Sebastian, he had not the -heroism himself to repay it instantly by freedom:--he would only promise -freedom hereafter, but no intreaties could prevail on him to fix the -period. - -The sickly state of his body and mind pleaded so powerfully for -indulgence, that Sebastian forbore to press the subject, secretly making -up his mind to a decisive step, should the old man’s wearying -irresolution render it necessary. - -In the midst of these inquietudes, another billet arrived from Kara -Aziek, it was written hastily, and with a trembling hand: “Alas!” she -said, “we are lost, my beloved! my uncle has just informed me, that the -Basha of Syria, acquainted with my existence, has reclaimed my -person--he is set out to receive me--light of my soul! am I again to be -torn from thee? art thou to be lost to me at last?--despair and love -change my whole nature; I am no longer thy timid, starting Aziek. I -meditate a rash, ah me! perhaps an immodest step: I am going, disguised -like one of thy sex, to seek refuge in flight; Benzaide and her husband -will accompany me: we will bend our course to the dwelling of -Abensallah, his piety will be our protection and our guide, wilt thou -not meet me there, Sebastian? at least when gratitude and humanity have -no longer claims on thee, wilt thou not hasten to her, whom the most -passionate wishes, the wildest fears, consume hourly?--but oh! how -sweet it is, to feel life burning out for thee! - -“Providence opens to me the door of liberty, this night perhaps, this -night, ah! haste my beloved.” - -The most frightful pangs seized Sebastian on reading this letter, in -their first paroxysm he was on the point of hastening to Tefza, casting -himself at his feet, declaring his situation, and imploring permission -to depart; but the next moment he trembled at the rash suggestion, -confident that Tefza’s bigotry, would never pardon a Mahometan woman for -loving a Christian. - -He then sought to allay his apprehensions by reflecting on the safe -asylum Kara Aziek had chosen; yet how would she arrive there? she, so -delicate, so timid, so inexperienced! was her tender frame made for the -haste and fatigue of flight! and that flight too, performed under -burning skies, upon uneasy animals, and exposed to numberless accidents! -were her sex discovered in that relentless country, (where women are -deemed impious if they believe themselves created without roots) shame -and punishment would follow. - -At that thought the devoted lover fancied himself ready to pay any price -for her safety,--nay, even that of wholly resigning her; he thought so -only an instant; her soft beauties in the arms of another, was an idea -so abhorrent, that it maddened him as it passed, and banished all wish -for her delay. - -He now hurried out in search of Tefza, and found him stretched along a -paillasse in his garden, enjoying the evening air; as he approached, the -infirm old man eyed him with an expression of thanking kindliness, which -pained while it pleased Sebastian: having uttered several assurances of -reviving health, and eaten heartily of some dish brought by a servant, -he afforded the impatient King an opportunity of remarking upon his -convalescence, and consequently of re-urging his suit. - -The subject was once more discussed with vehement importunity by the -one, and useless arguments by the other; Sebastian was again inflamed to -passion, and again the weak Tefza became sick, and tearful, and -relenting. - -“But one trial more!” he cried, detaining the King by his mantle, “thou -knowest how my heart yearns for thy conversion--gratitude for thy late -goodness encreases this desire, and makes me seem cruel to thee, when I -mean to be most kind. Only accompany me to Mecca; with the first -caravan, I go thither to bless the prophet for my life, and to implore -him for thee: should he not hear my unworthy prayers, should thy soul -remain unconverted by the piety thou wilt behold there, I swear to thee -by Mahomet himself, that in three days after our arrival, thou shalt be -free!” - -Sebastian turned quickly round, and fixed his eyes on him with a look -that searched his soul: “Swear it to me!” he exclaimed, then as suddenly -stopping, he added, “Tefza I cannot consent, it will be too late.” - -His fate at this period depended on the chance of a single moment; a -day, an hour, might ravish Kara Aziek from him, and with her all hope of -future happiness from the attainment of minor objects. Tefza’s repeated -refusal and desolate ill health, by turns maddened and melted him; yet -was he just enough to respect the old man’s motive, even while suffering -under its pernicious effects. - -A new thought struck him: “we are not many leagues from Benzeroel,” he -cried, “let us go thither Tefza! you venerate the worthy dervise who -dwells among its mountains: we will state our case--you shall urge every -argument suggested by this fruitless wish of converting me,--I will -simply state the mode by which I became a slave, my desire of freedom, -my dutiful care of you in illness, and your indefinite promise:--if he -bid me go with you to Arabia, I will comply,--if he exhort you to -torture me no longer, but fulfil your promise, may I not expect that you -will obey him?” - -Transported out of himself, Tefza caught the ardent King in his arms, -exclaiming--“I consent--we set out to-morrow.” - -Leaving him no time for consideration, Sebastian hastily obtained -permission, and left the garden to order preparations for their journey: -while doing so, he reflected with some confusion upon the stratagem he -had used: his ingenuous nature abhorred even the appearance of artifice, -and this was not the first time in his life that he had given that name -to prudence. - -To conceal any thing from another, interested in the subject of that -concealment, had uniformly seemed to him a species of insincerity, -which he never practised without extreme repugnance: this noble -prejudice now covered his brow with the colouring of shame: he paused -and considered “But what advantage do I mean to make of this artifice? -none that the Hadgé will not himself sanction; we shall both gain the -benefit of Abensallah’s counsel; he will perhaps convince Tefza, that -equity demands my freedom, and that not even their religion authorizes -unjust actions; he will persuade him, possibly, from this perilous -journey into Arabia,--if not, I do not mean to take sanctuary with -Abensallah, I will perform my engagement, and hasten back from Mecca to -Benzeroel; alas! all the good this stratagem may bestow, will be only -the satisfaction of seeing my beloved, of knowing that she is safe, and -can wait securely for me.” - -Sebastian’s heart said all this sincerely, and he endeavoured to think, -that by withholding the principal motive of his present conduct from -Tefza, he was not deceiving, though he was not confiding in him. - -By day-break on the morrow the travellers set forth: Tefza on a camel, -attended by two trusty servants, Sebastian on a stout mule, guarded by -the faithful Barémel, and cherishing in his bosom Kara Aziek’s dove. - -This tender little creature, seemed in her lover’s eyes, a part of Aziek -herself: whenever he softly kissed its warm plumage, delightful emotions -thrilled through his veins; the balmy breath of its gentle mistress -appeared to be yet there, and he could fancy a thousand fond caresses -lavished on Babec, meant for him, and so rendered to him at last. - -As he now mounted his mule, he lightly smoothed the bird’s silver wings, -pressed them yet lighter with his lips, and carefully laid her to rest -next his heart: the look he gave her, was such as a mother bestows on -her first born and only child! - -Tefza smiled at his favorite slave’s _playthings_, as he called Barémel -and Babec, half inclined to think his wits disordered from such unmanly -solicitude about a bird; but too indulgent to say so, he waited till -Sebastian had safely adjusted his charge, and then ordered the camels, -&c. to proceed. - -Travelling instead of exhausting, revived the Hadgé, for he rested -during the hot hours of noon, and only moved when the air was tempered -by morning or evening breezes: Sebastian had a thousand times to -recollect that Tefza was old and sick ere he could prevent himself from -impatiently urging a quicker method; his soul was already at the cave of -Abensallah. Imagination had placed him in the embrace of Kara Aziek; -that timid, ardent embrace, to which Love at one moment gave the most -transporting character, and the next instant changed it into tremors of -apprehension and shame: he fancied her pitying tears over the grave of -his friend; at that sad image, passion’s intoxicating reveries suddenly -fled, Sebastian’s thoughts assumed a severer cast, and many were the -pangs of self-reproach which now tyrannised over him. - -Reflections like these happily abstracted some portion of his anxiety -about Aziek, and the attentions required by his feeble companion -completed their effect. - -They reached the extremity of Mounts Benzeroel on the evening of the -ninth day. - -At sight of Abensallah’s tranquil abode, where Sebastian had experienced -so much goodness, where he had performed the last melancholy duties to -Stukeley, where so many hopes and wishes (now annihilated,) had once -agitated his heart, where at length he was come to seek the most -faithful and tender of women, he was inexpressibly moved; a variety of -feelings melted him; he stopt, gazed wistfully on the rock, and -precipitately concealed his face in his garment. - -He was roused by the well-remembered voice of Ismael, now at the mouth -of the cave, who was praying the travellers to alight: as the Hadgé -entered first, Sebastian had an opportunity of discovering himself to -Ismael, and charging him not to mention their former acquaintance before -Tefza or his servants; after this precaution, he entered. - -On passing the threshold he cast a trembling glance round the narrow -cell; no one was there but Tefza and Abensallah: his heart died away; -yet, did he expect to behold Kara Aziek? no, she must be secured in the -interior apartment which Abensallah reserved as an asylum for persecuted -persons. - -Occupied with the most frightful anxiety (for his inconsistent heart -could not recover from its first shock,) he scarcely saw the reverend -dervise who was folding him to his breast and saving; him his -benediction; an observation from Tefza roused him, and faultering out a -few grateful words, he sat down opposite to the chamber he longed to -penetrate. - -His eyes now searched those of Abensallah, but extreme earnestness -blunted his perception, for he knew not whether it was comfort or -commiseration he read in that gently-expressive face: his own looks were -only too distinct a transcript of his disturbed soul: the alternate -flushings and mortal paleness of his cheeks, could not escape the notice -of Tefza, he believed that they were occasioned by the workings of a -mind which began to feel the true religion. - -In fact the Hadgé was now diffusely detailing his errand to Benzeroel, -and calling upon Abensallah to assist the great work he had humbly taken -in hand: Abensallah bestowed many sincere encomiums upon his pious -intention of visiting Mecca, but required to hear the Christian’s -sentiments ere he could properly pronounce his own opinion. - -“Speak to him alone if thou wilt; said the triumphant Tefza, I will -yield him every advantage, he shall confess at least, that I am solely -actuated by affection for his soul.” - -At this acceptable proposal, Ismael was called to lead the Hadgé up a -flight of steps cut in the rock which led to another cell where lay the -Koran and other holy books, and which the dervise denominated his -mosque. - -Sebastian started up on their departure, and stood trembling with -repressed eagerness, till the echo of their feet above, was no longer -distinct, he then grasped Abensallah’s arm with one hand, while he -stretched out the other towards the spring of the secret door.--“She is -here? my father?” he said, in a voice that half-demined and half asked -the question. - -“No my son, she is not: prepare thy spirit for still further trials: -she is with the servants of the Basha, on the road to Syria.” - -Abensallah’s first words were sufficient for Sebastian; his soul, -already enfeebled by an extreme indulgence of delightful anticipations, -had not strength to bear this shock, he staggered a few paces, and fell -apparently lifeless against the wall of the cell. - -On loosening his unhappy friend’s vest, Abensallah perceived Babec, whom -he hastily shut into a basket, then returned to the King, and sprinkled -his face with water: he revived at length; but with every breath he -drew, repeated sighs seemed rending life a second time away. - -Abensallah meanwhile gently spoke of resignation to Heaven’s decrees, of -those unexpected turns in our destiny which so often make light spring -out of darkness; Sebastian smiled sadly, and again sighed heavily: the -dervise then pressed upon him the peculiar mercies which had already -been shewn him by the Great Being who thought fit to cloud his sunshine -awhile. The young Monarch at that moment despised thrones and courts, -too certain, that with Kara Aziek would go all his happiness; ashamed of -his weakness he looked aside with a flushed cheek; “O my father!” he -said, “think not that I am thus vanquished by selfish regret, no, I call -Heaven to witness it is for _her_ my heart is wrung so sorely.” - -The compassionate Abensallah hastened to alleviate this pain, he -informed him that Kara Aziek had but just dispatched her last letter to -Riffa, when a numerous cavalcade of camels, horsemen, and presents, -headed by an officer of the Basha’s army, had arrived at El Hader’s -mansion: the Basha himself was in Syria, where he was detained by a war -with the Persians, and having learned from the uncle of Aziek that she -still lived, had sent his people to claim her. - -Callous to her tears, intreaties, and protestations of being released by -her father from this hated engagement, her relentless uncle insisted -upon her immediate departure; she could not doubt that he was actuated -by avarice, as he would inherit that fortune the proud Basha refused to -accept, were she to quit Barbary, and she therefore offered to resign -every thing into his hands: but her kinsman persisted in his commands, -for he mistrusted her sincerity. - -Narrowly watched, and so precluded from escaping, the unhappy victim -could only steal into Benzaide’s hand as she embraced her at parting, a -letter for Abensallah, and some directions for her own conduct; the -latter enjoined her to dispatch her brother-in-law to Benzeroel with the -billet for Abensallah, and the young brood of Babec. Aziek’s tender -heart could not disregard even the instincts of a bird; and she well -knew that if Sebastian believed her journeying towards the cave of the -dervise, he would not release the dove, nor lose sight of it, till he -had brought it thither. Babec therefore would come to Benzeroel; to -whom then could she bequeath her pretty favorite with its little -nestlings, so cheerfully as to Abensallah? - -She wrote to tell him so, and to intreat that he would soften to -Sebastian the dreadful blow which her forced departure must inflict. In -the most solemn manner she besought her lover to believe that she would -perish rather than yield herself to the Basha; that wherever she might -be conveyed, however oppressed or threatened, she would consider her -heart and her person equally the property of her absent Sebastian, and -that he might be certain, that whether Aziek lived or died, she lived or -died worthy of his love. She coupled this declaration with an earnest -entreaty that he would follow her into Syria, where during the months -sacred to mourning in those countries, she might find some mode of -escaping to him, were he near enough to aid and to receive her. - -Many tears had blotted the characters traced by her hand, but the -feelings of Sebastian instructed him in hers, and he was obliged to turn -away from Abensallah, that his weakness might not again be visible: when -he came to that passage which announced her future intention, and -required him to follow her, his emotions were suddenly changed; the -Phœnix hope sprung from her own ashes, and made him now as impatient to -fly with Tefza into the vicinity of Syria, as he had before been -solicitous to avoid it. - -Strange vicissitude of human affairs! how often do the changes of a -single hour convert events from curses into blessings! Sebastian had -considered the Hadgé’s pilgrimage as the most fatal mischance that could -have arisen, now it seemed only a kind interposition of Providence in -his favour. - -The re-appearance of Tefza abruptly terminated the discourse which his -absence had permitted: Abensallah then pronounced the decision required -of him, and became the witness of that compact which bound Tefza to give -his slave freedom in three days after their arrival at Mecca, should he -still require it. - -The lively satisfaction which this decision afforded to Sebastian’s -master, was somewhat damped by hearing sentiments from Abensallah -different from his own: that excellent old man mildly tried to moderate -the other’s flaming zeal, and at last convinced him that it is not given -to fallible man to tyrannise over the consciences of his brethren. - -But see the inconsistency of human nature! Tefza had not resolution to -act conformably with this conviction; he still adhered to the plan of -leading his slave over desolate and dangerous tracts of country for the -mere chance of converting him by the imposing spectacle of Mahomet’s -crouded tomb. The piety and wisdom of Abensallah he could not doubt, but -he secretly complimented himself upon greater fervour in the same -faith. - -While the two Mussulmen were earnestly conversing on the life and -doctrines of their prophet, Sebastian went out to visit the grave of -Stukeley. He found it piously adorned with evergreens, which the dervise -had planted round it: nearly two years had now elapsed since that -period, and the myrtles and box were expanded into perfect luxuriance. - -The old cluster of locust-trees still cast its deep shadow along the -solitary mound; but the ground about it, was thickly set with flowers, -whose balmy breath incensed the honoured clay, and whose charming -colours gave beauty to the bed of death. - -Night was approaching, and so gloomily, that the lanthorn Sebastian -carried, scarcely threw light enough around to discover more than -detached parts of the scene: soon however, flashes of pale lightning, -which begun to quiver at distant intervals among the clouds, -momentarily illuminated every object, and distinctly shewed the -fearfully-steep rocks, the grave at their feet, and the moss-grown -crucifix which surmounted it. - -Sebastian’s heart was heavily oppressed; a mortal sadness weighed it -down, but he shed no tears; he knelt before the cross, and there poured -out his regrets, lamented his errors, prayed for Stukeley’s soul, and -implored a blessing on the desperate enterprize he was about to attempt. - -What was that enterprize? he knew not--he considered not;--it must grow -out of circumstances: all he felt assured of was, that to rescue Kara -Aziek, he would attempt impossibilities, and meet destruction in any -shape. - -Again his thoughts reverted to Stukeley, and again they retraced with -anguish, that happy period in which the gallant Englishman had become -known to him. O happy period indeed! for then the youth of Sebastian was -in its first gloss; then, he looked round upon nature, and saw in it -only the reflection of his own sweet and ingenuous spirit; all men -appeared to him just, benevolent, and faithful, and every thing he -possessed, secure and permanent: now, experience had swept away these -vain pageants; security was no more, doubt and apprehension had -succeeded. - -As he leaned sadly against the cross, his reflections imperceptibly -assumed that form which a poetical mind so naturally gives to melancholy -subjects: as the ideas flowed, he cut them with the point of a moorish -knife upon the wooden base of the crucifix. - - Rest, rest, ye ashes dear! - I come not here - Your peace to alter, nor remove you where - Honor and Pomp attend, - To wait the buried friend, - And yield his hov’ring shade, the choral prayer. - - Singly I come, alas! with tears alone, - To mourn youth’s trusting hour, for ever flown! - O friend beloved! O brother of my soul! - How long shall time and fortune various roll, - Yet bear no pang away, - With which this honored clay, - Now rives the heart, that wrongs have turned to stone? - - I think of thee--and with that dear-lov’d thought, - Comes many a melting thrill for human kind: - Thou wast of mortal make, yet I did find - Each grace celestial in thy fabric wrought. - - O Genius! Friendship! Heav’n-attaining worth! - Ye once were joined on earth; - In Stukeley’s soul, by God’s own purpose fixed, - Ye once did dwell and grow, - Breathing e’en here below - The air of Eden pure, with dross unmixed. - - Ah little understood! - That soul refined, - That ardent heart, that piercing mind, - Those views etherial, which his purer eye - Read in their native sky, - Were deem’d but fancies vain, by souls of grosser mood. - - He lived to suffer, and to give - A noble lesson how to live; - On Glory’s bed, his latest sigh, - Was breathed to teach us how to die!-- - -At this sentiment, so long associated with all his feelings, Sebastian’s -imagination suddenly checked itself: troubled and confused doubts, as to -so general an application of the sentiment (however just, when applied -to him who acted from a strong impulse of conscience) succeeded to his -more passionate regrets: in the midst of them, Ismael appeared. - -He came to say that his master was going to retire for the night, and -waited his Christian guest. - -Sebastian arose, fixed a long look on the earth which covered the brave -Englishman, and turned away. He never saw it again. - - - END OF THE SECOND VOLUME. - - - J. M‘CREERY, Printer, - Black-Horse-Court, Fleet-Street, London. - - -Typographical errors corrected by the etext transcriber: - - -Many minor punctuation errors have been corrected. - -first vist to Barbary=> first visit to Barbary {pg 17} - -you may not not hereafter call me a base=> you may not hereafter call me -a base {pg 25} - -she unconsciouly weave=> she unconsciously weave {pg 28} - -scuccour for those=> succour for those {pg 37} - -journey in desart regions=> journey in desert regions {pg 51} - -from a side eminnence=> from a side eminence {pg 53} - -rendered him speechles=> rendered him speechless {pg 104} - -he was a Portugueze office=> he was a Portuguese office {pg 126} - -figure, exclaming in a=> figure, exclaiming in a {pg 136} - -aukward reckoning=> awkward reckoning {pg 144} - -have shared his thone=> have shared his throne {pg 164} - -fellow of an adverturous=> fellow of an adventurous {pg 197} - -when addressing the the object=> when addressing the object {pg 275} - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DON SEBASTIAN *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Don Sebastian</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>or, The house of the Braganza; vol. 2</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Anna Maria Porter</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: July 26, 2022 [eBook #68608]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Sonya Schermann and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DON SEBASTIAN ***</div> -<hr class="full" /> - -<p class="c"> -<a href="images/cover.jpg"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" -height="550" alt="[Image of -the book's cover unavailable.]" /></a> -</p> - -<table style="border: 2px black solid;margin:2em auto;max-width:50%; -padding:1%;"> -<tr><td> - -<p class="c">Contents.<br /> -<a href="#CHAP_I">CHAP. I., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_II">CHAP. II., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_III">CHAP. III., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_IV">CHAP. IV., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_V">CHAP. V., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_VI">CHAP. VI., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_VII">CHAP. VII., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_VIII">CHAP. VIII.</a></p> - -<p class="c">Some typographical errors have been corrected; -<a href="#transcrib">a list follows the text</a>.</p> -<p class="c">(etext transcriber's note)</p></td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="c"><span class="big">DON SEBASTIAN;<br /><br /> -<small>OR,</small><br /><br /> -THE HOUSE OF BRAGANZA.</span> -<br /><br /><br /> -<img src="images/deco2.png" -width="100" -alt="" /><br /> -<small>J. M‘CREERY</small>, Printer,<br /> -Black-Horse-Court, Fleet-Street, London.<br /> -</p> - -<hr /> -<div class="blk"> -<h1> -DON SEBASTIAN;<br /> -<br /> -<small>OR</small>,<br /> -<br /> -THE HOUSE OF BRAGANZA.</h1> - -<p class="c">AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE.<br /> -<br /> -IN FOUR VOLUMES.<br /> -<br /><br /><br /><img src="images/deco1.png" -width="100" -alt="" /><br /><br /> -BY MISS ANNA MARIA PORTER.<br /> -<br />AUTHOR OF THE HUNGARIAN BROTHERS.<br /><br /> -<img src="images/deco2.png" -width="100" -alt="" /></p> - -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i10">Take Physic, Pomp!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">So shalt thou shake the superflux to them,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And shew the Heavens more just.<br /></span> -<span class="i14"><span class="smcap">King Lear.</span><br /></span> -</div></div> -</div> - -<p class="c"> -VOL. II.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<img src="images/deco3.png" -width="100" -alt="" /><br /><br /> - -LONDON:<br /> -<br /> -PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME,<br /> PATERNOSTER ROW.<br /> -———<br /> -1809.<br /></p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - -<hr /> - -<p class="c"><span class="big">DON SEBASTIAN,</span><br /><br /> - -<small>OR</small> -<br /><br /><span class="big"> -THE HOUSE OF BRAGANZA.</span></p> - -<h2><a id="CHAP_I"></a>CHAP. I.</h2> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">The</span> first day on which Gaspar was able to walk out, Sebastian obtained -leave for him to breathe the air of the gardens in the cool of evening: -all the slaves were retired to supper, when the grateful soldier -hesitatingly accepted the support of his King, and slowly proceeded from -his chamber.</p> - -<p>“At moments like these,” whispered he, “I cannot believe myself -awake.—So<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> supported—so attended,—oh sire! in Portugal this would -have been impossible.”</p> - -<p>“Only because in Portugal I should not have known your value.” Sebastian -could not forbear sighing as he spoke—but quickly smiling, he added, -“Trust me, Gaspar, I shall not feel less a King when again seated on the -throne of my ancestors, for having administered to your sufferings and -shewn my gratitude for your rare attachment. I take your heart as a -sample of all my people’s; and the reflections your generous -sensibilities have given rise to, shall teach me to respect their -feelings, though at the expense of my own extravagant desires.”</p> - -<p>They now moved slowly on: a gentle breeze just stirred the leaves of the -umbrageous plane trees, mingling their murmurs with the cooling sound of -fountains and water-falls; a balmy smell from fruits and flowers -delighted the senses of Gaspar; his eyes wandered with pleasure over the -beautiful gardens, and the con<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span>sciousness of reviving health diffused -through his heart and over his face an air of grateful complacency. His -pale cheek and feeble frame presented an interesting contrast to the yet -vigorous youth of Sebastian: like a young cedar of Libanus, flourishing -in eternal spring, his manly beauty seemed formed for duration.</p> - -<p>Having conducted Gaspar into the labyrinth, the King laid him down upon -one of its mossy couches; fearing to exhaust him by conversation, he -took out his flute, and played several soft airs.</p> - -<p>The music, the profound tranquillity, and his extreme weakness, by -degrees stole upon the senses of Gaspar; and he dropt to sleep: -Sebastian observed it in silence; then fearing to awake him, rose to -seek some other slave who might assist in conveying him to his chamber.</p> - -<p>For this purpose he quitted the labyrinth: the pale evening star -twinkling through innumerous boughs, alone lighted him on his way. -Glowing with bene<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>volent and friendly joy, he trod with a lighter step, -and looked even in the gardens of El Hader as he had done in the -magnificent precincts of Xabregas: though wrapt in a homely dress, the -kingly air was still visible. There is a gracefulness of mind which -ennobles the meanest habit; that grace now gave picturesque grandeur to -the coarse drapery of Sebastian. His neck and head were bare; but the -crown of Portugal itself, could not have added majesty to that -commanding brow, nature’s hand had encircled it with a crown: his dark -brown hair glowing with living gold, hung in glossy curls over his -forehead and his cheek, discovering at intervals, as the breeze lifted -it, those eyes and that mouth whose sweetness had once been proverbial -in a court.</p> - -<p>Hastening onwards, he was startled by the sight of Kara Aziek standing -alone, as if she had been listening to the sound of his flute: after an -instant’s confusion, the impetuous monarch flung himself at her<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> feet, -and uttered in Moresco a hasty expression of gratitude, then remembering -what Hafiz had said of her accomplishments, and fearing to be overheard, -he changed his accent, and spoke to her in Italian.</p> - -<p>She answered him courteously, though not fluently, in the same language; -but her soft voice was so broken by timidity, so mixed with sighs, and -interrupted by hesitation, that she was scarcely intelligible. Sebastian -remained at her feet, and she had time to recover herself.</p> - -<p>“What is it I can do for thee, amiable Christian?” she resumed, “my -heart is touched with thy situation.—So young, so brave, so generous as -I hear thou art, thou must have many friends in thine own country, the -remembrance of whom increases thy present sorrow: would I could restore -thee to them! but I cannot; my power extends only to ameliorating thy -condition.—What is it I can do for thee?<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Alas, nothing!” exclaimed the King, pierced with disappointment, -“banished from my country, without hope of return, I no longer desire -life. I was born, lady, in the midst of power, riches, and honors; I had -the means and the will of blessing multitudes; I was surrounded by -relations and friends. I am now a slave! if forced at last to abandon -the hope of release, do you imagine that any thing can reconcile me to -such a destiny? To your heavenly goodness I already owe all the comfort -of which my miserable fate is susceptible: ah! could I persuade you to -pity me yet further—to procure for me permission to inform one friend -of my captivity, and so be ransomed from the Almoçadem!”</p> - -<p>“Christian!” said Kara Aziek, after a pause, “thy noble disregard of -selfish considerations since thou hast been under the charge of Hafiz, -deserves the exertions of all who love virtue; be assured, from this -moment, that thou hast made a<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> friend in Kara Aziek: she will continue -to protect thee, she will cautiously labour to obtain thy release; but -thou must not be impatient if the time be long, and the object lost. My -father will not bear either too frequent or too earnest urging: if I -would serve the Christians, I must do it prudently.”</p> - -<p>Sebastian put the embroidered hem of her kaftan to his lips: “You are my -guardian angel, he exclaimed, and there are hearts in Portugal worthy of -knowing yours, that shall one day bless you!”</p> - -<p>The young monarch’s emotion interested Kara Aziek, she wished to see him -again more distinctly, and for this purpose lifted up her veil; the -instant their eyes met, she dropt it with a modest blush. But her soft -beauty, like that of the summer moon, instantaneously changed the -impetuous ardour of Sebastian; a serene and delightful admiration -succeeded to his agitation; her shape, her voice, her countenance, were -all lovely, they breath<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>ed the tenderness and the purity of an angel, -and though the radient image of Donna Gonsalva outshone the Moorish -Beauty in splendor, it could only have been preferred by a lover.</p> - -<p>Every thing in Gonsalva was gay, resistless, triumphant; in Kara Aziek, -touching, yielding, and humble; the one seemed a divinity to be -worshipped, the other a tender creature to be loved.</p> - -<p>Every endearing quality of woman’s fond and faithful heart, beamed from -the dewy eyes of Kara Aziek; those eyes bespoke a soul capable of wholly -losing itself in the happiness and honour of one beloved object; they -promised heroic devotedness, disinterested goodness, virtuous -submission: they had never yet known how to express disdain, anger, or -desire of rule. It was sufficient to have beheld Kara Aziek but for a -moment, to be convinced that she was the sweetest and the gentlest of -human beings.</p> - -<p>Lost in the remembrance of a counte<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>nance so engaging, the young King -did not remark that his companion heaved several deep sighs: at length, -she spoke to him again. “It is then to Portugal that thou wishest to -return? It was my mother’s country—perhaps thou hast a mother and -sisters there—or a wife—art thou married, Christian?—”</p> - -<p>Sebastian answered in the negative with a sigh deeper than her own; -Aziek eagerly resumed. “If thou, hast neither mother, sister, nor wife, -thou should’st not be so very unhappy at thy present misfortune: think -how much keener would have been thy sorrows, had they been increased by -the memory of such beloved relations. Learn to be grateful, Christian, -to the <i>Great Being</i> for his smallest mercies!”</p> - -<p>Sebastian was about to own that Portugal contained one as dear to him as -a wife, when she asked after his sick countryman; on hearing that he was -then in<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> the labyrinth, she grieved at having detained his friend, and -bade him pursue his way to the house. “Pray warn this poor fellow,” she -added, “never again to attempt so rash an enterprize: he may get beyond -my father’s walls ’tis true, but wherever he goes he must encounter -Moors, or perish for want among solitary places.—Adieu, Portuguese! -endure patiently, pray often, hope constantly.”—So saying, the lovely -Moor turned away, leaving Sebastian standing where they had first met.</p> - -<p>He could not forbear ejaculating a thanksgiving for this fortunate -meeting, which licensed him in all those sanguine expectations that -otherwise had been fantastic: he blessed the amiable Aziek repeatedly, -while hastening to the hall of the household slaves, he procured an -assistant, and returned for Gaspar.</p> - -<p>The motion, in carrying him, quickly awakened Gaspar, but Sebastian -would<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> not rouse him further by speaking then of his adventure, and -shortly afterwards left him to repose for the night.</p> - -<p>The next time Kara Aziek saw the King of Portugal, it was again in the -gardens, supporting his still-languid friend: she stopt in the midst of -her women and asked after the invalid.</p> - -<p>Sebastian seized this opportunity of describing his delicate -constitution, and beseeching her to order him some less hazardous labour -than that of working through all weathers in the open air: at the same -time he ventured to solicit indulgence for some other sick captives. -Kara Aziek fixed her luminous eyes on him through her veil, with a look -of soft admiration.</p> - -<p>“How is it,” she said, “that thou dost never ask any thing for -thyself?—hast thou been taught to live solely for others?”</p> - -<p>“It was the first lesson I ever learnt,” replied Sebastian, “would to -God, that I had always practised it! but my heart,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> lady, has not room -at present for minor wishes; I languish for liberty. While I am a slave, -every personal good is indifferent to me.”</p> - -<p>“I pity thee, Christian, indeed I pity thee!” said Aziek in a tone of -touching sincerity, “if I were the sole arbiter of thy fate, of all -fates, there is not a Christian groaning throughout Africa that should -remain in his bonds—but, though my father indulges me beyond what any -other parent allows, he does not leave me absolute. I must win favours -from him by degrees; while thou askest these indulgencies for others, -thine own suit remains unurged: choose then between them and thyself! am -I to plead for their comfort, or thy freedom?”</p> - -<p>“For them! for them!” cried Sebastian.</p> - -<p>“Generous Christian!” she exclaimed, extending her arm by an involuntary -impulse: Sebastian threw himself at her feet, and ventured to seize and -kiss her hand; it was a hand so lovely soft, that it<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> seemed to melt in -the pressure: though his ardour was chastized by respect, Kara Aziek -drew back in confusion. “I will learn of thee to be generous,” she -added, “to be so, I must risk something, conquer my timid nature, and be -importunate for thy sake.” She then earnestly besought Sebastian to -concert some mode of ameliorating the condition of all the slaves, and -yet rendering them useful to El Hader: if a plan were formed, embracing -a variety of objects suited to different degrees of strength and -ingenuity, she thought its profitableness would recommend it to her -father, and make a strong argument for her to use in urging its -adoption.</p> - -<p>Delighted with her benevolent idea, Sebastian readily promised to sketch -such a plan with Hafiz, and then to submit it for her approval: he -accompanied this promise with an animated eulogium upon her mind and -heart. At this she blushed timidly, telling him that she owed her -thoughtfulness to a few good books which<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> her mother had taught her to -read, and which perhaps might now be a solace to him: the King was -gladdened by this offer, and gratefully accepted it.</p> - -<p>He then ventured to ask whether Kara Aziek could give him any -information about the state of Portugal; she replied with benevolent -minuteness. From her answers he learnt that his throne was filled by the -Cardinal, Don Henry, and that his own supposed body (obtained through -the King of Spain) had been buried at Belem, with royal honours. “Do -they lament their late king?” asked Sebastian, with extreme emotion.</p> - -<p>“I hear he was in many things worthy to be regretted,” replied Aziek, -“but his ill-advised enterprize nearly desolated Portugal; for of the -few families he left in it, there was not one that has not lost some -relative, either on the field, or by captivity. In this weight of -private grief, I suppose a public loss is scarcely felt. Thou didst love -thy monarch, I think,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> that starting tear honours his memory.” The eyes -of the gentle Moor filled with answering tears while she spoke.</p> - -<p>Overcome by her obvious remark, Sebastian stifled a groan: again he saw -the bloody plain of Alcazar, and again conscience accused him of -countless murders. Heart-wrung, even to torture, he leaned in silent -agony upon the shoulder of Gaspar, who being ignorant of Italian (in -which they spoke) was now surprized and disturbed at his sovereign’s -agitation. Kara Aziek regarded him with a mixture of terror and pity.</p> - -<p>“Alas! what have I said!” she exclaimed, “that has thus afflicted thee? -compose thyself, amiable Christian! thou shalt see thy country again, if -Kara Aziek parts with every comfort of her life to obtain thee that -felicity.”</p> - -<p>Without waiting to receive his thanks, she withdrew hastily, leaving -Gaspar to make unsuccessful attempts at soothing his royal friend.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> - -<p>Aziek had unconsciously planted the dagger of the furies in the very -bosom she would fain have shielded from every shaft: care for others, -constant occupation, and ceaseless projects of escape, had lately -banished from Sebastian’s mind, all self-accusing recollections; but now -he saw at one glance his name forgotten or execrated in the land which -he loved with parental tenderness, his throne filled by another, his -people sunk in funereal gloom, and Donna Gonsalva learning to hate his -name, while she wept for her murdered father!</p> - -<p>These images were heightened to the wildest excess by a passionate -imagination, fruitful in self-tormenting, and as it hurried him in -thought from object to object, he sacredly vowed never again to -unsheathe the sword but in defence, or for the succour of others: this -virtuous vow checked the torrent of sorrow.</p> - -<p>The last words of Kara Aziek had escaped his ear; and desperate of -release<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> through her means, (since she herself was so doubtful of it,) -he came to the resolution of making some personal effort for his own -deliverance: warmed by this new project, he gradually recovered himself, -and returned back with Gaspar.</p> - -<p>On entering his chamber he found several volumes of Italian and -Portuguese authors, which he took up and looked at, without knowing one -of their titles; for his mind was otherwise occupied, and he laid -himself on his pallet, not to sleep, but to think.</p> - -<p>It was now that Sebastian found his first visit to Barbary likely to -produce benefit; by it he was made acquainted with all the coast, and -much of the interior, he had also acquired information from the persons -he redeemed, which now promised to serve him essentially.</p> - -<p>In those days the Emperors of Morocco had a right to every captive -beyond a certain rank, taken either in battle, or on the seas, and the -Moors therefore, fre<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>quently secreted their noble slaves and conveyed -them privately away for the sake of high ransoms: one of these gentlemen -who was the property of a low man, had been conducted by him to the -castle of Massignan, by a road which the King now tried to recollect. It -had lain through a track of more than a hundred miles: Sebastian -calculated on being able to pursue the same route undiscovered, as it -led principally through desart mountains.</p> - -<p>It is true, that before he could reach Massignan, he must cross the -river Ardea, the fords of which were all guarded by Moorish posts, for -the express purpose of frustrating the escape of run-a-ways. But he had -been told of a safe passage in one part where the river narrowed among -the Green mountains, and which on account of its remoteness was left -unwatched: once there, he might cross, and make directly down to the -coast; could he gain Massignan he should be safe.</p> - -<p>Neither the savage beasts infesting the<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> country he must thus traverse -unarmed, nor the apprehension of starving, staggered the resolution of -Sebastian; he felt that a mighty spirit has something of omnipotence in -it; and believed that the all-seeing parent who feeds the fowls of the -air, would provide for his limited wants: if he were destined to perish, -better to die free, than to linger out life in slavery.</p> - -<p>At first he thought of making Gaspar his companion, but a moment’s -consideration forbade him to indulge so dangerous a wish: Gaspar could -not endure the fatigue and peril to which they must be subjected during -such an enterprize, and would in all probability prove the cause of -their eventual re-capture: better therefore, to hasten to Masignan and -from thence send a King’s offer to El Hader. Long did the generous -Sebastian pause upon this obstacle: he abhorred the appearance of -abandoning his friend, and would not have resolved on it at last<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>, had -he not justly deemed that the only method of procuring his ultimate -liberation.</p> - -<p>The next object of consideration was how to get beyond the walls of the -Almoçadem: so indulged as he had long been, it seemed almost perfidious -to repay the lenity of El Hader, and the reliance of Hafiz, by using -them for the purpose of escape; yet liberty, sacred liberty, is the -birth-right of every man; and he who would enslave his fellow-man, -however softly he may weave his chains, has perhaps no legitimate claim -to his fidelity.</p> - -<p>Sebastian felt the force of this assertion: he had ever scorned -dissembling his thirst for freedom, and therefore believed himself still -privileged to attempt obtaining it by any bold measure. Ere he finally -digested this sudden plan, he endeavoured to obey the humane injunction -of Kara Aziek; from the day on which they first met, he had employed -himself after <span class="pagenum"><a id="page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>work-hours in visiting the different quarters of the -Cassavee, and making such inquiries and observations as were necessary -for his purpose. Hafiz accompanied him, completely satisfied with acting -in obedience to his mistress. In a short time the King had perfected the -theory of a new establishment infinitely more advantageous to the -Almoçadem, and far milder for his Christian associates: this project he -delivered to Kara Aziek, through Hafiz, who was recommended in it, to be -made Governor of the whole. Aziek studied it attentively, and assented -to its excellence with all the ardour of her benevolent nature; soon -afterwards she sought and obtained her father’s approval.</p> - -<p>Transported with this success, she urged El Hader to send for that -enlightened Christian, who thus united regard for his interest with pity -for his own countrymen; El Hader had not forgotten their last interview, -but no longer apprehensive of seeing<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> a madman, he yielded to his -daughter’s wish.</p> - -<p>The Almoçadem received Sebastian with his usual good-natured indolence; -and after having suggested one or two alterations, and demanded a few -explanations, he pronounced the desired acquiescence. Sebastian would -not have prostrated himself to any mortal for a favor merely selfish; -but at this mercy to so many sufferers, he cast himself at the feet of -Kara Aziek, who sat wrapt up in her veil, exclaiming in Italian.</p> - -<p>“It is to you, amiable Lady! that the Christians owe these blessings; -henceforth I will believe myself <i>your</i> slave, and then bondage will be -no longer abhorrent.”</p> - -<p>“Ah Christian!” cried the lovely Moor, and stopping abruptly, she -averted her eyes with a palpitating heart.</p> - -<p>Sebastian knew not the soft confusion his ardent speech had caused; he -forgot the woman in Kara Aziek, and saw<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> only the pure and disinterested -spirit of an angel.</p> - -<p>El Hader now made some remarks upon the improvements in his domain, -which he was told were the effects of his Portuguese slave’s exertions, -adding, “Thou must surely be satisfied with the miraculous kindness with -which thou are treated, and consequently pleased with thy situation?”</p> - -<p>This observation afforded Sebastian the opportunity he sought. “Many and -important favors,” he said “I gratefully acknowledge in my own person, -and in that of every Christian inhabiting this place, but while I labour -to shew my sense of your indulgence by a peaceable demeanour and -voluntary acts of service, remember El Hader, that I do not conceive -myself bound to forego the hope of liberty: my heart is filled with -it;—day and night my thoughts are on it; I warn you therefore not to -suppose that any thing can make me abandon a resolution to break my -bonds, if<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> possible. You refuse a ransom, therein you are merciless and -tyrannical, and by that act free me from the obligation honour would -otherwise impose: would you accept money as an equivalent for me -(however exorbitant the sum) I would not steal myself away, and defraud -you of your rightful gain, though liberty tempted me from a thousand -avenues; now, I hold my conscience unshackled: if I can escape, I will, -but wherever I go, be assured I shall bear with me a salutary -remembrance of Moorish virtues.”</p> - -<p>“Is not this fellow a madman?” asked El Hader, turning with a smile to -his daughter. “This confession of his may clip his wings. Christian, (he -added) dost thou not believe I can abridge thy present freedom, and so -prevent thy escape?”</p> - -<p>“Assuredly I do, returned the impetuous monarch, but that consideration -ought not to deter me from asserting my<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> right to use every means of -restoring myself to my country. I tell it you, that you may not -hereafter call me a base, ungrateful hypocrite; I tell it you, that you -may not impute to others my imagined guilt. God forbid that I should be -the occasion of any man’s disgrace! should I effect my purpose, -recollect it will be all my own work, and that neither your slaves nor -your servants will have had the smallest share in it.</p> - -<p>“Rash, but amiable man!” exclaimed Kara Aziek, regarding him with a look -of admiration, “O that thou couldst forget thy country and be happy in -Africa!”</p> - -<p>The tenderness of her tone penetrated the heart of Sebastian, he did not -reply by words, but his eloquent eyes fixed for a moment upon her, spoke -only too ardently the gratitude she inspired: again the soft bosom of -Kara Aziek palpitated with an unknown emotion, and covering her figure -still more with her veil—(as if<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> fearing her soul was visible)—she -hastily withdrew.</p> - -<p>El Hader detained the King a few moments longer, jesting him on his -extravagant hopes, and assuring him, that though still indulgently used, -he should be well watched. Sebastian listened in silent majesty, then -quitted him, completely satisfied with their mutual understanding.</p> - -<p>While he returned to toil and the society of Gaspar, who was now able to -bear a moderate part in the work of the gardens, Kara Aziek retired to -her own apartments agitated with pain and pleasure: unknown to herself, -the pity with which she had at first regarded the young and handsome -Christian was now changed into a sentiment less disinterested but more -animated; his situation and character were alike interesting; his -conversation insensibly stole her from herself; and his graceful image -contrasted with the swarthy Moors and pallid slaves around, was ever -present to her eyes: at the sound of his<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> voice or his flute, (heard at -a distance from the gardens,) she would feel her heart throb -tumultuously; and when his past looks or words crossed her memory, a -delightful thrill would run through her veins.</p> - -<p>Formerly Benevolence was content to administer to his wants and to -secure him from hardships; now Love panted to surround him with the -delicacies of refinement, and to procure for him exemption from every -occupation. She would send him the choicest fruits and viands, essences -and fragrant oils for his use after the bath, books, music, and becoming -apparel; she would watch his looks with silent anxiety, foreseeing -indisposition ere it approached him, and providing against it by -medicines prepared by her own hand; a favorite maid cautiously conveyed -these things to the apartment of Sebastian, who received them silently -and distributed them with discretion.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<p>Though indulged in a freedom perfectly singular in Barbary, Aziek dared -not openly pour upon a Christian such a shower of benefits, she was -obliged to find frequent employment for him, that she might see and -converse with him unsuspected. At those times she would talk to him not -merely of his country but upon such subjects as enlightened her mind and -displayed the treasures of his: thus did she unconsciously weave her own -chains, little dreaming that the heart she thus learned to idolize, was -the property of another.</p> - -<p>Wholly devoted to the remembrance of Donna Gonsalva, and too much -occupied with his various anxieties, Sebastian never once thought of the -possibility of destroying the peace of his benefactress; he beheld her -with the tenderest and most exalted admiration; and as she shewed to -Gaspar nearly equal compassion, (for Gaspar was dear to her on his -account,)<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> he considered her as a creature formed by providence -expressly for the purpose of succouring unfortunate Christians.</p> - -<p>The new order of things was now established throughout El Hader’s -residence, and Sebastian became painfully anxious for its success. By -adapting every occupation to the peculiar powers of each man, and -allowing them more rest and more food, he knew that nothing short of -determined industry would render their master satisfied with the change; -he was therefore obliged to urge these motives unremittingly amongst -them till he conquered their habitual languor, and made them feel that -the persevering activity of half the day would insure to them repose and -comfort during the remainder. The perfect completion of his system left -him free to think solely of his escape.</p> - -<p>To keep his promise with El Hader, and avert destruction from Gaspar, -Sebastian refrained from telling him of his<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> purpose: alone, and in -secret, he meditated and observed.</p> - -<p>Though he was permitted to range through every part of the Cassavee -domain, it was enclosed by walls of great height and thickness, upon -which, at small distances, were placed sentinels day and night; the only -possible avenue appeared to be that part where a narrow river washed the -eastern wall, the sentinels there were far apart and relying on this -natural barrier watched carelessly: here Sebastian thought it -practicable to cut a passage through, and so passing from one side to -the other, creep through the underwood to the river, and swim across.</p> - -<p>The eastern wall was not far from that angle of the building in which he -slept, and he might therefore pass and repass with less danger of -discovery; though his door was locked nightly, his window was unbarred, -and from it he could easily descend into the garden.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> - -<p>On reconnoitring the particular spot he pitched on, he found that a -cluster of very thick trees would conceal him from possible observation, -and that a canal, not many paces distant, would serve as a reservoir for -the rubbish and stones: inspirited by these providential circumstances -he commenced his project the ensuing night.</p> - -<p>The implements of daily toil served now for the instruments of freedom; -Sebastian was disciplined to labour, and rendered expert by practice; -every night he worked during the half of it, leaving the increasing -chasm, masked with stones well-fitted. Success seemed to await him; no -one hitherto had suspected his nocturnal employment, and Gaspar, for -whose delicate health he feared, (as he resolved not to abandon him in a -dying state,) rather strengthened than declined. Meanwhile peace and -comfort reigned throughout the abode of El Hader; his slaves looked -better, and performed more<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> than they had ever done; groans and sighs -were no longer heard in the Cassavee, and if the captives still wept for -their country and friends, it was in the privacy of their own chambers.</p> - -<p>Kara Aziek continued to move amongst them like the angel of pity; she -compassionated them all, but she loved one, whose “looks were now her -soul’s food.” Sometimes she sent for him to instruct her in the -Portuguese songs and the Portuguese history, and then, though her father -were present, she would speak to him in Italian of the subject nearest -his heart. Sometimes she would loiter with her women for hours beside -him in the gardens under pretence of giving orders about her bowers and -her green-houses, when in reality it was to hear the music of his voice -and to “suck in the honey of his sweet discourse.”</p> - -<p>Indeed Kara Aziek could no longer command, where she would willingly -have served; respect ever accompanies love;<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> and her worth-inspired -affection now shrunk from those acts which reminded her that the object -of her devotion was in a state of humiliation.</p> - -<p>In such interviews the ardent manner of Sebastian deceived her -unintentionally: those eyes that spoke even the slightest emotion more -distinctly than any other eyes, seemed when expressive of gratitude, to -be expressive of love; at sight of her he remembered Donna Gonsalva, and -that enchanting recollection diffusing over his countenance the most -touching tenderness, made Kara Aziek fondly fancy herself its object.</p> - -<p>By these frequent opportunities she saw him under every variety of his -various nature; alternately the serenest and the most tempestuous, the -tenderest and the fiercest of human beings: her gentle character often -trembled at the violence of his; but when the storm was gone, and the -sun smiling in his face, she felt only<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> the fonder anxiety and the -deeper interest.</p> - -<p>She saw him quick to avenge the wrongs or relieve the pains of others, -but regardless still of his own; how then could she denounce that very -rashness which disquieted her, since it arose from the excess of a -virtue?</p> - -<p>Yet she was solicitous to have this rashness moderated, and often took -occasion to converse on the subjects of prudence and forbearance: she -reminded him that there is no such thing as swaying others, before we -have learned to command ourselves; she pointed out to him several -instances in which the fierceness of his temper had frustrated the -effects of his benevolence: when he sought some indulgence for a fellow -captive suddenly overpowered with heat or sickness, if the task-master -demurred, he would blaze into indignation, and harden the heart he -disdained to soften.</p> - -<p>Kara Aziek ventured to shew him the<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> superior dignity and utility of -employing reason at such times rather than anger: he would listen with -delight and contrition, though his former habit of exacting obedience -from others, rendered it difficult for him to obey himself.</p> - -<p>Aziek saw that to conquer his natural infirmity would cost Sebastian -infinite trouble,—and to her, it would have been no visible blemish, -since she loved him with a tenderness that veiled his very faults;—but -she felt that his faults made himself unhappy: how then could they -continue a matter of indifference?—with such impatience and imprudence -he must ever carry in his own mind the seeds of sorrow and remorse.</p> - -<p>Unconscious of his hazardous purpose, she was daily advancing towards -the object he desired: her father never left her without bearing away -with him some argument in favor of the Christians, and particularly of -Sebastian: not daring to ask at once for his liberation, she was<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> -gradually softening and preparing El Hader’s mind for such a request.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile time rolled on, and Sebastian completed his laborious task. -When he first caught a gleam of the moon-lighted river shining through -the important aperture, it seemed as if that sight alone had released -him from his bonds; he kissed his bosom cross in a rapture of gratitude, -and emotion for awhile prevented him from thinking of his indiscretion -in suffering the chasm to remain uncovered; he filled it up immediately, -at both extremities, for the night was just closing.</p> - -<p>On returning to his chamber he found it impossible to sleep; his heart -was too full of anxiety for the event of his enterprize, and for the -effect it might have upon Gaspar: to disclose the secret to him, -Sebastian believed absolutely necessary, as that would soften the pain -of being apparently deserted, and yet could not justly subject him to -the vengeance of El Hader.—Gaspar might conscientiously<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> swear that he -had in no way contributed to the escape of his countryman.</p> - -<p>Agreeable to these reflections, Sebastian seized an opportunity the next -morning, and detailed his project: for awhile the affectionate soldier -stood aghast, but quickly recovering, he faltered out a mixed expression -of joy and sorrow: he then ventured to solicit his sovereign’s bounty -for his mother and sister, praying him to relieve their poverty, and to -remember that he was left behind in slavery. The poor youth was -frequently on the point of asking to accompany his King, but as often -the conviction of his infirm health checked the selfish request.</p> - -<p>Sebastian saw only liberty before him, and succour for those he left -behind; yet he grieved to part his destiny from that of Gaspar, and at -thought of the gentle Aziek, he felt the most piercing regret: her rare -goodness and refinement was worthy a nobler fate than that to which she -seemed born: she was not adapted to<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> share with a Harem the capricious -favor of an ignorant Mussulman, she was calculated to win and to deserve -a heart polished by culture.</p> - -<p>Kara Aziek did not appear in the gardens that day, and towards evening -Sebastian spoke of her to Hafiz: he learnt from him, that she was gone -to Mequinez, to keep the feast of El Ed Geer, with the Almoçadem; at -this information his joyous feelings were damped: he had then parted -from that amiable being for ever, without having uttered afresh those -animated sentiments which filled his heart, and which she might -hereafter recollect as a grateful farewel!</p> - -<p>The pain of this thought would have tempted Sebastian to delay his -departure, had not the image of Donna Gonsalva, sorrowing over his -supposed grave, hurried him onwards; he could not however depart, until -he had left a slight memorial of his gratitude:—for this purpose he -entered the labyrinth, and cut with a knife<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> upon the chalk of one of -its stones, a few words in Italian.</p> - -<p>After this tribute to the gentle spirit that had blessed him even in -captivity, he hastened from the spot, for it was now the hour of -retiring.</p> - -<p>Gaspar waited for him in his sleeping room: the night was dark and -gusty; a circumstance that awakened some friendly fears in the former; -but Sebastian’s soul was roused with the prospect of freedom, and he -considered the gloom which alarmed his friend, as favorable to his -concealment. They sat together in a remote chamber, watching with -extreme anxiety the gradual stillness that spread around them: by -degrees the sound of voices and steps died away,—the closing of doors -became less and less frequent, till at length profound silence settled -over the scene.</p> - -<p>They scarcely exchanged even a whisper during this long suspense; -Gaspar’s heart was full almost to bursting; for he<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> felt, that in losing -the King of Portugal as a fellow-prisoner, he was losing a friend: that -King seated again upon a throne, would not surely acknowledge and love a -private soldier! he had heard that “the favor of princes is not fastened -by nails of diamonds to men whom they affect,” and while his artless -mind dwelt on this saying, the deepest dejection stole over him.</p> - -<p>Ideas of such a nature changed his former ease and confidence into awe -and distrust; and at the very moment in which Gaspar most longed to -throw himself at his beloved master’s feet, there to pour forth all his -feelings, he stood sadly silent, scarce venturing to breathe or to raise -his eyes from the earth.</p> - -<p>Sebastian comprehended these emotions: he took Gaspar’s hand with a -warmth and earnestness which enforced his words, and pressing it -repeatedly, assured him that neither the pomps nor the cares of a crown -could break those bonds in which mutual<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> suffering and mutual obligation -had united them: he renewed his promise of immediately placing Gaspar’s -family in competence, and of dispatching an embassy to the Muley of -Morocco for the purpose of ransoming him and the rest of the Christians.</p> - -<p>“Rely on the word of a King, and the faith of a friend!” he concluded, -“all this I solemnly swear to perform should heaven restore me to my -throne.—When we meet again, may it be in our dear native land!—then -Gaspar thou shalt see how much I love thee.”</p> - -<p>Transported with such goodness, the tender-hearted youth wept like a -woman; his sovereign’s heart beat high with hope, and could not admit -regret; he anticipated a blissful hour of future meeting, and gently -chiding his companion, leaped the window of their chamber:—Gaspar -followed more cautiously.</p> - -<p>Sebastian was lightly clothed in a habit sent him by Kara Aziek, which -he had<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> never yet worn, and therefore could not be described by; in his -girdle was stuck a small hatchet, and a Moorish knife, for the purpose -of defence; over his shoulder was flung a sort of basket, containing a -few Tourkia cakes and dried meats, which he had saved from the daily -presents of Aziek.</p> - -<p>A short circuit brought them to their place of destination: pushing -aside the trees, they gently drew away the loose stones that concealed -the aperture; the sullen sound of the river was heard through it: Gaspar -looked up fearfully to the sky; the clouds there were thick and dull, -but something like light gleamed through them in parts proceeding from -the moon now at her full: Sebastian whispered him to be of good cheer; -then turning hastily round, he grasped him to his heart without -speaking.</p> - -<p>Both the King and the soldier trembled in each other’s embrace; at -length sinking from his sovereign’s arms, Gaspar<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> embraced his knees -without being able to articulate a single word: Sebastian hastily raised -him, embraced him once more, then pressed through the aperture.</p> - -<p>With breathless attention Gaspar listened to the rustling of the bushes -on the opposite side through which Sebastian had rushed; the next moment -he distinctly heard him plunge into the river: at that fearful crisis he -crossed his breast and his forehead, and remained kneeling in an agony -of supplication; but suddenly recollecting his friend’s injunctions, he -hastily filled up the chasm of the wall at each extremity.</p> - -<p>At every blast of wind sweeping through the leafy branches over his -head, (while thus employed,) he almost fancied that he heard the -drowning voice of his King: once he thought the sound of a gun had -mingled with the blast, but it was not repeated, and his apprehension -ceased.</p> - -<p>By degrees the wind sunk into a low<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> moan, only mixed with the hoarse -dashing of the water; neither voice nor step came any longer to his ear: -the faithful soldier then sorrowfully arose, and returned to his -solitary chamber; piously endeavouring there to cast his cares upon that -Almighty Protector who alone is able to destroy and to save.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a id="CHAP_II"></a>CHAP. II.</h2> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">Sebastian</span> had to contend with a strong current, but having stripped off -his cloaths and fastened them above his head, he was able to breast the -powerful water with equal strength; a few strokes of his nervous arm -brought him to the opposite bank; he sprung on land, and shaking off the -wet quickly re-dressed himself.</p> - -<p>While he was fastening on his rude sandals, he looked up to the -Cassavee, from whence he had escaped: the faintly glimmering moon now -cast a momentary gleam over its high dome, and silvered part of the line -formed by the wall, upon which were seen a few sentinels walking to and -fro: one of these men appeared to stop and bend forward; Sebastian -glided<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> behind a cluster of sallows; the Moor called out, and receiving -no answer, discharged his harquebuss; but whether Sebastian’s profound -stillness deceived him into the belief of having mistaken the shadow of -a tree for a human figure, or whether he thought all his duty performed -by this act, is uncertain,—he waited awhile, then moved away without -further scrutiny.</p> - -<p>Sebastian crept slowly through the underwood till he found himself in a -path gradually declining between tolerably steep hills; no longer afraid -of discovery, he rose from his stooping posture, and ran swiftly in a -direction leading towards the interior. Happily the moon began to shine -distinctly, for a rising east wind scattered the clouds that had before -ascended from the west, and now her steady light brightened every hill -and every valley.</p> - -<p>The royal Portuguese proceeded with rapidity through scenes which -increased in wild solitariness; at every step the<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> heights assumed a -bolder and steeper form, the thickets of oak and locust trees became -more frequent, and except the din of a torrent which grew upon his ear, -nothing was heard to startle even momentary apprehension.</p> - -<p>Guiding his course by the stars, he continued to advance among the -mountains with the utmost celerity: nature and habit had made him -capable of bearing great fatigue without injury; he now flew rather than -ran, springing over the broad beds of mountain streams, and leaping from -point to point of the rocky fissures.</p> - -<p>Day dawned on him in these desart places, but neither flocks nor -dwellings appeared to warn him from his fellow men: he pressed forward, -eager to get the start of his pursuers, and resolved not to rest till he -could do so with a prospect of security.</p> - -<p>After journeying till mid-day, chance led him to a steep rocky dell so -overhung<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> with shrubs and trees, that it appeared to promise a safe -resting place; he had to stoop under the pendent branches that shaded -its entrance, but after passing through them, the foliage fell down -again like a curtain, and secured him from observation.</p> - -<p>He advanced to the end of this recess, and sat down on a projecting -crag; there, for the first time since his escape, he had leisure to -think and to calculate on his future movements: the earliest fruit of -those reflections was gratitude to that Almighty Being whose hand had -thus conducted him in safety; the next emotion was tender remembrance of -Gaspar and Kara Aziek, but while he believed that he was hastening from -the latter never to see her again, joy brightened regret, for he was -returning to Donna Gonsalva.</p> - -<p>Never before had Sebastian been sensible to such a sudden translation -from misery to transport: Freedom, man’s greatest blessing, the air he -is destined to<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> breathe and to live by, and without which he -dies—Freedom, that pure element, which is scarcely felt while it -surrounds us, and seldom known but in its privation,—was now his own -again; it throbbed in all his pulses, spoke to his senses from every -outward object and inward feeling, new-strung his nerves, and turned -hopes into certainties.</p> - -<p>What bright visions of future happiness, transcending all he had ever -yet known, now animated him—in his own person he had acquired a keener -relish for the blessings of home and liberty, and he had learned such -important lessons as would make him respect those blessings in the -persons of others.</p> - -<p>Thankful even for captivity, since it had ameliorated his character, he -gave no check to sanguine thought: yet thirty leagues of African ground -still lay between him and security.</p> - -<p>Finding himself faint for want of refreshment, he ate sparingly of his -few<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> provisions, and quenched his thirst with the water of a -neighbouring spring, then commending himself to the protection of his -tutelary saints, laid down to rest.</p> - -<p>When Sebastian awoke, he found the day far spent: he had of late -abridged his sleep so much, and been so continually anxious, that this -first repose, in a scene of comparative freedom, lasted longer than he -wished; however, he awoke with renovated strength, and quitting the -dell, resumed his former track.</p> - -<p>He had not proceeded far, when he came abruptly upon a flock of goats, -with a couple of stout Moorish boys watching them; not allowing them an -instant to note his dress or face, he darted down a side declivity and -flew along, till seeing the hills opening in several directions, he -chose one path at a venture, and soon lost himself among thickets and -precipices.—At first he heard the boys voices mixed with those of men; -but shortly they ceased to reach him, and he then con<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>cluded they were -seeking him in a different path.</p> - -<p>Alarmed by this incident he deemed it best to penetrate further into the -mountains, ere he shaped his course downwards towards Massignan, as by -so doing he would not be so likely to encounter any Moors but Alarbes, -and against meeting them, he must guard as well as possible: it is true -that by thus prolonging his journey in desert regions, he incurred the -risk of perishing either by famine or by savage beasts; but he believed -himself capable of warding off the latter, and for the former he did not -fear, as he learned amongst the Alarbes where to find roots and berries -fit for sustenance. Putting up a fervent prayer, he resumed his flight.</p> - -<p>Night surprized him in a thick forest: to proceed now would have been -madness; those enormous serpents and lions with which Africa abounds, -were not lightly to be braved in the darkness of vast soli<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>tudes; he -therefore ascended one of the largest trees, where he watched away the -remaining hours.</p> - -<p>The awfulness of his present situation, and the alarmed state of his -spirits, formed a striking contrast to his late exultation: every thing -around was dismal; one of those fierce winds which constantly blow in -Barbary from the north-east, in the month of March, was now raving -through the forest; this was mixed with the distant roar of lions, and -the thrilling yell of hyenas; as each pealing blast shook the very roots -of the huge oak in which he lodged, he fancied it the fury of some -powerful animal, and prepared himself to encounter it with his hatchet.</p> - -<p>Night however passed away, and the rising sun flamed over a track which -Sebastian now trod with tranquil thankfulness; the beans of the Alcorabe -made his scanty breakfast, as he walked under its umbrageous boughs: -trusting that he had now baffled pursuit, he proceeded in a<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> direction -which must bring him lower down among the green mountains, and lead -directly to the Ardea:—Two hours brought him out into a wide plain -skirting their feet; a broad river rolled through this plain, and over -it were scattered Alarbe’s tents.</p> - -<p>Sebastian’s blood curdled with abhorrence at hearing the tinkling of -Zauphens; (a barbarous musical instrument he remembered too well) as he -precipitately turned back to retrace his steps, the figures of men -crossing from a side eminence forced him to retreat, the men shouted on -seeing him, and rushed forwards; others were quickly seen pouring from -the tents; some came on foot, some on horseback; they gained upon his -steps, till he distinctly recognized the voices of two Moors whom he had -known under the roof of El Hader.</p> - -<p>Death or slavery was now before him; he flew on the wind, outstripping -even their lances and the shot of their harque<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>busses: the opposite side -of the river towards which he made was clothed with woods, could he -reach them, (as there was no bridge or boat for the conveyance of his -pursuers,) he hoped yet to escape; shaking off his cloak and his -baggage, he plunged into the water. Awhile he combatted its rapid -current; but alas! former fatigue, anxiety, and intense heat, had nearly -forespent his bodily powers: he struggled with the waves till strength -was exhausted and consciousness gone: just as he was sinking, an Alarbe -dashed into the river, seized his arm, and dragged him to shore.</p> - -<p>The rude remedies used by these ferocious people succeeded in bringing -their victim to life: Sebastian opened his eyes and beheld himself in -the hands of the Almoçadem’s servants, once more a prisoner and a slave.</p> - -<p>At that moment it could not be said his fortitude forsook him, though he -closed his eyes again with the air of one bereft<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> of hope: on the -contrary, he was mentally bowing to the will of Providence, and striving -to rein in the phrenzy of extravagant rashness.</p> - -<p>Having secured the weapons with which he might have attempted -resistance, and seeing him completely enfeebled, the Moors loaded him -with abuse; and one of them was on the point of adding outrage to -invective, when Sebastian half-started from the ground on which he lay, -faintly uttering the name of Kara Aziek; at that sound the Africans -shrunk back, staring on each other, and pronouncing the Christian a -sorcerer: he had indeed divined the only magic that could save him from -an extremity of insult; for on quitting the Cassavee these slaves had -been threatened by Hafiz with their lady’s wrath should they injure the -Portuguese.</p> - -<p>The crowd of Alarbes that had joined El Hader’s servants, forbade any -attempt to elude them; Sebastian promised to return quietly, upon -condition that they<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> did not fasten his hands like a criminal. After -some consultation together, the men at last consented to this. Without -allowing him time to recover from his exhaustion, they mounted him upon -a horse, and forming a troop of Alarbes around him, proceeded towards -the valley of palms.</p> - -<p>The uncouth habits and ferocious looks of his mountaineer associates, -the mode of his conveyance, joined to the circumstances of his -situation, forcibly recalled to Sebastian the period in which he was -first carried to the abode of El Hader: thought then flowed back upon -the memory of Stukeley and the rare goodness of Abensallah; sigh -followed sigh as he remembered them, though he envied the lot of the -friend he lamented, who had escaped the galling chains of slavery by a -memorable death.</p> - -<p>Such reflections as these occupied him so entirely, as to render him -insensible to the brutality of his companions, who frequently repeated -with grins of horrid<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> triumph, that the Almoçadem had sworn he should be -broken upon the wheel.</p> - -<p>Advancing in a beaten and direct road lying below the hills he had -mounted, Sebastian found that a journey which had cost him two nights -and days of wearisome toil, was to be achieved in less than the fourth -part of that time: the Moors hurried on, not allowing him any other -refreshment than a draught of water, so that when they reached the -valley of palms, his strength had completely forsaken him, and he almost -dropped from his horse at the great gate of El Hader’s residence.</p> - -<p>The Moors conveyed their captive to one of those dungeons where Gaspar -had formerly been confined, telling him he must wait there till it -pleased their high Lord the Almoçadem to determine upon his punishment: -Sebastian gave no answer to their brutal information, throwing himself -along the damp earth (his only<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> resting place) regardless of his own -fate, alarmed now for that of Gaspar.</p> - -<p>It was but too probable that the Almoçadem might have revenged himself -upon his innocent head for the flight of his countryman: this fear had -not before agitated Sebastian, because he believed Kara Aziek would -interfere for the poor soldier, and that indeed El Hader himself was not -inclined to cruelty; but the present appearance of severity rendered -apprehensions for Gaspar perfectly rational.</p> - -<p>This thought gave anxiety a new direction, and kept the unfortunate -monarch from reflecting upon his own disappointment; he was now -earnestly praying to see, or hear from Kara Aziek, from whom alone he -could hope for an account of his friend: but Kara Aziek did not appear, -and the King of Portugal counted the tedious hours of night in a dark -dungeon, upon the bare ground, alone and unsolaced.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> - -<p>“When the mind’s free, the body’s delicate;” he that had been nursed on -the lap of luxury, now suffered every human privation without missing -any other comforts than those of freedom and friendship.</p> - -<p>Morning was made known to Sebastian merely by the sounds of labour -without; no cheering sun-beam penetrated his airless cell; he lay on the -unpaved floor, his spirit subdued awhile by past exertion and present -disturbance.</p> - -<p>Towards evening a Moor whom he had once before seen, came to inform him -that it was El Hader’s pleasure he should be brought out the ensuing day -into the large slave-court, there to receive a thousand lashes, in the -presence of the Almoçadem and all his household.</p> - -<p>“Tell your merciless master that I will die first!” exclaimed Sebastian, -fiercely starting from the ground.</p> - -<p>“Peace! thou art a fool!” returned the phlegmatic Ephra, “how art thou -to<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> escape this flogging, when thou hast neither weapons nor strength to -put thyself out of the world?”</p> - -<p>“I shall then meet death on some of <i>your</i> weapons!” cried Sebastian, -whose eyes struck fire as he spoke. “By every saint above, I swear, that -while there is life in this body it shall not be dishonoured by a -coward’s punishment! The man who would sooner lose life than honour, may -find avenues to death at every step. Tell your master—again I say tell -him—that I will die resisting his infamous decree!”</p> - -<p>“You will die like a lunatic then, as you are,” retorted Ephra, turning -to go away, “I can tell you in return, that our master swears he will -not abate one jot of your punishment, even to please my lady, his -daughter: so don’t reckon upon <i>her</i> interference.—Nay, for that -matter, she is lying sick at Mequinez, and will know nothing of this -business till it is over.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Ephra closed the dungeon door as he finished, leaving Sebastian to -contemplate the probability of death on the morrow.</p> - -<p>It was in vain that the young and ardent monarch strove to reconcile -himself to a destiny so inglorious: to perish thus in obscurity among a -handful of sordid Moors, without the means of conveying to his people, -and his Gonsalva a last blessing, was a thought which drove him to -phrenzy; he could not hope for the satisfaction of seeing Gaspar, nor -was Kara Aziek to be near, soothing his parting pangs with respect and -tenderness.</p> - -<p>A confused apprehension that she would too deeply regret his fate, -trembled at his heart, softening the wildness of despair;—“Amiable, too -tender Aziek!” he exclaimed, “when I am released from earthly -sufferings, may some miracle be worked for thee!—may thine eyes be -opened to the true faith, and thy days be spent in other scenes than -these, so full of horror and iniquity!<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Hope, which hitherto had never completely left the intrepid breast of -Sebastian, now fled far away; the absence and sickness of Kara Aziek -appeared his death-warrant; he therefore endeavoured to meditate on the -probable event of his approaching struggle, with the seriousness it -demanded.</p> - -<p>It was the middle watch of night, when having fallen asleep after a long -train of thought; he was awakened by the sound of the heavy bolts which -fastened his prison door; they were withdrawn by feeble hands, for they -moved gratingly: at length the door opened, and he beheld two of Kara -Aziek’s women.</p> - -<p>They advanced timidly, closing the door behind them: the King sprung -from the ground; hope once more warmed his heart.—“Your mistress, your -angel mistress!” he exclaimed, “does she send you hither?”</p> - -<p>“She sends me to reproach you, you rash Christian!” answered the slave<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>, -“did you doubt her promise, that you thus rushed upon certain -destruction by attempting escape?”</p> - -<p>“No, no, Benzaide,” replied Sebastian, “I doubted only her power to -serve me.—tell her that if I am to perish tomorrow, my soul will pine -in Paradise till it meets again, her pure and benevolent spirit!”</p> - -<p>At this passionate burst of gratitude, the companion of Benzaide (who -had hitherto leaned unnoticed against the dungeon wall) sobbed aloud, -and sunk down upon the floor: in strange alarm Sebastian hastened to -raise her; Benzaide put aside the slave’s veil to give her air, and the -lamp she held, shining directly upon her face, discovered the soft -olive-brown complexion and lovely features of Kara Aziek.</p> - -<p>Sebastian’s excess of pleasure was checked by an instinctive conviction -of Kara Aziek’s motive; and now those fervent acknowledgements he would -have lavished upon disinterested benevolence,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> were stifled by an -apprehension of heightening a sentiment which he could not return: every -animated word he should at this moment address to her, would be treason -against Gonsalva. At that thought he hastily dropped the trembling hand -he was carrying to his lips, and respectfully resigning her to Benzaide, -rose with a dejected air from his kneeling posture.</p> - -<p>The gentle Moor wept some time in silence; but how expressive was that -silence! her eyes spoke every feeling of a fond and pitying heart; as -they alternately looked from the dungeon to its noble inhabitant,—to -him whose feet were cut, and bleeding still from the sharp rocks he had -traversed, and whose countenance, though pale and wasted, was yet bright -with unsubdued heroism.</p> - -<p>“Ah, Fabian!” she exclaimed at length, in a voice that went to the soul, -“why didst thou do this rash thing? If I should not be able to save -thee?” she stopped at this, unable to conclude the sentence, and the -blood forsook her cheeks.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> - -<p>Wrung with grief, sick, pale, and languid, Kara Aziek could not have -been seen by the man she wished to charm, at a moment more unfavourable -for personal beauty; but there is a beauty of the soul, so transcending -all mortal perfections, that it triumphs over deformity itself: that -beauty now beamed from her tear-dimmed eyes and colourless cheek; it -seemed to shed a glory round her, at once awaking love and veneration. -Sebastian must have yielded to its sweet force, had not his heart been -pledged to another.</p> - -<p>The agitated expression of the Christian’s countenance, reminded Aziek -that she was allowing too much of her own emotion to appear; struggling -to conceal it, she proceeded to repeat that he owed her present visit -solely to that sincere friendship which his misfortunes and his virtues -inspired; a friendship that feared not to shew itself in the form of -sympathy and succour. She informed him, that having been taken ill at -Mequinez soon<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> after his flight, she must have remained in ignorance of -his return and fated punishment, had it not been for Hafiz, who secretly -dispatched a message to her, praying her intercession in behalf of his -favourite slave: she had then set off for the valley of palms, but -arriving too late for an interview with El Hader (who was gone to rest) -had ventured to assume a disguise, and pass the prison guards as one of -her own servants.</p> - -<p>Aziek anxiously tried to hide from Sebastian the distraction into which -his departure had thrown her, by mentioning her illness as accidental; -native delicacy taught her to conceal the tenderest and purest love that -ever warmed a human bosom; to conceal it because she would owe nothing -to gratitude, nothing to compassion; because his happiness was the first -object of her generous heart.</p> - -<p>The enthusiasm of Aziek’s manner while she spoke of pity and -philanthropy, almost persuaded her grateful auditor,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> that she would -indeed have done as much for any other man under such affecting -circumstances; yet he could not help allowing that the peculiar esteem -she felt for him, gave a charm to her benevolence.</p> - -<p>He now blamed his late vain idea’s, and thought, that in El Hader’s -daughter he beheld one who would learn with a sister’s sympathy his -affection for another, and lament with a sister’s sorrow the privations -of his love!—this belief restored him to composure, and after -expressing much of his lively admiration, he ventured to inquire about -Gaspar.</p> - -<p>Aziek replied, that Gaspar had so adroitly parried the questions put to -him (during the examination which followed Sebastian’s flight) that the -Almoçadem could find no ground for supposing him privy to the -run-a-way’s escape, especially as it seemed more natural for the former -to have escaped also, than to have remained behind: Gaspar had been -dismissed<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> without censure, and was now occupied as usual under the -indulgent Hafiz.</p> - -<p>This information relieved Sebastian’s heart from its heaviest load, and -again he blessed the gentle Being whose humanity imparted some of its -own mercy even to Moors grown old in tyranny.</p> - -<p>Benzaide at this period reminded her mistress of the late hour, and of -her indisposition, which rendered rest indispensible; Kara Aziek -reluctantly took her arm: “I am going to leave thee, Fabian,” she said, -“Alla alone knows when and how we shall meet again!—that frantic spirit -of thine makes me tremble. If I should fail of softening my father, -alas, what will become of thee! thy terrible look at this moment answers -me but too plainly.”</p> - -<p>Her eyes swimming in tears were now fixed upon his violently agitated -features; Sebastian strove to calm himself for her sake: “I dare not -deceive you, amiable Aziek!” he said, “it is my determination<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> not to -survive disgrace: yet perhaps they will not seek to inflict it. Let your -father change my punishment to the severest penalties of toil, famine, -or imprisonment—let him condemn me to unheard-of sufferings, and I will -consent to live on, in the fantastic hope of being miraculously -delivered at last: but were freedom, and all those blessings comprized -in the dear name of country, to follow the execution of that sentence, -which turns my cheeks to fire while I but think of it, I would abhor -life after such degradation.—No, no, generous Aziek, ask me not to bear -it and to live.”</p> - -<p>“I do not ask thee!—I know not what I would ask of thee!” exclaimed the -lovely Moor, in a tone of distraction, “thy life so precious—so -dear—so dear to all thy companions—O Alla! is it to be thus madly -thrown away! I would not have thee live disgraced, yet I would have thee -live. Perhaps if thou wouldest join thy prayers with mine, and humble -thy<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>self to my father—prostrate at his feet, he could not surely——”</p> - -<p>“Prostrate at his feet!” interrupted Sebastian wildly, darting on her a -look of indignation. “What! for myself!—for a Mahometan’s -mercy!—No!—I will die as I have lived—a King!”</p> - -<p>The magnanimous and proud spirit of Sebastian, yet unsubdued by all his -mortifications, now shone out in full force over his face and figure: -like one awaking from some vanishing dream, Kara Aziek gazed on him, -faintly repeating his last words: she stood transfixed, while thought, -more rapid than light, was destroying every former hope.</p> - -<p>If a Christian King, what must be the daughter of a Moorish noble, in -his eyes?—an atom!—a mote in the broad sunshine of regal glory: as -well might she think to scale the immeasurable heavens, as to become the -friend and partner of a King: in one moment she was hurled from him to a -distance so remote, that it<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> seemed madness to hope his heart would ever -again throb with a single feeling answerable to hers.</p> - -<p>Shocked, chilled, despairing, she silently tried to cover herself with -her veil, while half sinking in an attitude of reverence, excess of -emotion overcame her, and she was forced to catch at Benzaide for -support.</p> - -<p>The heavy sigh which came from Aziek’s heart as she fell on the arm of -her maid, recovered Sebastian from his paroxysm; he now threw himself -before her: “Proud as you may think me, gentle Aziek!” he said, “Behold -the King of Portugal at your feet, soliciting pardon for his -impetuosity: the discovery that fiery hastiness has made, will but -increase your pity for an unfortunate man who, while languishing in -captivity, has so much to lament.”</p> - -<p>He stopt, and Kara Aziek extending her hand to him with a varying cheek, -answered faulteringly, “The King of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> Portugal was said to have fallen at -Alcazar, and to be now buried in his native land—but I believe indeed -that thou art he.—Thou art then that Sebastian I was taught to <i>hate</i>!”</p> - -<p>A deep but tender sigh burst forth with the last expression: how did -that sigh appear to change the meaning of the word she uttered!—the -touching voice in which she spoke, the tears that floated her -momentarily-fixed, and then suddenly-averted eyes, were only too -expressive of an eternal devotedness; but Sebastian, self-absorbed, saw -nothing; he rapidly recapitulated to her all that he possessed in -Portugal, and was now on the point of abandoning for ever.</p> - -<p>On the mentioning of Donna Gonsalva, whom love painted in the most -seducing colours, Kara Aziek’s countenance suddenly changed; it varied -at every word, but she listened in silence: those fond hopes which had -again sprung up, when she saw him at her feet, those hopes which<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> -formerly had been nourished by his tender manner, were now withered; -could she preserve his honour and his life, and after that obtain his -liberty, she would be doing this only to hasten the moment that would -give him to another.</p> - -<p>Her pure, impassioned heart almost exclaimed aloud, “Ah, it is not thy -throne I covet to share; thy love alone would be to me a kingdom: with -thee, a desart, or a dungeon, obscurity or poverty would bestow -happiness.”</p> - -<p>But though this regret filled her bosom, it could not displace for one -moment, that disinterested generosity which formed the basis of her -noblest qualities; whatever might become of herself she resolved to -renew her endeavour for procuring his release hereafter, should she -succeed in saving him now.</p> - -<p>Donna Gonsalva’s beauty appeared from the description of Sebastian to be -that of a Celestial, and her character delineated by the same partial -hand could not fail of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> impressing Kara Aziek with the conviction that -she was worthy to be adored: to such a rival she yielded with the less -pain.</p> - -<p>The King of Portugal was painfully affected by the changes he beheld in -the expressive countenance of his gentle friend; it was impossible for -him not to find his past fears recur, as he witnessed this ill-concealed -emotion: at one moment he repented, at another applauded the disclosure -of those dear engagements which must teach Kara Aziek that he was not -ungrateful in remaining untouched by her tenderness and charms: but his -heart saddened to think what the eventful morrow might prove to her.</p> - -<p>Benzaide now warned her mistress that day would soon break and expose -them to the notice of the Moorish guards; Aziek started, and covered -herself with her veil, unwilling to shew Sebastian the extent of her -grief at bidding him farewel: incapable of speaking, she timidly held -out her<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> hand to him; it was cold and trembling—the King put it to his -lips—“adieu matchless creature!” he cried, “may angels benevolent and -pure like yourself, watch over all your days!—were not my heart in -Portugal with her who is mourning for my sake, this transcendant -goodness must either have softened or sharpened the pains of slavery:—I -should have forgotten my fallen state, and dared to love the lovely -Aziek.”—</p> - -<p>The last sentence breathed in an agitated whisper over the soft hand he -was pressing to his heart, thrilled through the frame of Aziek; she -blushed, faltered, moved tremblingly away, and seeking the support of -Benzaide, faintly pronounced a parting benediction:—her senses were in -sweet disorder at so delightful and unexpected a confession; next to the -bliss of possessing that noble heart, was the certainty that he believed -her worthy of it. Transported with this assurance, she<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> gave him a last -look filled with gratitude and pleasure, and then departed.—</p> - -<p>Compassion heightened by admiration, was the reigning sentiment left in -the heart of Sebastian; long after the departure of his benefactress, -her endearing image solely filled his thoughts:—without a single -moment’s infidelity to the exquisite Gonsalva, he was yet deeply -interested in the happiness of her rival, and could not refrain from -thinking oftener of her than of himself.—Still hoping something from -her interference, he commended himself to Providence, and lay down to -sleep again, upon the floor of his dungeon.</p> - -<p>Sebastian had been awake some time the ensuing morning, when he heard a -bell ring; at the sound of which he had been, told to prepare for -punishment: as he listened, the blood forsook his face, and a horrid -chill suddenly ran through his veins:—Kara Aziek had then -failed<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>!—recovering from the shock of disappointment (which had shocked -him only because it was unforeseen) he knelt down with the crucifix -clasped in his hands, fervently breathing over it a solemn supplication -of forgiveness for all his sins and errors.</p> - -<p>He prayed the Lord of Heaven to forgive or to enlighten him, if the -resistance he meditated, were an act of impious rebellion; he besought -blessings for his friends and for his enemies; he commended his people -to the protection of Him, who places Kings upon their thrones, and the -names of Gonsalva and Aziek were mingling on his lips, when the prison -door opened, and instead of guards to conduct him to a scene of blood, -he beheld the smiling Benzaide.</p> - -<p>Her mission spoke in her face, as she put aside her veil, bidding him -rise and follow her.—Sebastian obeyed: not before he had devoutly -kissed the cross he wore;—boundless gratitude to Heaven, did indeed -swell his heart, as he passed with<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> his companion through the various -courts, leading to Kara Aziek’s apartments: on reaching them, Benzaide -threw a large mantle over him, in which she bade him wrap even his head, -as he would then pass unnoticed by the female servants; at the same time -she deposited a pair of slippers at the entrance, observing, that should -the Almoçadem come and see them, he would retire according to the -Moorish fashion, believing that some neighbouring lady was then visiting -his daughter.</p> - -<p>Sebastian learnt from this, that in rendering him such services as -these, Kara Aziek perpetually risked the displeasure of her father: this -thought did but the more enhance the value of her protection.</p> - -<p>Upon entering the chamber of Aziek, he found her alone, lying along a -sopha shaded by thin drapery: she spoke to him without altering her -position or uncovering her face, for she was ill, and greatly agitated: -her motive for admitting him to<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> her presence at such a period, was not -merely to see him again, or to receive his thanks, but to soothe him -under a disappointment she had been forced to prepare for him.</p> - -<p>El Hader had been previously with her, when she had exerted all her -influence for the pardon of Sebastian: at first he refused to hear his -daughter’s petition, expressing great anger at her partiality to this -ungovernable Christian, on whom so many favors had already been thrown -away; he ridiculed the idea of a slave’s preferring death to a few -strokes of the whip, and told her plainly, that if she continued thus to -protect a Christian, merely because he was of her mother’s country, the -Moors would proclaim her an enemy to the true faith.</p> - -<p>Kara Aziek mildly allowed herself to be called foolish and profane, yet -redoubled her intercessions, availing herself of her severe illness to -plead with more earnestness for indulgence: she prayed,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> she wept, she -embraced her father’s knees, telling him that she had vowed for her -mother’s sake never to cease protecting the two Portuguese, and that -consequently, she could not remain inactive now, without breaking that -inward promise.</p> - -<p>Her tears and touching feebleness at length melted El Hader, and he -consented to limit the punishment of Sebastian to a month of the hardest -labour in his quarries: “as the fellow is so strong and ingenious,” he -concluded, “I would not part with him, but his countryman, your other -favorite, shall be sold immediately; he is a sickly, stupid, -good-for-nothing dog, and the sooner he is got rid of the better.—see -that you make no attempt to bring these Christian fools to a -leave-taking—if you do, I swear by the beard of the Prophet, that the -slave Fabian shall pay the price of your fault.”</p> - -<p>This had been the Almoçadem’s parting command, and Kara Aziek, for -Sebastian’s sake, did not venture to disobey,—she de<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>tailed her -father’s resolution with many sighs and expressions of deep regret: the -King turned pale: and an exclamation of grief escaped him; not for -himself he grieved, but for the less healthy Gaspar, who had so long -been accustomed to receive from him comfort and assistance.—</p> - -<p>The distress painted on his manly features, was visible to Kara Aziek -through her transparent veil—she hastened to efface it—“I must not -detain thee here,” she said blushing, “even now my heart trembles for -fear, I have done wrong in admitting thee into these apartments—but I -could not deny myself the gratification of telling thee that I will not -lose sight of thy poor friend; if money may avail, Gaspar shall regain -his freedom, and return to Portugal to prepare the way for thee.—Go -Prince! (for I cannot call thee Fabian now) go, and believe that Kara -Aziek knows no other bliss on earth than that of trying to resemble the -ministering<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> spirits of Heaven. Thy rare example first taught her, that -it is noble to live solely for others.”</p> - -<p>Sebastian’s heart made a more animated reply to this speech than he -suffered to flow from his lips: her disinterested goodness was exalted -in his eyes from the very circumstance which threatened to weaken its -force: if she loved him, and felt that her peculiar happiness was only -to be found in his presence, what heroic generosity was it, thus to -sacrifice every selfish consideration, by seeking to procure for him the -means of withdrawing to a rival and a distant land.</p> - -<p>After expressing some part of his feelings, and tenderly assuring her of -his deep concern at her increased illness, he once more wrapped himself -in the mantle, and passed with Benzaide through the outer chambers.</p> - -<p>On quitting that side of the Cassavee, Sebastian proceeded to see and -thank Hafiz, to whom he owed the prompt inter<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>ference of Aziek: his -acknowledgements were received with a mixture of kindness and anger; for -Hafiz was to lose his services a whole month, and could not comprehend -what he wanted with liberty, when so indulged by him and the Almoçadem. -From the gardens the unfortunate monarch proceeded to the scene of new -labour; there he toiled under a sky like burning brass, without shelter, -almost without sustenance; but his mind was too full of interesting -thoughts to leave him time for noticing bodily suffering: Gaspar and far -distant freedom, tortured remembrance.</p> - -<p>Though the strict command of her father deterred Kara Aziek from -attempting to see Sebastian while he wore out his days of penance remote -from Hafiz, she contrived to send him every night various refreshments, -accompanied sometimes by short billets: in one of these she gave him the -unexpected information of Gaspar’s being free, and now on his way to -Portugal.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p> - -<p>After a cautious negociation through the means of a Jew merchant, she -had purchased the poor fellow’s liberty by the sale of a few jewels, and -now wrote to animate Sebastian into hopes for himself:—ardent were the -hopes her letter awakened! The King could not doubt but that Gaspar, who -knew in common with every other Portuguese, his engagements with Donna -Gonsalva, would immediately repair to her with the news of his life and -captivity, and that consequently her fond zeal would quicken the -exertions for his release.</p> - -<p>It was not in man, however disinterested, to lament the act which would -thus convey to his ministers and his friends the knowledge of his -existence: sincere as was his determination of never calling upon his -subjects for that succour he had a right to demand of them, he was not -insensible to the joy of finding that another was gone to tell the tale -of his sufferings, and to plead for his return. If the peo<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>ple of -Portugal loved their King well enough to tax themselves for his ransom, -he was well inclined to receive that obligation from their affection, -which both pride and principle had forbidden him to extort from their -duty. Not doubting the general sentiment, he surrendered himself up to -delightful anticipations.</p> - -<p>But a little while, and he would be free again! As his heart throbbed -high at this blissful thought, it naturally turned with warmer gratitude -to the generous friend from whom it proceeded. Kara Aziek, still dearer -than ever, from her unwearied goodness, was however to be abandoned, and -never more beheld! As well might a brother have contemplated the -prospect of eternally quitting a beloved sister; Sebastian <i>would</i> not -dwell on it, but formed in fancy many romantic plans, each of which had -for its foundation the religious conversion of Kara Aziek.</p> - -<p>Towards this new and pleasing project, now suddenly conceived, he -determined to<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> direct the whole force of his heart, that heart which had -never ceased to glow with its original zeal: from this period he devoted -his leisure moments to the recollection and arrangement of such -arguments in favour of Christianity, as appeared to him the most -convincing, and when again brought into the gardens, was enabled to -press them upon Aziek in the interviews she frequently afforded him.</p> - -<p>Kara Aziek listened with attention and pleasure, for she loved to hear -him talk upon any subject, more especially upon one which interested her -deeply; but though she afforded Sebastian frequent opportunities for -conversation, and almost wished to believe, as he did, her clear reason -could not blind itself to the monstrous system of Popery: unhappily the -young monarch was not qualified to remove this veil from the simple -beauty of Christianity: he had been educated a devoted son of the Romish -church, and was incapable of perceiving, that but from its <span class="pagenum"><a id="page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>unscriptural -authority, and intolerant tenets, Kara Aziek would have ceased to be a -Mahometan.</p> - -<p>These constant interviews only tended to fix Sebastian more firmly in -the heart of the gentle Moor; she felt that they did so, but with an -excess of generosity refused to purchase peace for herself, by the -sacrifice of his enjoyments: her society was evidently his chief solace, -and to her unremitting attention he owed every personal comfort; could -she then afflict him by sudden or gradual coldness, by long absences, -and assumed indifference? Sebastian knew her only as his friend, and to -that disinterested character she was resolved never to lose a claim.</p> - -<p>Consonant to this resolution, she accustomed herself to talk with him of -Donna Gonsalva, yet at his lover-like description of her rival’s -enchantments, she could not controul those tumultuous feelings, of which -a love so hopeless and so powerful was but too susceptible.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Happy, happy creature!” she would often exclaim to herself, “could I -believe that <i>thou</i> lovest him, that <i>any one</i> can love him as I do, -what should I lament? but who has seen him like Kara Aziek, a prisoner -and a slave, alternately the object of terror and admiration, -interesting even in his moments of wildest passion, who therefore will -ever learn to forget herself and the whole world in him? Alas! how shall -I live, when he who is become the very soul of my life, is far from me.”</p> - -<p>From that painful question Kara Aziek always turned without delay, -striving to be indeed as indifferent as she believed herself, to her own -happiness: love, ingenious at deceit, fondly persuaded her that in -sighing after the bliss of being united to Sebastian she was actuated -solely by this idea, that no one’s affection could equal hers, -consequently that no one would ever watch so attentively over his -conduct and his comfort.</p> - -<p>The King himself, hurried away by an<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> earnest desire for her conversion, -no longer saw or thought of her attachment, but dwelt with grateful -enthusiasm upon the joy she might bestow on him, would she yield her -heart to the doctrines of the church, renounce her infidel country, and -consent to become like a sister to his adored Gonsalva. At length he -found that no arguments of his availed to convince her of the fallacy of -her own religion, she had many specious ones to urge in its defence, but -still more to urge against papal Christianity; sorrowing and reluctant -therefore, he relinquished his attempt.</p> - -<p>Sebastian now counted the days as they passed, welcoming each on its -arrival, as the day of freedom: Gaspar had been absent above a month; -Kara Aziek had learned at the Moorish court that the Prior of Crato was -alive and in Lisbon, therefore the King; reckoned still more confidently -upon his release: time, however, wore away; days, weeks, months elapsed; -as they fled, still they bore with<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> them some health and spirit from -Sebastian; the excuses he mentally made for his people’s delay and -hesitation hourly decayed, apprehension and indignation took their -place.</p> - -<p>Was he to expect succour from his grand uncle, Don Henry? That uncle now -knew the gratifications of absolute power, and might not perhaps feel -willing to resign them: was he to hope for freedom from the voluntary -sacrifices of his people!—those people were the descendants of that -pitiless generation who a century before had basely suffered the infant -Don Ferdinand to die in captivity. Ferdinand had offered himself to the -Moors as a pledge for the fulfilment of a certain treaty, the Portuguese -refused to ratify it, and left him to languish out his youth in -confinement. Such a precedent might but too fatally influence the -present conduct of Portugal.</p> - -<p>At this piercing thought, the unhappy monarch lost all self-command, and -no<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> longer restrained the expression of his fears. Sometimes Kara Aziek -would behold him given up to the bitterest grief, imagining his beloved -Gonsalva torn from him by death; at others, she would witness the -whirlwinds of his character, while he conceived himself abandoned by his -subjects, or his relations: resentment and sorrow then swayed him by -turns; and it was only at the sound of her pitying voice, or at the gaze -of her imploring eyes, that he would rein in his anger, or check the -tide of lamentation.</p> - -<p>So tossed by various passions, so agitated with many a fond fear, so -surrounded and touched by the ill-disguised tenderness of Kara Aziek, -there were moments in which Sebastian felt her excellence so -exquisitely, that he doubted whether he could be quite happy even in -Portugal with Gonsalva, unless she were there to complete it: his -imprudently-ingenuous nature spoke the sentiment as it arose, fatally -flattering the young and inexperi<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>enced Aziek with ideas she was -scarcely conscious of indulging.</p> - -<p>The different emotions of each, soon produced a visible effect: -Sebastian lost his strength and his looks; Kara Aziek suddenly became -languid, sick, and sad: when with the King, her eyes no longer dwelt on -him with an apparent forgetfulness of every thing but of that soul whose -movements she was tracing through the eloquent countenance; they were -tearful and downcast, and that irresistible meltingness which used to -make love visible in their floating orbs, was displaced by an expression -of troubled anxiety.</p> - -<p>Her careless attire, and unusual fits of abstraction, at length led the -King to suppose that some domestic distress had a principal share in so -painful a change; he interrogated Kara Aziek: as they walked together -with Benzaide under the starry sky, while others slept, he gently strove -to win from her the secret of her affliction; Kara Aziek alternately -blushed and turn<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>ed pale, sighed and wept, but refused to satisfy him.</p> - -<p>Such conduct only stimulated the efforts of a friend whose tenderness -was increased by this first call upon its sympathy; but Aziek, mildly -inflexible, constantly left him at the usual hour in doubt and -conjecture.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a id="CHAP_III"></a>CHAP. III.</h2> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">Sebastian’s</span> suspence did not continue long: one night he was summoned to -meet Aziek in the labyrinth.</p> - -<p>It was nearly midnight when his listening ear caught the sound of her -unsteady and hurried steps; she came leaning on her confidential maid: -her veil was down, and he could not therefore behold any peculiar -emotion in her countenance, but he perceived it in her air and voice.</p> - -<p>She answered his salutation in broken accents, then sitting down at some -distance from him, was awhile silent.</p> - -<p>The green, and now fading lamps, with which the subterraneous passage -was illuminated, cast a melancholy light over the veiled figure of Kara -Aziek; her silence, and the rapidly apprehensive mind<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> of Sebastian -contributed to agitate him beyond measure: he approached her with -extreme solicitude.</p> - -<p>“Allow me a little emotion,” she said faintly, averting her head, “I -believe we are about to part for ever! thou art the only friend Kara -Aziek ever had reason to esteem and to regret—ah! if thou shouldest -forget her entirely!”</p> - -<p>She stopped, momentarily overcome, affording the King an opportunity for -uttering an exclamation of surprize and of affectionate reproach: -“Prince! she faultered out, thou art free; tomorrow thou mayest return -to Portugal.”</p> - -<p>Uncertain whether he had heard aright, Sebastian repeated her words, -conjuring her to say if his senses had deceived him: her answer -transported him to throw himself at her feet; he did not speak, but joy -triumphed on his face, and burnt in the kiss which he imprinted on her -trembling hands.</p> - -<p>This excess of joy was what Aziek had<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> thought herself prepared to meet, -yet now it distracted her resolutions, and half-maddened her to exclaim, -“Ah, ungrateful man, is it thus that my friendship is returned!”</p> - -<p>Liberty, home, happiness, every dear and oft-remembered object was now -present to the ardent imagination of Sebastian; the names of his country -and of his mistress were the only sounds that escaped his lips: they -penetrated the heart of Kara Aziek: she strove to extricate herself from -the transports of his gratitude and rapture, for, alas! their -impassioned expressions glowed more from anticipated emotions, than from -any that she herself excited.—Faultering and tearful, she besought him -to let her depart.</p> - -<p>“Depart!” he repeated, (roused from his selfish delirium) “depart so -soon, when we are to meet no more! Do not poison the felicity you give, -by making me fear that you think me indifferent to the future fate of my -benefactress! You tell me,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> Aziek, that it is to your intreaties I am -indebted for this blessing, but you do not say how it was -granted—whether you did not incur some wrath.”</p> - -<p>Aziek hastened to assure him that she had secured her father’s assent -without incurring his displeasure: “Thy freedom was unexpectedly -offered, upon a condition which I need not detail, as it does not relate -to thee. Take thy liberty, prince! and be convinced that though these -eyes shall never more behold thee, thine image—the memory of thy -misfortunes—thy virtues—thy delightful converse, will exist in my -heart, while life and memory—”</p> - -<p>Tears interrupted the sentence, and she cast herself back upon the bosom -of Benzaide.</p> - -<p>Vehemently agitated by her emotion, Sebastian pressed her to trust -herself to his honour, and to quit Africa with him: he promised her the -friendship of his Gonsalva, and protection in the exercise<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> of her own -religion; he urged to her the delights of polished society; and perhaps -Aziek would not have resisted his pleadings had they been seconded by -vows of love; but now she was able to feel and to avow the strong claim -of filial obligation.</p> - -<p>Her refusal to desert her father was grounded on arguments which the -King wished, but was not able to shake; “Yet I will not say <i>farewel for -ever</i>!” he said, “were I able to do so, Kara Aziek, I should abhor -myself: you are dear to me as a sister, you are the object of the -tenderest and truest gratitude that ever penetrated a human heart,—how -then can I consent to forego all thought of beholding you again? If -Providence permit me to regain my former power, the Moors will no longer -find me their enemy: for your sake I will court their friendship, and -when in amity with their Xeriff, may tempt my Gonsalva to cross the sea -in search of her Sebastian’s guardian angel.”</p> - -<p>Kara Aziek did not reply; she was<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> overcome by recollection of the price -she must pay for his deliverance, a price which would remove her far -from the seducing prospect he pictured; formed with all the weakness and -strength of woman’s mixed character, she could command her actions but -not her emotions; she could constrain every selfish consideration for -the sake of another, though she knew not how to conceal the grief such -sacrifices cost her: her fast-falling tears now fell without -interruption.</p> - -<p>Shocked and afflicted at her excess of sorrow, the young monarch -scarcely knew how to suppose that it originated solely in the regret of -parting from him; indeed he wished to believe otherwise, and suffering -his imagination to take a new direction, importuned her to say whether -she had not heard distressing intelligence of Gaspar, or of some of his -dearest friends in Portugal.</p> - -<p>Aziek hastened to relieve his apprehen<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>sions, and by exerting herself to -do so, gradually recovered her own composure.</p> - -<p>Having succeeded in calming him, she held out a letter, conjuring him -not to open it till he should be restored to Donna Gonsalva; “In it thou -wilt find a braid of Kara Aziek’s jetty hair;” she said, striving to -smile, “thou wilt sometimes look at it, and remember her who gave it -thee: perhaps thou wilt contrast it with the golden tresses and ivory -skin of thy beloved; ah! tell her, as thou dost so, that the heart of -Kara Aziek is fairer than her face.”</p> - -<p>As she spoke, she lifted her veil, and fixed on Sebastian her lovely -eyes, now swimming in tears; the look they gave entered his soul: -neither time nor distance ever effaced their impression.—Thrilled with -pity, admiration, and regret, he could only faulter out a repetition of -his hope that they were not parting for the last time; Aziek faintly -repeated<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> that hope, adding, they must now separate, to allow him some -repose ere he began his journey.</p> - -<p>“Hafiz is instructed to provide for thy accommodation,” she continued, -“he has my father’s commands.—Adieu, -Prince!—friend!—instructor!—light of my once dark mind!—may thy -prophet, may my prophet conduct thee, not merely to thy throne, but to -the hearts of thy people!”</p> - -<p>She turned aside her head while she spoke, and stretched out her hands -to him; the half-distracted and bewildered Sebastian made a movement as -if he would have thrown himself at her feet, but the feelings of nature -triumphed over every idea of established customs, and he found that he -had pressed her to his heart, instead of distantly saluting her hand.</p> - -<p>In a tumult of new emotions, Kara Aziek gently pushed him from her, -“Leave me, leave me, Prince!” she exclaimed faintly,—“think of me in -Portugal—re<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>member me there, as the mutual friend of thee and thy -Gonsalva.”</p> - -<p>At that name the agitated monarch recovered from a moment’s oblivion; he -fixed his eyes earnestly upon her lovely figure, then lifted them to -heaven, as if invoking blessings on her, and hurried from the grotto.</p> - -<p>Occupied with contradictory feelings, the King reached his own -apartment: to sleep was impossible; he walked up and down, watching the -dawn of that day which was either to restore him to liberty, or to crush -him with disappointment. The capriciousness of the Moorish character -made him dread some change in the sentiments of El Hader; yet hope -preponderated, and the joyful tone now given to his mind, dissipated -those fears for Gaspar and Gonsalva which had before tormented him.</p> - -<p>How rarely does our reason behold any object uncoloured by the medium -of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> passion! not a single circumstance had arisen to warrant a change of -opinion, yet Sebastian now banished every suspicion of his people’s -infidelity and his relations unkindness; he recollected the timid spirit -of his uncle, which might have procrastinated, without wishing to -frustrate measures, and warm with present happiness, confidently -anticipated superior felicity in the future.</p> - -<p>Giving himself up to the most gratifying anticipations, he rapidly -sketched out plans for times remote, and these still included Kara Aziek -and the benevolent Abensallah:—to Sebastian’s ardent romantic heart, -every thing it wished seemed probable.</p> - -<p>An hour after sun-rise Hafiz appeared: he came to inform the Portuguese -that their illustrious master, Mahommed El Hader, had generously granted -his freedom, and that he might depart immediately. At this confirmation -of what he<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> had been so long and apparently so confidently expecting, -Sebastian’s emotion rendered him speechless: meanwhile Hafiz poured -forth a most pathetic lamentation.</p> - -<p>It was some time ere the King could comfort him sufficiently to obtain -information about his route: his sole aim was to travel expeditiously -and safely towards some Christian settlement; this was an object not -easily attained. Unless under the protection of natives or licensed -merchants, a liberated captive was but too likely to fall into a second -captivity: Hafiz knew no way for his friend to avoid such a mischance, -except by joining a party of travelling traders from Syria, who were -going that very day from Mequinez to a Moorish port, between Tangier and -Ceutah. From this port a passage might easily be obtained in one of -those vessels employed in carrying on a contraband trade with the coast -of Spain,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> or the King might hazard a short expedition alone, and strike -across to the Christian town.</p> - -<p>The journey from Mequinez was indeed long and fatiguing, but it would be -performed leisurely, and as the road lay near Benzeroel, would afford -Sebastian an opportunity of ascertaining whether Abensallah were yet -alive. After settling this important point, a most momentous -consideration remained: how were the expences of this journey to be -defrayed! happily the Almoçadem had given orders that the Christian -should be conveyed whither he chose, at his cost, and therefore nothing -now remained but to take leave of his fellow prisoners.</p> - -<p>Never before had the King; felt so acutely for his brethren in -affliction; the alteration in his own situation appeared to deepen the -misery of theirs: he parted from them with many expressions of sympathy, -charged with commissions to vari<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>ous quarters of the globe, and -promising faithfully to have them all executed.</p> - -<p>From the slave-court Sebastian returned through the gardens, bidding a -joyful farewel to every structure and every plant that his labour had -formed or fostered: yet regret mingled with gladness, for these gardens -were the peculiar property of Kara Aziek, and her gentle image appeared -to rise at every turning to reproach him.</p> - -<p>Hafiz had obtained permission to attend his favorite slave to Mequinez: -as they mounted their mules at the great gate of the Cassavee, Sebastian -recalled the last time he had passed those gates after his fruitless -attempt at escape; he was then returning he believed to eternal -thraldom; but four months had elapsed since, and as if by miracle his -chains were broken!</p> - -<p>The mules were swift of foot, and well acquainted with their road; when -they had conveyed their riders to the top of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> an eminence leading from -the valley, Sebastian turned round to take a farewel look of the -habitation that contained Kara Aziek. The gilded pinnacles of her -apartment glittered above rows of tall cypress trees; he breathed -unnumbered blessings on her, fixed his eyes for some moments upon that -quarter of the Cassavee, then spurred his mule down the opposite side of -the declivity.</p> - -<p>An arrangement with the merchants was quickly made by Hafiz, who paid -beforehand the charges of his companion’s journey; at parting, the -good-natured man shed tears, which Sebastian repaid by sincere -expressions of esteem and everlasting sense of obligation: he was -preparing to commence his journey, when one of the Syrians brought him a -packet which Hafiz had instructed him to deliver when he should be on -his return; the King took, and eagerly opened it.</p> - -<p>Its contents were a purse containing several gold sequins, some valuable -jew<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>els, and a number of those small shells which then passed current -through Africa, and are still known there by the name of Barbary money; -upon them lay a slip of vellum, with these words written on -it—“Unforeseen accidents may render this purse of use to the friend of -Kara Aziek.”</p> - -<p>This fragment of her hand-writing made the amiable Moor almost present -to Sebastian; he looked intently on the characters, sighed and sighed -again, for memory too forcibly told him, that in striving to succour him -she had lost her own peace. Closing the packet with a mixture of -gratitude and regret, he mounted the animal provided for him, and began -his route.</p> - -<p>The men with whom he travelled, were too much occupied in calculations -of profits and losses to interrupt their companion’s reveries; they were -furnished with an order from the Almoçadem, purporting that Fabian his -slave was going on<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> business to the sea-coast, and therefore not to be -detained on suspicion of being a runaway: in consequence of this, their -progress was unmolested, and they continued journeying on slowly, but -safely.</p> - -<p>The traveller’s road lay near Alcazar; it crossed that fatal plain, -where, above twelvemonths before, the King of Portugal, at the head of a -few gallant troops, had rashly braved the whole force of Morocco: what -were his emotions when he now entered on it!</p> - -<p>The meridian sun blazed over its broad and arid surface, marking with a -glaring light every spot affecting to memory: Sebastian transiently -closed his eyes, as if to shut out a picture, that, alas! was painted -yet stronger on his mind. That dismal plain covered with dead, such as -he had seen it with Abensallah, was even more present to him than the -one he actually saw: Stukeley, De Castro, the young Braganza, every dear -and lamented associate, pressed upon recollection; those<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> deep wounds of -the heart which new anxieties had closed, now opened afresh, and he -became once more the prey of profound though unavailing remorse.</p> - -<p>Given up to gloomy retrospects, Sebastian sought to indulge them alone -and at liberty; for this purpose he took advantage of his companion’s -halting for refreshment, and went to visit the tower where Sir Thomas -Stukeley fell. His path was whitened with human bones! he trod amongst -them hastily, yet apprehensively, for whether these were the last mortal -relics of Moors or Portuguese, they were still the relics of men.</p> - -<p>Seen under the cheerful light of day, the broken watch tower was not in -itself so dreary an object as it had appeared by the glimmering of -moon-light, but Sebastian viewed it with still drearier reflections: -time had altered his sentiments, and taught him to consider the blood -shed under those walls, as blood shed uselessly and madly; but for his -fanatic enthusi<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>asm, Stukeley might have been then living honored and -happy.</p> - -<p>Struck with this thought he slowly approached the ruins, that he might -look for the last time on the spot where he had found his friend’s body; -as he advanced, two men issued from the shattered gateway, and passed -him; one of them started as he passed, and stopped—Sebastian moved on, -thoughtless of personal danger. He had gained the place he sought, and -had stood sadly contemplating it, when, on raising his eyes, as he -turned away, they were arrested by the sight of faces peeping at him -through the lower branches of some trees: in one of these he recognized -the dark scowl of Ben Tarab.</p> - -<p>Instinctively he grasped the head of a loaded pistol which he wore in -his girdle; this action, and the sudden blaze of his eyes, made the -cowardly Moor relinquish his hold of the tree, its boughs closed as he -let them hastily out of his hand, pre<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>venting Sebastian from seeing -which way he went.</p> - -<p>Somewhat disturbed at this unexpected rencontre, the young monarch stood -for a moment to determine on his future movements, he was too conscious -of Ben Tarab’s animosity not to apprehend its effects, and therefore -thought it best to rejoin his companions without incurring fresh risk by -attempting alone to find the cave of Abensallah: regretting this -necessity, he hastened from the ruins, and looking back, beheld Ben -Tarab and his comrade stealing between the trees and the wall in the -same direction with himself.</p> - -<p>Once more he turned round and stopt, determining to accost the Moor and -be satisfied if the meeting were accidental; but on seeing him pause, -Ben Tarab again retreated and concealed himself among the broken walls: -Sebastian then resumed the road to his friends.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> - -<p>The travellers had pitched a tent on the plain, and were therefore -visible at a great distance: through the loop holes of the tower Ben -Tarab now watched the course of the King, and saw him enter their tent; -he then descended, and rejoicing at the chance which had led him to this -spot for temporary shelter from the heat, called his associate and ran -off to the town of Alcazar.</p> - -<p>On rejoining the merchants, Sebastian thought it best to speak of his -adventure and the apprehension he grounded on it: one of the Syrians to -whom Hafiz had peculiarly recommended his favorite, proposed immediate -departure; if Ben Tarab wished to cast obstacles in their way, he might -easily find means for doing so, by questioning the freedom of Sebastian, -or by informing some of the Emperor’s officers in Alcazar, who would -then seize him for their master’s service. Under this idea it was fit -the whole party should hasten to get the start of the Moor.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> - -<p>Their tents were now struck, their camels re-loaded, and bidding adieu -to the pleasing hope of seeing Abensallah, Sebastian mounted a swift -horse and resumed his journey.</p> - -<p>They had scarcely passed the boundaries of the plain, when a party of -horsemen from Alcazar, overtook and detained them: the King gave himself -up for lost; but he dissembled this despair, and met the scrutiny of the -Moorish soldiers with apparent composure. Surrounded by armed guards, -Ben Tarab could rail and threaten with impunity: he accused Sebastian of -being a runaway slave; to oppose this assertion, the principal merchant -simply produced the writing and signet to the Almoçadem, purporting that -the Christian who accompanied them was a servant of his, bearing -important dispatches to the Alcayde of Kouf.—At sight of this -convincing testimony, the Moors began to excuse themselves, and were -about to depart, when Ben Tarab called<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> their captain aside and said a -few words to him in a low, furious tone; the officer directly -countermanded his men, telling the merchants that as they were going to -travel through a Cavila then in a state of insurrection, he would honour -the Almoçadem’s messenger by escorting him to the Alcayde and afterwards -protecting him back to Mequinez.</p> - -<p>At this masterly trick of Ben Tarab’s the blood forsook the face of -Sebastian, but it rushed indignantly back, while haughtily braving his -fate he told the Moorish captain to lead on.—Ben Tarab eyed his -changing countenance with a doubtful look;—</p> - -<p>“If thou art not a runaway,” he said, “thou and thy master will thank us -for this safe guard; and if thou art deceiving us, thy punishment will -not wait for the sentence of El Hader, whose signet thou must have -stolen; the Alcayde of Kouf will doom thee to death immediately.”</p> - -<p>“<i>Thou</i> art not my judge,” replied the<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> King, directing a withering -glance towards him: intimidated by former scenes, the malicious wretch -nimbly fell into the ranks of his military comrades, and proposed -advancing in their journey; the merchants acquiesced. None but the -acquaintance of Hafiz knew the real destination of Sebastian, and they -were therefore pleased to find, that instead of being detained by this -adventure, it would expedite and protect them: they proceeded on their -way, headed and flanked by the soldiers, who were content to observe the -object of their suspicion riding in the centre:—</p> - -<p>While Ben Tarab was exulting in an accidental meeting, which had thus -enabled him at least to annoy, if not to frustrate the supposed design -of his former enemy, Sebastian was ruminating upon some mode of escape: -not one presented itself: he must either confess that he was made free, -and going to embark for Portugal, or try a bold experiment on the -Alcayde.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> - -<p>To dare the former, would be madness, because all Christian captives -above the rank of artizans or peasants, belonged by law to the Xeriffs; -Ben Tarab could therefore plausibly question El Hader’s right to -liberate him, until his true rank were ascertained, and such a scrutiny -would be destruction: he then resolved to hazard a suddenly-conceived -stratagem.</p> - -<p>During the time in which they halted for the night, he selected a superb -diamond from the jewels of Kara Aziek, and placing it in the embroidered -purse by itself, folded it in a piece of brocade after the Moresco -fashion, and deposited it in his breast. The character of the Alcayde -had been given him by Hafiz’s friend, to whom he communicated his plan, -and upon that he built for success.</p> - -<p>After some days of wearisome travelling, and days full of agitation, the -cavalcade came in sight of the chief town in the province of Kouf; the -merchants were suffered to pursue their way to the port<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> they sought, -leaving Sebastian, whom they dared not attempt detaining, solely to -fortune and his guards.</p> - -<p>Ben Tarab’s ferocious eyes glared with satisfaction as he followed his -unprotected victim into the Alcayde’s house; disdaining to notice him, -Sebastian calmly proceeded.—while passing from the court to the -audience-hall, his upright mind shrunk from unmanly deception; he was -tempted to risk the truth, though convinced it would throw him again -into slavery; but his country, his duties, his beloved, all tugged at -his heart-strings, and aided by the universal toleration of stratagem -under circumstances like his, weakened every other impression: he sighed -over the bitter necessity of the act, besought Heaven to pardon it if -really culpable, then entered the hall.</p> - -<p>His fate was quickly decided: the gem he brought, appeared an undeniable -proof that he came direct from El Hader; he presented it in his master’s -name, al<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>ledging that the Almoçadem had sent it as a friendly token, -requiring from his relation in return only a satisfactory account of the -province he governed, as it was said at Mequinez, to be ripe for -revolt.—The credulous Alcayde readily promised to give him every -information on the morrow; and immediately issued orders, for the guards -from Alcazar to be refreshed in his house, and lodged there during their -stay.</p> - -<p>Sebastian now carelessly told him the story of their officious -protection, at which the foolish Alcayde laughed heartily, though he -deigned to say, they had not acted amiss; and telling the Christian to -repose himself wherever he chose, left him for the night.</p> - -<p>It was quite dark at this time, and the room in which Sebastian -remained, opened into a piazza on the outer side of the house: the sound -of laughter and voices, mixed with the sharp notes of a tabor, and the -ringing of drinking cups, assured<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> him that Ben Tarab and his followers -were already relaxing from their watchings, among the domestics of the -Alcayde.—The Syrian had hastily sketched out to him the site of a -neighbouring village, from whence he might possibly cross to Spain, (for -to reach Ceutah or Tangier undiscovered, was out of the question) and by -the rocks he saw towering before him, he knew the village must be at -hand: now then was the moment for flight. He felt in his sash to -ascertain if the remainder of Kara Aziek’s present was safe, and feeling -it under his hand, he pushed open a latticed door, and sprung into the -piazza.</p> - -<p>A short winding path brought him to a slanting defile of rocks, whose -feet were washed by the united seas of the Atlantic and Mediterranean; -the sublime sound of their waves, first quickened the motion of -Sebastian’s heart and steps; he rushed forwards, and their vast volume -of waters, heaving under a clouded sky, burst upon his view.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> - -<p>Joy unnerved him; he stood rivetted for awhile, straining his eager eyes -towards the shore of Spain. Through the dusky night, the lofty rock of -Gibraltar (towering like some fabled giant) was alone dimly discernible; -its watch-fires cast a sullen gloom above the horizon, now ascending -steadily, now blown by sudden gusts along the air, roused by the -creaking of vessels, the King started from his trance, and hurried to -the village.</p> - -<p>It consisted of a few fishing-huts, and except an old man and his son -who were busy in towing their bark to shore, all its inhabitants were -gone to rest. There was just light enough for these men to see in the -hand of Sebastian, a heap of sequins, with which he tempted them to put -off immediately for any port on the opposite coast: they hesitated only -a short time; his ardent intreaties and persuasive manner, but above -all, his gold, decided them<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> to incur any risks, they once more hoisted -their sail, he leaped into the bark, and in a few minutes they were far -out at sea.</p> - -<p>Is there a heart to which liberty is sacred, to which a country and a -home are dear, that does not throb with anxiety for Sebastian? and if -that heart has known the bitterness of long and hopeless exile from -these blessings, will it not paint his feelings only too faithfully?—</p> - -<p>As the little boat flew direct before the wind, and the waves roared and -foamed round its slender keel, the King of Portugal sat motionless, like -one stunned; his eyes indeed moved; they roved over every object again -and again, to impress their reality upon his mind with that assurance he -felt it needed: doubtfully he hearkened to the splashing of the sea, -mistrusting the evidence of every sense, and unable to steady or to -compose his thoughts.</p> - -<p>Assuredly joy overcomes us more fre<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>quently than sorrow: perhaps it is -because we arm ourselves against the latter, and abandon ourselves to -the former without reserve.</p> - -<p>While myriads of bright visions were passing and repassing through -Sebastian’s entranced imagination, the fisherman and his son were -shifting their sail and tacking about with plodding indifference; they -neither observed nor shared their royal companion’s emotion.</p> - -<p>The wind continued favorable, the coast of Africa receded, and the -fertile mountains of Grenada and Andalusia advanced from the horizon: -the vessel now ran into a creek, and disembarked her crew.</p> - -<p>The moment Sebastian’s foot pressed Christian ground, he threw himself -down and embraced it; gratitude and adoration locked up the powers of -speech; so much pain and pleasure melted his heart, that it was too big -for utterance, and he wept.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> His companions did not long allow him an -indulgence of this honorable weakness, their voices made him start from -the earth, he flung them their reward, and then they hastened away.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a id="CHAP_IV"></a>CHAP. IV.</h2> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">Day</span> was just breaking over the high tops of an olive ground, beneath -which stood a solitary cottage; Sebastian approached, and unwillingly -roused its inhabitants: they were a simple good couple, and finding that -their disturber was a Portuguese escaped from Barbary, they brought him -in, forced refreshment on him, half-wearied him with questions, and at -length resigned to him the only bed their habitation afforded.</p> - -<p>Secure of freedom, and of all the blessings in its train, the King -hastened to give repose, both to his body and to his mind; his exhausted -spirit bathed itself in a long and deep sleep, which not even a blissful -dream disturbed: the noon-day sun awoke him to a livelier sense of what -he had regained.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> - -<p>Glowing with rapturous emotions, and eagerly anticipating that moment -which should restore him to Donna Gonsalva, he knew it would be -impossible for him to endure those delays which must arise, were he to -declare himself in Spain or in his own dominions, ere he had reached -Xabregas; he therefore determined upon travelling disguised, and giving -himself the romantic delight of surprizing her.</p> - -<p>Having told the people who lodged him that he was a Portuguese officer -journeying homewards, he had no difficulty in procuring a guide and -mules to take him through Andaluzia, the low condition of the men with -whom he must associate during his journey, would render a recognition of -his person very improbable, and relying on this circumstance, he left -the sea-coast without apprehension of discovery.</p> - -<p>In one of the valleys through which he passed, the ringing of a convent -bell gave the welcome tidings of evening prayers;<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> how many months had -elapsed since that holy sound had spoken to him of heaven! he hastened -to obey its summons, and leaving his guide in charge of the mules, went -into the chapel: scarcely any one was there except a few poor monks. -Sebastian prostrated himself before the image of his dying Saviour, and -the emotion of his heart again flowed out in tears.</p> - -<p>Tears like these the manliest eyes need not disdain shedding; nay, tears -like these, honor him who sheds them.</p> - -<p>Animated by this delightful act of duty, he retired immediately after -the service, and regained the muleteer; they set forward once more -towards Portugal.</p> - -<p>Traversing the luxuriant vineyards of Andaluzia, they followed for some -time the course of the Gaudiana, then crossing its stream, they left its -wild rocky banks far behind, entering upon that part of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> Portugal which -is denominated the kingdom of Algarve.</p> - -<p>As Sebastian descended the steep heights that divide the two countries, -the winds sweeping over his native land, came on his sense with -imaginary sweetness: at every gale, the remembrance of former joys -became more vivid, and his heart beat with additional impatience. -Freedom had so intoxicated him, that he hoped even against -probabilities, expecting to find his Gonsalva’s beauty and health -unimpaired, and his uncle willing to resign the sovereign power without -a struggle.</p> - -<p>Sometimes grateful thought turned back to Africa, and a blessing on the -gentle Kara Aziek would burst from his lips; but such thoughts were -transient, for love, friendship, and a kingdom, were before him.</p> - -<p>Travelling without intermission, only snatching a hasty meal -occasionally at<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> some goatherd’s cabin, or under solitary shades. -Sebastian, with his guide, quickly traversed Algarve, penetrated through -a pass of the Sierras de Caldaraon successively into the provinces of -Alentejo and Estremadura, and at last found himself in the vicinity of -his own capital.</p> - -<p>Having dismissed his guide, he now sought some obscure house where he -might make such enquiries as hitherto he had urged in vain: the people -whom he questioned could merely tell him that the prior of Crato had, -indeed, escaped from Barbary very soon after his capture, and that the -cardinal King was declining fast.—Of Donna Gonsalva they knew nothing.</p> - -<p>In those days information of court changes did not travel down to the -lower ranks of society, as it does now in these freer times; newspapers -and magazines were then unknown; the titled and the powerful were -considered like so many gods, and their actions were as imper<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>fectly -known and as rarely scrutinized as if they really dwelt above the -clouds.—Sebastian, therefore, was forced to satisfy himself with the -belief, that if she had fallen a sacrifice to grief, her death must have -become public, he consequently concluded that she was still living in -the palace of Xabregas.</p> - -<p>To Xabregas hastened the young and impassioned lover. While hurrying -over the road which led to it, his warm fancy pictured in endless -variety the circumstances of their meeting; the well-remembered beauty -and enchantments of Gonsalva agitated him to weakness: “Another moment -and I shall hold her in my arms!” he exclaimed, hastily advancing to the -private gate of her abode. The gate yielded to his hand; he entered, and -treading lightly across an angle of the garden, passed into a pavilion -whence issued a secret passage leading into the state apartments of the -palace.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> - -<p>The springs of every door were known to Sebastian; he pressed one, which -opening, led him into the subterranean gallery: breathless, trembling, -almost flying, he was at the entrance of a favorite room of Donna -Gonsalva’s ere he thought of the alarm his appearance might cause her; -he paused, and for that instant his limbs failed under him; but the -sound of Gonsalva’s voice banished every temperate consideration, -new-strung his nerves, and made him suddenly push open the door.</p> - -<p>Donna Gonsalva was standing alone with her back towards him, she turned -round, and Sebastian beheld again that resplendent beauty which had -never for a moment been absent from his thoughts.—He rushed forwards -and fell at her feet.</p> - -<p>Overpowered with the violence and the variety of his emotions, her very -name expired in sighs on his lips, and he could only cover her hands -with kisses and with tears.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> - -<p>At sight of a man coarsely habited and obscured with dust, Donna -Gonsalva uttered a cry of terror; but the action of Sebastian, his -emotion, the well-known touch of his lips and hands, the very -circumstance of his entering by a private way, made him apparent to her: -she turned deadly pale, and sunk upon a seat without speaking.</p> - -<p>Her impassioned lover hastened to support her in his arms: “Yes, -Gonsalva!” he exclaimed, in a voice broken by excess of joy—“My own -Gonsalva! it is your Sebastian who now presses you to his enraptured -heart.”</p> - -<p>Amazement! Donna Gonsalva struggled in his embrace. Still silent, she -endeavoured to escape from his arms, sometimes appearing on the point of -calling for assistance, and then suddenly checking herself.</p> - -<p>The young King hastily threw off his hat and pushed aside his hair; -“Look at me, my beloved!” he exclaimed wildly,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> “look at me and -acknowledge your Sebastian; changed as my person is, surely my voice, -this agitation—”</p> - -<p>“Release me!” interrupted Gonsalva, averting her head still more,—“I -know you not: Don Sebastian is dead.”</p> - -<p>The King looked at her with surprize, amounting to stupefaction; “Dead!” -he repeated, “you have believed me dead, and yet live on in health and -beauty—Gonsalva, is this reception acted to try me?—O yes, yes,” he -added, again falling passionately at her feet,—“You cannot have -forgotten me,—you cannot have ceased to love the man who has suffered -so long, so much, and so faithfully.” Again he wrapt his arms round her, -and again she struggled and broke away.</p> - -<p>As she fled towards one of the doors, her foot struck against a little -couch and awoke an infant that was sleeping there. At the sound of a -child’s cry, Sebastian was transfixed, but instantly recovering,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> he -sprung forwards and tearing off the covering mantle, beheld a boy whose -features appeared to mingle those of two well-known faces: his eyes -flashed from the couch to Donna Gonsalva. Covered with confusion, and -scarcely conscious of what she was doing, she hurried back, and threw -herself on the bed to conceal the child.</p> - -<p>Pale, aghast, speechless, lost in a mist of frightful apprehensions, -Sebastian remained gazing on her; crowds of agonizing recollections, of -vanishing hopes and wishes, floated confusedly before him. Was this the -welcome he had expected? was this the fond Gonsalva whose gratitude and -friendship he had pledged so liberally to Kara Aziek and to Gaspar? was -this she, for whose dear sake he had slighted, afflicted, and abandoned -the tenderest of hearts.</p> - -<p>“Gonsalva!” he sternly said, after a long silence, “you know me, and you -are false. Nay, attempt not to fly;” he added, seizing<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> her arm with an -iron grasp, “stay and explain this damned mystery.”</p> - -<p>The hitherto-confounded beauty now haughtily raised herself, and making -a bold effort, ordered him to leave her. “Whoever you are, she added, -that dares usurp the name of Don Sebastian, and intrude thus upon my -privacy, I command you to quit me: the King of Portugal, were he indeed -alive would not have presented himself thus before me.”</p> - -<p>The air of disdain with which she spoke was yet clouded with terror. -Sebastian’s reason became unsettled: “by the blessed mother of Jesus!” -he cried, “I know not what to think! is it possible that only fourteen -months have so utterly changed my person, my voice, my manner, that -<i>you</i> should doubt my identity? O Gonsalva, bless me but by saying that -Sebastian’s memory still reigns in your heart, and I will soon convince -you that it is he who now stands before you agonized and disappointed.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Again love and hope, mingled with grief, floated his eyes; Donna -Gonsalva uttered a few inarticulate, evasive words: in astonishment the -King looked wildly at her, then at himself, and seizing the arm he had -let go, he dragged her towards a mirror, where he gazed intently for a -moment upon his own figure, exclaiming in a voice of thunder, “I am -<i>not</i> so changed! you know me, faithless, inhuman woman!”</p> - -<p>The fury of his looks made Gonsalva’s frail heart quail within her; fear -banished artifice, and she sunk to the ground, imploring him by name, -not to destroy her.</p> - -<p>As self-preservation was now her first object, she besought him to -forgive her infidelity—to allow for the desperation of her present -shame, to be assured that the belief of his death and the unceasing -importunities of Don Antonio de Crato, had alone rendered her untrue. At -the name of her new lover the unfortunate Sebastian<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> staggered a few -paces and fell against the side of the apartment: What a blow, to find -himself at the same instant betrayed by his friend and by his mistress!</p> - -<p>Terrified at the consequences of her imprudent disclosure, Gonsalva -began to intercede for her guilty lover and her child: Sebastian ran his -eyes over her without speaking; despair and destruction was in that -devouring look; it increased the terror of Gonsalva, and she clung to -his knees, sobbing out expressions of penitence.—Invincible beauty -still gave an angel’s semblance to her deceptive features; as Sebastian -beheld that heavenly countenance deluged with tears, his head swam, his -heart melted, his convictions were shaken; Gonsalva saw her advantage, -and redoubled her seducing contrition; but at that moment the accidental -disorder of her drapery discovered that she would soon again become a -mother.</p> - -<p>Recovered by this sight, he broke away, and hurried to the cradle: for -awhile he<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> stood over it with a terrible countenance; his looks changed -every instant, all his joints shook, he did not speak, but the drops of -agony on his forehead seemed to say, “Live on! thou hast not betrayed -me.”</p> - -<p>Hastily he averted his head from the mother and child, and without -having uttered a word, rushed from the apartment.</p> - -<p>Darting along the private passages, and then taking the first path that -presented itself, he was soon several miles from the groves of Xabregas.</p> - -<p>The mind of Sebastian was now in that tumultuous state which is the very -acme of misery; a state in which every object of suffering is distinctly -perceived, while memory appears sharpened by the very acuteness of -regret: like the waves of a stormy sea, thought urged on thought, -without order or intermission; those hours once spent with Gonsalva and -Antonio, and those expectations, which for fourteen long months had -cheered the gloom<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> of slavery, now thronged on him like spectres. He -traversed hills, valleys, and woods, with the rapidity of madness, -vainly seeking to fly from himself.</p> - -<p>Night was far spent, when he heard himself addressed by a stranger; he -stopt, and beheld an honest-looking man standing at the door of a -solitary little inn, where some travellers were just alighting from -their horses.</p> - -<p>“What makes you journey through such a night as this?” said the man, “If -you have a mind for a shelter, stay here and welcome; by your garb you -seem a poor fellow and not able to pay for a supper—yet you shall have -something to eat nevertheless.”</p> - -<p>Sebastian paused at the voice of kindness, and found that he was indeed -roving about under a dreadful storm: the rain failing in sheets had -wetted him through, and he was without a hat, having left it in the -chamber of Donna Gon<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>salva.—Bowing silently, he followed the benevolent -innkeeper.</p> - -<p>On the threshold of his door the good man paused, and holding a lamp up -to Sebastian’s face, uttered an exclamation of surprise at his haggard -looks, adding, “However, there’s something in that countenance that -tells me I am not going to harbour a robber, so come in poor fellow.”</p> - -<p>Sebastian followed him into a large kitchen where the horsemen who -preceded him were already seating themselves near a fire: by their dress -and mien two of them appeared noble, and the remaining four, their -attendants. They took no notice of the King, but called for wine and -omelets, and began discoursing about the weather: meanwhile the humane -landlord offered his humbler looking guest some cheese and onions; -Sebastian in a low voice declined the coarse supper; he wrapt himself up -in his<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> capote and stood remote from the fire, thinking upon the past -scene with Donna Gonsalva.</p> - -<p>Of her guilt, and that of his cousin Antonio, he could scarcely doubt; -her own confession, and the existence of the child, were proofs -undeniable, and from the apparent age of the latter it was evident, that -their criminal intercourse must have begun ere the period of his -attachment to Gonsalva: the conduct and conversation of Don Emanuel, -(hitherto so mysterious) then flashed across his mind, and his blood -froze when he thought that, but for his persevering conduct, he might -have become the husband of Antonio’s mistress.</p> - -<p>With what piercing regret did he recall the harsh treatment of the -generous De Castro, who had too surely suspected, if not known, the -guilty secret!—A groan now escaped him that made the company start: -fearful of exciting curiosity, he<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> drew his cloak round his face, and -moved further from the light, complaining of a sudden pain.—The -travellers eyed him suspiciously and laid fire-arms on the table.</p> - -<p>Of his Crown and his people, Sebastian thought no more; the monstrous -ingratitude of Antonio, the perfidy of Gonsalva, and their mutual -duplicity, (which he vainly endeavoured to trace back to some suspicious -circumstances,) alone occupied him; he did not even glance towards the -measures he should pursue for the recovery of his rights as a sovereign; -but while he sat lost in rumination, the sound of his own name made him -start: it was spoken in a conversation now held in Latin by the two -superior travellers.—Attention completely roused, enabled him to catch -every word, though the men spoke in low tones, and seemed afraid that -not even a learned language was a sufficient guard for their subject.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> - -<p>The moment these travellers laid aside their large feathered hats, -Sebastian recognized two of his own courtiers.</p> - -<p>“You will find it difficult to convince me of this,” said the younger.</p> - -<p>“What! you don’t doubt the fact?” cried his companion, “do you -disbelieve that a man, arrived from Africa, who asserted it to be true?”</p> - -<p>“No, I do not question that;” rejoined the other, “but I believe the -fellow told an impudent lie. Don Sebastian fell at Alcazar, as sure as -yon poor rogue stands shivering in the corner.”</p> - -<p>“I am not of your opinion:” answered the elder gentleman, “I was present -when this man from Barbary brought the intelligence to Don Antonio; his -account was so clear and circumstantial that I did not scruple to avow -my faith in it: and though Don Antonio pretended to treat it with -contempt; I saw it alarmed him dreadfully; and well it might, for the -re<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>turn of Don Sebastian would be a day of awkward reckoning for him.”</p> - -<p>“Pshaw!” exclaimed the other cavalier, “had Don Antonio believed the -impostor, policy would have made him stop the news-bringer’s mouth.”</p> - -<p>“The Portuguese seemed to guess as much,” returned the former speaker, -“for though he promised to come again on the ensuing day, he posted off -from Crato to the houses of different nobles, telling the same story, -and praying to have it carried to the King.”</p> - -<p>“Well! and why were all these persons unbelievers too, if the tale -appeared so true?”</p> - -<p>“Why?—because every one of them are either pretenders to the -succession, or friends to the pretenders. Some were partizans of Philip -of Spain, others of the Braganzas, the Prince of Parma, &c. nobles who -knew well that the restoration of their former sovereign would not -afford<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> them such a chance for power, as a scramble amongst numbers. Our -old Cardinal draws to an end, in a few months perhaps the Spaniard will -sit on his throne, (for in my opinion he stands the best chance), and we -all got a hint of the way to please Philip, by hearing how rigorously he -treated every officer who returned from Africa, and ventured to speak -doubtfully of Sebastian’s death. If Don Sebastian could get here by -miracle, he would not find a man in Portugal unbiassed by some faction; -he might return to his chains.”</p> - -<p>That Sebastian of whom he spoke, was now kindling into fury; he gnawed -his nether lip, and grasped his cloak with a convulsive action.—The -last speaker resumed.</p> - -<p>“Every body concludes that our present monarch relished the first report -of his nephew’s being alive as little as Philip; for I can tell you that -Don Emanuel de Castro would not have got the viceroyalty of Brazil had -it not been deemed politic<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> to send him out of a country which he was -continually agitating by assertions of Sebastian’s existence: nay, the -silence of his ministers on the subject of this last report, and the -disappearance of the poor devil himself, speaks pretty plain; the rope -or the cup has most likely silenced him for ever.”</p> - -<p>At this horrible conjecture, the joy of hearing that De Castro lived, -and was in a land of freedom, gave way to anguish, a second groan burst -from the unhappy King, the speakers stopt, and fixed their eyes on him.</p> - -<p>“Who is this fellow?” asked one of them: “a sick traveller, I fancy,” -replied the landlord, drawing near and speaking softly, “or rather I -should think a poor youth crossed in love: for he has a noble -countenance, full of grievous wildness, and was roving about under all -that storm without feeling it.”</p> - -<p>The good man now approached with a cup of wine, to which Sebastian put -his<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> lips, that he might avoid importunity, acknowledging that he was -sick: the travellers resumed their discourse.</p> - -<p>“For my part,” said one, “I would never draw a sword to rescue Don -Sebastian, his court was too moral for me: neither Venus nor Bacchus was -worshipped there, and where they are not worshipped, I beg leave to make -my congé. Besides, he put a public affront upon my cousin, the young -Marquis Cellamare: he happened to carry off the daughter of a merchant; -the old man got her back after one night’s absence only, yet he -complained to the King, and he insisted on Cellamare’s offering her -honourable reparation in presence of her family and his own: the girl -(tutored by Don Sebastian, no doubt), affected to despise such -reparation, preferred taking the veil, and refused him.”</p> - -<p>“Refused him!” repeated the other.</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed: the degradation was thus made worse than if she had -polluted<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> his illustrious blood by becoming his wife: you were not in -Portugal then, I know.”</p> - -<p>“No, I was in Italy,” rejoined his companion, “now I know your -sentiments, I will frankly confess that I do not pray for the -rash-brained monarch’s return—he was liberal enough, to be sure, but -then he exacted heavy returns.—For instance, he gave me a regiment, but -it was on condition I followed his mad course to Morocco: fortunately -the opportune sickness and death of my wife kept me at home. No, no, Don -Sebastian made away with all his friends, when he led on twenty thousand -Portuguese like himself, to slaughter, at Alcazar.”</p> - -<p>Quivering with restrained fury, his eyes striking fire, the young -monarch started from his seat, and half-sprung towards the ungrateful -miscreants—but suddenly recollecting himself, he turned away, and -hastily left the apartment.</p> - -<p>As he went through a passage opening<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> into a field, he found the -landlord had followed him: “What is the matter with thee, friend!” said -he, “my guests pronounce thee mad, and recommend my turning thee out: I -have not heart to do that—Lopez Vernara never yet closed his door on -the houseless.”</p> - -<p>Sebastian turned round with a look of anguish somewhat sweetened by -grateful feelings; “I am not mad—not quite mad,” he said, “though at -this moment the most wretched of men. Fear nothing from me, honest -Lopez—suffer me only to rest in some place where the sound of human -voice may not reach me. I can reward thee, for I am not so poor as I -seem.”</p> - -<p>The good innkeeper pointed to a barn at a little distance. “Go there,” -he said, “you will find plenty of clean straw, and no soul shall disturb -you. Jesu help thee, poor youth, thou lookest at thy wit’s end!” Lopez -turned back into the house as he concluded, and Sebastian wildly trode -the path before him.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> - -<p>The information afforded by the two travellers had thrown his mind into -fresh tumults: to find himself thus blotted out from his subjects’ -hearts, hated for his justice, derided by those he had served, betrayed -by those he loved, forgotten almost by the whole world, an outcast even -in his own kingdom—was a consummation to his misery, which not even -misanthropy could have imagined. Murdered for his sake, Gaspar seemed to -cry aloud for vengeance: yet where was he to find the means of -retribution, when the court, the army, and the people, were steeled -against him?</p> - -<p>What a return! and how fearful was the spectacle which it presented!—as -if a veil had been torn off by some invisible power, he beheld every -heart in which he fondly thought himself cherished, false to their vows, -and panting for his blood! his sick soul—“sick unto death,”—turned -from object to object with increasing anguish: the only human beings -whose love could be relied on, were out of his reach;<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> De Castro, though -living, was beyond the Atlantic, Gaspar in the grave, and Kara Aziek in -the hateful empire of Morocco.</p> - -<p>These convictions half-disordered Sebastian’s brain: he walked with an -irregular pace, sometimes stopping, then darting eagerly forwards; -alternately striking his breast and his forehead, repeating, as their -images shot through his mind, the names of Gaspar, Antonio, and the -perfidious Gonsalva.</p> - -<p>Though it was his wish and his interest to remain unknown, the mere -circumstance of having passed unrecognized by two men whom he had so -often noticed, joined to the singular fortune of never having been once -suspected for their King by any of the Portuguese, now completed his -anguish: distempered in mind, he saw not a single exception to the -prevalent forgetfulness; but wild with grief, with indignation, with -blasted expectations, hurried into the barn and cast himself on a heap -of straw: “Leave me my reason,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> O, God!” he exclaimed, in a voice, the -tone of which proclaimed a reason just tottering on the verge of -madness.</p> - -<p>At that sound, a rustling was heard amongst the straw, Sebastian started -up, the next moment a large rough dog sprung towards him, and leaping -against his breast, sent forth a cry of joy: “Barémel! Barémel!—O, -heaven! and art thou then the only one?” Interrupted by a gush of -tenderness, the houseless monarch clasped his dumb friend in his arms; -then recollecting the last time he had seen him, and the words he had -spoken, “Stay and be loved for my sake,” his heart became so subdued -that he burst into tears, and wept with all the vehemence of a woman.</p> - -<p>Whining and fawning on him, Barémel lay at his master’s feet, with -upturned eyes, expressive of that instinctive attachment which so often -shames the affection of reasoning man: the King now stood painfully -contemplating this added proof of popular instability; “If thou hadst<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> -become hateful to Antonio’s mistress,” he exclaimed, “was there none of -my court who would take thee in, and cherish thee for my sake!—poor -Barémel! from a palace to a shed!—the favorites of fallen princes can -hope for nothing better.”—He smiled gloomily, and sinking down on the -straw, laid his head upon the body of Barémel.</p> - -<p>The happy animal seemed proud of his royal burthen; Sebastian then fell -into a train of less distracted but equally wounding thought, till by -degrees stupor succeeded to frenzy; his feelings became benumbed and “a -waveless calm” spread over them: imperceptibly every agitating image -faded away, till deep sleep, like midnight darkness, buried all things -in profound oblivion.</p> - -<p>Early the next day, after seeing his nobler guests on their horses, -Lopez came to learn how the poor traveller had rested; he found him -asleep with Barémel. On advancing to awake them, the dog sprung<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> and -seized the good man by his coat—Sebastian opened his eyes, and at his -command Barémel released old Lopez. “Thou’rt an honest fellow I’ll be -sworn!” exclaimed the latter, “or this dog would not have taken a fancy -to thee.—Come, get up and let me give thee some breakfast.”</p> - -<p>Briefly thanking him for his offer, the King enquired how he came to be -in possession of a creature that had once belonged to their sovereign. -Lopez eyed him curiously; “So, thou hast been a courtier, friend! or -mayhap a soldier, and—” Sebastian interrupted him, willing to lull the -curiosity which might otherwise annoy him.</p> - -<p>“I am a soldier,” he said, “lately escaped from Africa. After fourteen -months slavery, I have returned to my country to find some friends dead, -many perfidious; my rights usurped by others, and the woman I adored, -false,—false as hell!” he paused, and the before pale gloom of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> his -countenance, was now changed to the crimson flush of frenzy;—then -recollecting himself, he added, “wonder not that I am half -distracted—the sight of this dog, which I remember to have seen -following the King, has brought back some ideas that ought never again -to agitate this betrayed heart.—How did you get this dog?”</p> - -<p>“Why, by good luck,” replied Lopez, “one of my cousins, you see, is -under scullion in the kitchen of the Donna Gonsalva Vimiosa—she that -our last King was to have married. Sorrow on her! what a jade she has -proved! worse, I reckon, than the woman you are raving about—Come, come -man, don’t shake so; women were sad deceiving devils ever since the -fall.—I dare say now, your jilt had not played the harlot with your -cousin, as this Donna Gonsalva has done? all the world cried shame on -her. You see, in less than five months after the King’s sailing for -Africa, she brings into the world a chopping child, at first my lady -tried to make<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> it out the King’s, and said they were privately married; -but on Don Emanuel de Castro’s getting back from Barbary, he disproved -that story somehow, and she would have gone to die in the inquisition, -had not the prior Antonio boldly owned her and the child, procured an -absolution for them both from the Pope, and so forced the present King -to pardon her.</p> - -<p>“See the world now!—the other day she was scorned by every body because -both she and her paramour were in disgrace at court, but since the King -gets so infirm and seems so averse to fix the succession, all the world -worships her again. People think, you see, that Don Antonio will have -the throne.”</p> - -<p>“Where then are the Braganzas?” exclaimed Sebastian, “What claims can -the bastard Antonio make?”</p> - -<p>“Why, you see,” replied Lopez, “this same Antonio would have the best -right if he could prove himself the lawful son of our cardinal King’s -brother, the late duke De Beja; and so since he can<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>not prove it, he -swears it; that is, he gives out that his father and mother were -secretly married.—As for the Duchess of Braganza, she poor soul -scarcely cares for a throne; her heart is out of this world.”</p> - -<p>“Alas!” exclaimed Sebastian, “did she lose both her sons in that fatal -battle? Surely the Duke of Barcelos was only taken prisoner?”</p> - -<p>“Only!” repeated Lopez, “Holy Mary defend us! you soldiers think nothing -of such matters. I can tell you, my lady duchess did not make so light -of it when she got her poor boy back again, with a face like a corpse. -He’ll never be the ruddy youth he was.”</p> - -<p>“He is returned then?” said Sebastian sighing deeply, “but the noble -Diego, that wondrous child”—</p> - -<p>“He never came back,” interrupted the good Vernara, “Alas, what a sad -day was that which brought the disastrous news! My cousin, who has a -sweetheart<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> in the duchess’s family, was there when an officer came who -had received his last breath.—The pretty boy was killed by a cannon -ball: he fell in his place, following the King; and you may be sure then -that he fell in the thick of the battle.”</p> - -<p>At this passing tribute to his bravery, the cheek of Sebastian suddenly -glowed; he turned aside to conceal his emotion, and Lopez went on; “the -King’s arm beat back the coward Moors that would have trampled over his -pretty page; so this officer that I was speaking of, had time to stop -and see if he could assist him, but the dear child made a sign that he -would not be taken off the field; he grasped the officer’s hand and -said, ‘tell my mother’—he could not go on, so pointing up to Heaven and -raising his eyes with such a smile as if he would have said he was going -to join angels like himself, he fetched a gentle sigh, and died.”</p> - -<p>Lopez put the back of his hand to his eyes as he spoke, and when he -removed it<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> again, it was quite wet with tears: the severer emotion of -his royal companion shook his voice, as he hastily said—“but this dog, -Lopez—you have not told me how it came into your possession.”</p> - -<p>“O, aye, the dog—why you see the Donna Gonsalva took an aversion to it, -and ordered her people to put it out of her sight—that you know was -next hand to bidding it be killed—however nobody liked to do that, and -yet they were afraid to give it a courtier in case she should see it -again; so my cousin offers to take it to me, because, as he said, I had -a wonderful knack at gaining dumb creatures’ hearts, and would be sure -to make him stay with me; and sure enough, so it turned out; for Barémel -laid himself down as soon as Garcias brought him in, and never seemed to -want to go back again.”</p> - -<p>Sebastian looked at the animal with an expression of piercing pain, for -he could not forbear thinking poor Barémel had<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> had no caresses to -regret when he left Xabregas.</p> - -<p>While such thoughts passed through his mind, he was tempted to ask -himself whether he were awake; a groan of bitter conviction followed the -question. “Do you remember Don Sebastian?” he said, abruptly.</p> - -<p>“Not I, Lord help you; I never saw him.—Some folks say he’s alive -still, and that he’ll be amongst us when we don’t expect it; but for my -part I wish he may be dead, for he’d find but a dismal welcome in -Portugal. All his young nobles courting the prior of Crato because he -makes one in their lewd courses; the old ones sticking to the cardinal -on account of his peaceableness; the poor folks not knowing which side -to take for fear of their betters; Donna Gonsalva turned into a common -harlot,—mercy on us! I’d rather be a mouldering corpse in the shabbiest -burying-ground that ever was, than the<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> living Don Sebastian with such -vexations to meet him.”</p> - -<p>Sebastian suddenly laid his icy hand on the arm of Lopez, with so -convulsive a grasp, and such a ghastly smile, that the innkeeper turned -mortal pale, and began to tremble; he thought himself in the power of a -maniac, whom he pitied and yet feared: the wretched Sebastian seeing his -terror withdrew some steps, saying in a softened tone, “forgive my -strangeness, worthy Lopez: do not wonder that my own sufferings, and -sympathy with those of an unfortunate prince should thus transport me. I -will trouble you no longer, give me some food, for I must be gone.”</p> - -<p>Lopez hastened to obey; alarmed by the varying complexion and eyes of -his companion, by his irregular steps and suffocated voice: he led him -into the kitchen, where he placed before him some coarse food, though -the best he possessed. Sebastian ate a few mouthfuls<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> without sitting -down, and with an averted face, for there were soldiers and servants in -the place by whom he feared a discovery: having finished his scanty -meal, he walked quickly out of the kitchen, motioning for Lopez to -follow him.</p> - -<p>By the time the corpulent innkeeper overtook him in an adjoining field, -he had drawn from his bosom the treasure of Kara Aziek, and selected -from it a bracelet of gems: this graceful ornament forcibly recalled its -generous wearer, and fixing his eyes on it with a mixture of regret, -tenderness, and consolation, he sighed often and deeply.</p> - -<p>The gems sparkling in daylight rivetted the attention of Lopez, and he -ventured to commend their beauty: awakened by this remark, Sebastian -turned round; “Friend!” he said, with an air of gentler sadness, “your -kindness has not been thrown away upon an ungrateful man; I have found -one heart in Portugal worthy of a<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> Portuguese: take this precious -present, turn it into money, and continue, with added means, to succour -the unfortunate. Do not eye me with distrust,” (he added, seeing Lopez -retreat doubtfully,) “I came honestly by it; ’twas the gift of one to -whom I owe my freedom. She is a Moor, Lopez, an infidel, join your -prayers with mine for her conversion and her salvation: promise me that -you will never pray, without soliciting the saints to intercede in -Heaven for her soul.”</p> - -<p>Again Lopez thought his companion mad, and gently putting aside the -bracelet, exclaimed, “Poor youth! I would not rob thee for the whole -world; thy brain is disordered, thou knowest not what thou are doing.”</p> - -<p>Touched with such uncommon disinterestedness, the amiable monarch -exerted himself to convince Lopez that he was perfectly reasonable and -sincere; after much difficulty he succeeded: Lopez took the<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> jewels, and -gave up his title to Barémel. Sebastian squeezed the hand of his host, -and telling him to remember the Moorish lady in his prayers, plunged -into a neighbouring thicket.</p> - -<p>The royal wanderer was now journeying towards the river Zadaon, near the -extremity of which lay the home of Gaspar: he hoped to learn there -something of that humble friend, to have preserved whose life he would -willingly have poured forth all his blood; and hope yet surviving every -shock, began to soothe him with promises of Gaspar’s safety.</p> - -<p>On that subject alone, could hope exert her heart-supporting influence, -all others were desperate; and the wretched Sebastian, blasted in every -tender expectation, dishonored by the matchless depravity of her who was -to have shared his throne, wished only to find some gloomy solitude -where he might bury his shame and his despair.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> - -<p>A betrayed lover cannot easily learn to think of the woman who once -entranced him, in any other manner than that to which he has been -accustomed; impressions repeated again and again are not to be -immediately effaced by one impression, however just; the heart retains -its first print of excellence long after a faithless object has ceased -to impress it: we may regret without weakness for a while, what it would -be meanness to love on, for ever; in short, we may lament that the -brightest vision of our days was <i>but</i> a vision!</p> - -<p>Sebastian could not revert to his last interview with Donna Gonsalva, -and not find his thoughts hurried away by a multitude of softening -recollections; past looks of tenderness, impassioned replies, tears, -caresses, the touch of her hand, the tone of her voice, thrilled through -his veins with the force of present existence; then returned the -conviction of her baseness, and he cast himself on the ground, bathing -it<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> with tears, and uttering a thousand distracted exclamations.</p> - -<p>His devious course was too frequently interrupted by these bursts of -despair; but he quickly recovered himself, for friendship yet claimed a -share in his soul, and whether Gaspar lived or died, his family had -claims on the protection of Sebastian.</p> - -<p>Travelling through the wildest, because least frequented roads, the King -procured food at goat-herds’ huts, or from passing muleteers; his -remaining sequins gave him the means of paying these people well, and -the watchfulness of Barémel rendered any precaution for his personal -safety wholly needless: at night they slept together amongst woods, and -in the day journied along, rarely noticed by those who met them.</p> - -<p>During his route, Sebastian had more than once taken out the letter -given him by Kara Aziek, but his bleeding heart<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> shrunk from the pain of -reading sentiments so tender and so noble; sentiments which would revive -too forcibly the vanished virtue of Donna Gonsalva. “Another time,” he -exclaimed, as he returned the sealed vellum to his breast, “another -time, matchless angel! for <i>woman</i> I will not call thee. I was to have -read this after my re-union with——,” that perfidious name died upon -his tongue; he started up, called to Barémel, and hastened to lose -thought, in the rapidity of violent motion.</p> - -<p>Remembering the directions originally given by Gaspar, Sebastian left -the Zadaon on his right, and entered some beautiful meadows, among which -stood the cottage of his friend’s mother. The mists of morning were but -just beginning to clear away from its low roof, and no sound of man or -cattle came from the fields around. He approached the cottage; its -windows were closed, its garden in ruins: the silence that reigned there -caused his heart<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> to stop; could it be possible, he thought, for the -family of Gaspar to have shared his cruel fate? grief and horror seized -him at this suggestion.</p> - -<p>With an unsteady hand he shook the fastened door, calling loudly for -admittance: after several attempts to rouse the inhabitants, if -inhabitants there were, he was preparing to relinquish them in despair, -when a casement was cautiously opened, and a female voice was heard to -ask, in a tone of extreme alarm, who was there; this question was only -answered by a hasty inquiry of whether she belonged to the family of -Gaspar Ribeiro.</p> - -<p>At this demand the young woman uttered a faint cry, exclaiming “O, don’t -harm us!—indeed, indeed, he is not here.”</p> - -<p>Perceiving that she mistook him for some officer of justice, the King -told her in a tone of convincing gentleness, that he was a friend, not -an enemy; one that had shared captivity with Gaspar, and sought<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> only -the satisfaction of beholding him again.</p> - -<p>At this assurance the girl hastened down, and opening the door, admitted -Sebastian into a low, earth-floored room, in which he saw a younger -girl, half clothed, pale, and trembling: their resemblance to Gaspar, -and the desolateness of their situation, struck him so forcibly, that -uttering an expression of concern, in which the name of his friend was -more than once repeated, he sat down to recover himself.</p> - -<p>The two young women looked at him fearfully: his habit, indeed, was mean -and shattered, but the nobleness of his countenance, the grandeur of his -mien, awakened a suspicion of his real character. “My brother spoke but -of one companion in slavery,” said Marakita, the eldest, hesitating as -she proceeded, “and to him he gave a pledge at parting, a ring which—”</p> - -<p>Without speaking, Sebastian held out his hand, and Marakita recognizing -on it a coarse bauble that had once been her own,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> hastened to prostrate -herself at the feet of her sovereign: struggling in vain to repress his -extreme emotion, Sebastian raised her and her sister, desiring them to -tell him the fate of their brother. Marakita took out a letter from an -old leather case which she had hidden under a stone of the door-way, and -gave it the King; opening it, he read eagerly as follows.</p> - -<p>“Most honoured sovereign, and may I venture to say, dear as honoured! -should these ill-written lines ever come into your hands, (and God alone -knows how to bring that blessed event to pass) I hope they may be given -you on your throne; then you will not forget, sire, the poor orphans who -present it, nor blush to acknowledge their self-exiled brother: but if, -as I fear, it should be given to you after your unassisted return, O! -let it warn you to trust no man in Portugal. Interest and ambition have -corrupted every heart.</p> - -<p>“They who should have loved their King most, have injured him most. I -have personally applied to Donna Gon<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>salva, to Don Antonio, to the Dukes -of Braganza and D’Aveyro, nay, to the Cardinal Regent himself, and all -have pretended to disbelieve me. I have been imprisoned for my zeal, but -thanks to an honest fellow-soldier have escaped, and am at this moment -writing in a vessel bound for the land of Brazil: a man who is leaving -her, and will journey towards the interior, has promised to convey this -packet to my sisters. May the saints guide him on his way!</p> - -<p>“I go, sire, to make a last effort for justice. Don Emanuel de Castro, -the most upright of your majesty’s subjects, having been ransomed out of -Barbary, is at present the Viceroy at St. Salvador; his great soul never -yet knew any other ambition than that of being unsurpassed in virtue: he -will hear and credit my story, and assuredly will interest the powers of -Europe in his master’s cause.</p> - -<p>“Rely on him, sire, and if he still rule in the new world when your -majesty<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> receives this letter, follow me thither: O! trust not your -precious life amongst a set of traitors, who have thirsted even for the -blood of your humble messenger.</p> - -<p>“Obeying the call of a superior duty, I trust my family confidently to -the Holy Spirit: fortunately no one knew more of me than my name, and my -sisters may therefore live without fear of molestation.</p> - -<p>“I invoke Jesus, and the Virgin Mother, to hear all those prayers I -daily put up for the good Kara Aziek and for my injured sovereign!—I -throw myself at his august feet, and venture to kiss and to embrace his -sacred hands.—</p> - -<p class="r"> -“The devoted <span class="smcap">Gaspar</span>.”<br /> -</p> - -<p>The first emotion of joy which had for some time warmed the frozen heart -of Sebastian, now glowed there; transported out of himself by this -unexpected assurance of his friend’s existence, he exclaimed aloud, “Not -at his feet Gaspar, in your King’s arms!<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>”—</p> - -<p>A profound sigh followed these words, and Sebastian’s mind was soon -filled with so many torturing remembrances of the worthlessness of -others, that he forgot both his situation and his companions. Starting -from a reverie at an action of Barémel’s, he addressed the awestruck -girls, enquiring about their condition and their resources.</p> - -<p>From the younger he learnt that they obtained a living by working in -vineyards, (their mother having died while Gaspar was in Africa,) and -that the eldest might be married to the son of a wealthy muleteer, did -she possess only a portion of five gold crowns.</p> - -<p>How often had the present of Kara Aziek kept Sebastian from feeling the -sharpest sting of misery, an inability to reward services or to bestow -relief! he now took out the Moorish handkerchief in which it was wrapt, -and bidding Marakita advance, put into her hands some or<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>naments of -precious stones; “Take these,” he said, “they are all that is left an -injured monarch to bestow; they will enrich your husband, and enable you -to give a portion to your young sister when she is of an age to marry: -the remainder I go to share with Gaspar.—Do not shew these gems for -awhile; I may then be far from pursuit—far from a country where love, -loyalty, friendship, the ties of blood, and the closer bond of -affection, exist no more for me.”</p> - -<p>Alarmed by the excessive wildness of the young monarch’s looks and -voice, and well informed of his sad story, the two sisters shed tears in -abundance, timidly asking a few questions, and scarce venturing to raise -their eyes, while they invoked blessings on their royal benefactor and -on their brother.</p> - -<p>Much affected, the King returned their blessings, adding with a -strangely-frantic smile, “Hear me, ye guardian saints of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> -Portugal,—unless I am Heaven’s outcast also!”</p> - -<p>The sun’s broad light now warned him to begone; and repeating his -injunctions, he bade adieu to Marakita and her sister.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a id="CHAP_V"></a>CHAP. V.</h2> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">Directing</span> his course downwards towards the coast, the King found himself -at night in a mean town six leagues from Setuval; some shops were open, -and at one of them he purchased a homely dress, better calculated for -disguise than the mutilated habit he had brought with him from Africa: -but alas! the unfortunate Sebastian scarcely needed any other disguise -than the alterations wrought on him by hardships and sorrows. The -roundness of health and youth was no more to be seen in his figure, -giving beauty to strength, and proportion to grace: his cheeks were wan -and hollow, his eyes dim, his brow furrowed with the frequent -contraction of thought; that enchanting smile which used to distinguish<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> -him from all mankind, never appeared on his lips; who then was to -recognize Sebastian in this gloomy-looking traveller?</p> - -<p>He slept in the town, and the next morning resumed the road to Setuval.</p> - -<p>The second night he took up his abode in a cavern on the coast whence -there was a noble view of the town and bay. A radiant moon, brightened -by slight frost, (for it was now November,) illuminated this quiet -retreat; its roof, hung with crystal stalactites, like natural fringes -of diamonds, startled Sebastian on entering, he paused and looked back: -the same resplendent moon was more temperately reflected from a vast -stretch of sea; myriads of stars twinkled around her; the vessels in the -bay, and the buildings in the town were silvered by her light, and only -a faint dashing of waves broke the tranquillity of the scene.</p> - -<p>Is there a heart to which moonlight is not hallowed by some association, -or in which it does not awaken devotional feel<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>ings? Sebastian felt its -softening, purifying influence, and making the sign of the cross over -his breast and forehead, gently breathed a prayer to the Divine Being -from whom that lovely orb derived her beauty and her light.</p> - -<p>He entered the cavern with a calmed spirit: when he beheld its fantastic -interior flashing splendor on him from a thousand tremulous crystals, he -owned with admiration that no mortal palace could surpass the -magnificence of this to which chance had conducted him.</p> - -<p>The tumult of indignant emotions that had agitated him incessantly since -his reception from Donna Gonsalva, now gave way for awhile to tenderness -only: he was about to leave his country and his people, he was going to -try the attachment of subjects, who, situated in another quarter of the -globe, knew him solely by his choice of their former governors. Could he -expect to find from them that grateful fidelity which his own court and<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> -familiar friends had failed to shew! and was it from the harshly-treated -De Castro that he was to seek for love and duty?</p> - -<p>“Yes, from De Castro!” answered the noble spirit of Sebastian, “I cannot -better recompence his virtue and efface my own injustice than by -voluntarily affording him an opportunity of serving me.”</p> - -<p>To the Brazils therefore he determined to go, confidently expecting to -be there recognized and obeyed; he might then dispatch letters to all -the powers of Europe, notifying his existence, and requiring their -assistance for the restoration of his rights; to regain those rights -without bloodshed was his earnest wish: his heart sickened at the -prospect of a civil war, should he, by remaining in Portugal, give the -different parties a hope of securing his person; for if those now in -authority chose to start doubts of his identity, he must call on his -inferior subjects to rise in arms for his support.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> - -<p>This extremity was what he sought to avoid: indeed the wounds inflicted -by the perfidy of his cousin and mistress, bled inwardly, making every -well-known scene hateful to his eyes, and every friend to whom otherwise -he might have revealed himself, an object of suspicion.</p> - -<p>While these thoughts were gloomily displacing the serener melancholy -with which he entered his present lodging, he had thrown himself along -the ground, and raising his arm to form a support for his head, struck -it against something, which, on moving out of the way, he found to be a -tablet, with writing on it in discoloured ink. He cast his eyes -incuriously over the writing; the first line struck the chief chord in -his own breast; and with his hand shading the tablet from the dazzling -glare of the cavern, he read the following wild effusion.</p> - -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">O that it were no sin to ask for death!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Then would I pray to yield this hateful breath;<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span><br /></span> -<span class="i0">Then from life’s desart vast, its spectred gloom,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">These eyes would turn and rest upon the tomb!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">There griefs approach not, pain and thought are still;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Nor hope, nor fear, can wake one trembling thrill:<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Smote by the glare of death’s petrific eye,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Locked in eternal ice, life’s currents lie;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">No more their tides quick-circling through each part,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Send warm emotions to the eager heart<br /></span> -<span class="i0">No more the gates of sense delighted move;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">No more weak reason yields her throne to love;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">But all things cease; thought, feeling, mem’ry gone,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And black oblivion broods unmarked alone.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Whether our souls released, immediate go,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Or sleep in trance awhile, we ne’er shall know,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Till as our change begins, experience shews<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The awful secret of the grave’s repose;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">But pardon, Heav’n! a frantic wretch who dares<br /></span> -<span class="i0">To own a heart so torn by rending cares,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">So loathing each remembrance, so possessed,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">As but to groan and pray for <i>endless rest</i>!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">If when these vital fires have ceased to burn,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Thought, or mere consciousness, should e’er return,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Say, would not <i>her</i> idea rush again<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And stab seraphic bliss with piercing pain?<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Mixed with my being all, for ever mixed,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Of change incapable, her thought is fixed,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And here on earth, or there in Heav’n would come<br /></span> -<span class="i0">To render still the same my bitter doom.<br /></span> -<span class="i2astt">* * * * * * *<br /></span> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> -<span class="i0">O God of mercy! from thy records raze<br /></span> -<span class="i0">This guilty frenzy!—let some pitying rays<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Beam on my madden’d brain, and teach my soul<br /></span> -<span class="i0">To bow submissive to thy wise control!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Teach me to know, that when I loved too well,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">I gave a mortal in thy place to dwell!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">O teach me then to own thy just decree,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And bless the thorny path that leads to thee!<br /></span> -</div></div> -</div> - -<p>Pity, heightened to the poignancy of agony by fatal sympathy with the -situation here described, seized Sebastian; he put down the tablet in -extreme agitation, for love began now to struggle with indignation, and -the tenderness of the unhappy unknown became infectious: a confusion of -fond, delightful recollections, at once entered his soul; some rare -moments of transcendent happiness again re-appeared,—moments in which -the beauty, the accomplishments, the well-acted love and purity of -Gonsalva had exalted him to beatitude. O! how was it possible that this -transport had been deceptive, that this perfection of woma<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>n’s charms -was even then immersed in the low gratifications of illicit passion, in -the horrible practice of systematic deceit?</p> - -<p>After this hateful idea rapidly followed a recapitulation of her various -arts while urging on a secret marriage, which was too surely destined to -cover the proof of her shameful conduct, as by no difficult manœuvre her -child might have been passed upon him and on his people for the -legitimate heir to the crown of Portugal. Fury flashed from Sebastian’s -eyes at this thought; tenderness fled; and the frenzy of a heart -outraged and betrayed in every point, suddenly succeeded. “No, -perfidious monster!” he exclaimed aloud, “thy crimes murder -regret.—Thou hast not been commonly frail, nor deserted me for another -honorable lover; then I might have lamented thee, pity might have united -with love in regretting that thou wast not perfect, and I might have -still doated on the past, like this fond wretch: but thou hast fallen -into such an<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> abyss of guilt, that even memory sees thee only as thou -art now.”</p> - -<p>He closed his eyes as if to shut out her image, and turning to another -part of the cavern, threw himself down once more in the hope of -obtaining repose.</p> - -<p>It was long ere his tumultuous feelings and throbbing brain were stilled -by sleep: piercing thoughts, like flashes of lightning quivering by fits -through the blackness of some starless night, frequently shot across the -gloom that gradually succeeded to frenzy: but at length the dumb -caresses of Barémel softened every emotion, and he sunk to rest amid the -calm of rising resignation.</p> - -<p>Sebastian dreamt, and he dreamt of Kara Aziek. He fancied himself once -more going through the last interview with Donna Gonsalva, and dragged -by her orders to a loathsome dungeon; there he beheld the gentle Aziek -braving death for the sake of pouring balm upon his wounded spirit: he -felt himself in her<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> arms, he heard her touching voice, her tears dropt -over his face, while bending down she impressed on it a kiss of tender -compassion.</p> - -<p>At this instant of his dream, Sebastian awoke; his heart was beating -strongly; the kiss, the breath of Kara Aziek, seemed yet warm upon his -lips: so lively was their impression that he stretched out his arms with -an entranced look, believing he should indeed clasp her within them.—He -leaped from the ground; no one was visible; the moon had set, and -profound silence and darkness reigned throughout the cavern.</p> - -<p>“Aziek! angelic Aziek!” he repeated in a voice tender as her -own—“friend, comforter, benefactress! where art thou?” he stopped and -scarcely respired; for as yet his heart and his imagination were -dreaming, and he expected to hear her speak, or at least sigh.</p> - -<p>While the echo of his own exclamation murmured along the walls, his -senses gra<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>dually recovered from their delusion, and he knew himself to -be alone in a place remote from her he dreamt of: tenderness rapidly -diffused itself over his whole soul, while he supposed his dream -realized, and himself held in the pitying arms of Kara Aziek. Her -artlessness, her sweetness, her mild yet heroic goodness, her trembling -soul-subduing love, her soft beauty, and still softer voice, floated -before him, awaking hopes and wishes which a few hours previous, he -would have deemed it impossible for him to feel.</p> - -<p>How naturally does the warm and youthful heart cling to the source of -man’s sweetest emotions! how eagerly does it embrace the hope of finding -its transports renewed; of blessing and being blessed,—of learning -again to behold the world with complacency for the sake of one amiable -object!—Sebastian believed himself solely yielding to friendship, -gratitude, and the desire of atoning to Aziek<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> for the wounds he had -unintentionally given her peace, when he was thus dwelling delighted on -the probability of one day becoming her husband.</p> - -<p>“She would share my varying fate without a murmur;” he said to himself, -“if happy, she would exalt and refine my enjoyments; if wretched, she -would alleviate my afflictions. On a throne, or in obscurity, with her -my grateful heart could never know a want; her love, boundless as her -virtues, would satisfy and fill it.”</p> - -<p>While he uttered this sentence, a thrill of more genuine affection than -had ever stirred his bosom for Donna Gonsalva, glided through his veins: -perfect esteem, perfect admiration, perfect gratitude,—what are they, -but the purest species of love?</p> - -<p>To these sentiments were now added the conviction of no longer -possessing any other source of happiness.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p> - -<p>Delicacy gives law to woman’s heart; Honor to that of man: woman blushes -at the idea of entertaining a second passion, yet naturally tender, -adheres too tenaciously sometimes to a changed object. Man, accustomed -to consider the weaker sex as dependent on him for protection, abhors to -exercise his power in proportion as it is easy to do so, and while he -believes himself beloved, refuses to break through ties of which he may -have become weary.</p> - -<p>Unconsciously this sentiment of honor had long been Gonsalva’s auxiliary -while Sebastian was in Africa; the transporting emotions caused by Kara -Aziek’s inestimable qualities, and those tenderer ones inspired by her -devotedness, had then been uniformly repressed by remembrance rather -than by anticipation: when he recollected whole days of exquisite -felicity, he paused not to discover, that after having become acquainted -with such a being<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> as Kara Aziek, the less endearing character of Donna -Gonsalva could no longer satisfy him.</p> - -<p>Now was the moment for a perusal of the letter: Sebastian drew it from -his vest, and hurried to the mouth of the cavern; but clouds and -darkness had succeeded to the moon’s radiance, and it was impossible for -him to read it. He returned with chagrin, and seated himself on a -projection of rock, holding the precious vellum in his hand.</p> - -<p>While thus watching the dawn of day, his mind became busied by a -multitude of new projects to which the conviction of Aziek’s attachment -gave birth; to bestow happiness on her, was now, he thought, an act of -justice: while Gonsalva appeared virtuous and faithful, honour and -inclination retained him in her chains; but since she had shamefully -forfeited those rights, gratitude imperiously demanded him for Kara -Aziek: the disinterested<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>ness of her love had been proved, he had -therefore no circumstance to lament or to dread in an union with her, -except her hateful religion.</p> - -<p>To this serious obstacle the ardent character of the King, yet sanguine -and romantic, opposed the delightful hope of becoming Heaven’s -instrument for her conversion: perhaps the fond zeal of a husband might -be destined to remove this only blemish from what otherwise seemed -perfection. He dwelt on so gratifying a conclusion, till expectation -assumed the form of certainty.</p> - -<p>Having determined on one day regaining Kara Aziek, he naturally fell -into reflections upon the manner in which such an event was to be -produced: was he to return immediately into Barbary, and under some -disguise endeavour to see, and persuade her to abandon her country? or -was he to pursue his voyage to Brazil, commence and conclude his attempt -at<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> recovering Portugal, honorably negociate for her hand, and wed her -only when he had a throne to share with her? the last project was most -in character with a generous Prince, and he resolved to adopt it.</p> - -<p>By the former scheme, he might indeed earlier and more certainly secure -Aziek, but then it would be selfishly tempting her to share exile, -difficulties, dangers, perhaps ultimately disappointment or death: by -the latter, he would merely delay domestic blessings to ensure their -permanence; and reflecting on the delicacy of her character, he felt -assured that years must elapse ere she could yield her heart to any -other affection, or obey the customs of her country by wedding a man to -whom she was indifferent.</p> - -<p>These considerations reconciled him to the prospect of removing for a -while yet further from her, and the bliss he hoped hereafter to bestow, -gave him such exqui<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>site delight in contemplation, that even the -guardian angel of Kara Aziek must have smiled with satisfaction on -reading the reveries of Sebastian.</p> - -<p>“Yes Aziek!” he tenderly repeated, folding her letter to his breast, “we -shall meet again, even in this faithless world! A time will come when -thou only wilt reign in my heart: to appreciate thy tenderness, to know -thy unrivalled excellence, it has been necessary for me to learn what -dæmons charm under the forms of women. Ah! who is there like thee?”</p> - -<p>At this impassioned question Sebastian sunk into a train of thought, in -which he remained absorbed till morning shot her first beam into the -cavern.</p> - -<p>No sooner was there light enough to trace the characters made on the -vellum, than he hastened to read what he believed would reanimate all -his hopes and resolutions: who can describe the dismay<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> which seized -upon him when he found this letter contained Kara Aziek’s eternal -farewel?</p> - -<p>To procure his freedom and restoration to Donna Gonsalva, this generous -friend had consented to become the wife of a Grandee who had long -solicited her of her father: by this time she was his and living far -from Morocco. Immurred within the walls of a Harem, her noble and -delicate soul had no other enjoyment left than the conviction of having -sacrificed herself for the sake of him she loved.</p> - -<p>It was not from passionate complaint or studied explanation of her -feelings, that Sebastian gathered the extent of her generosity—no—her -relation was simple and brief, yet she was forced to tell him, that by -marrying the Basha of Syria she was binding herself to the customs of -his nation, and rendering it impossible for her to retain a male friend.</p> - -<p>Sebastian was too well aware of her re<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>pugnance to such heartless -connections, not to divine instantly, that his liberty had been offered -only on such cruel terms.</p> - -<p>Here then was the explanation of that mysterious sadness which had -overwhelmed Kara Aziek several days before his departure: doubtless she -had then been struggling against that virtuous horror which every woman -ought to feel who meditates yielding her vows and her person to a man -she cannot love.</p> - -<p>The lock of her hair was now in the hand of Sebastian, his eyes were -intently fixed on it, without his seeing or thinking of it; the complete -distinction of all his hopes was contained in this fatal letter; the -bright vision of gratitude had vanished, and misery’s last blow stunned -both thought and feeling.</p> - -<p>Such a benumbing influence was on him, that he remained nearly on the -same spot from sunrise to sunset without<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> food or sleep, or the -consciousness of wanting either.</p> - -<p>It happened that towards evening a sudden storm drove some countrymen -into the cavern for shelter. The noise they made roused Sebastian; on -seeing him, they naturally concluded that he had taken refuge from the -same motive with themselves; and entering into conversation with him, he -learnt that there was then a vessel in the bay of Setuval bound for -Brazil. He no longer contemplated with lively emotions a voyage to the -new world, but he was sick of that which he inhabited; and to the -wretched, change of place seems ever desirable. He accompanied the men -to Setuval, where he fortunately procured a passage in the ship -described, and she sailed at midnight.</p> - -<p>While the vessel was tossing among the turbulent waves of the Atlantic, -Portugal’s self-exiled monarch had leisure to arrange those events, -which by their painful rapidity had unsettled his reason: he gave up<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> -the hope of happiness; with a moody smile he gave up the hope of -blessing his benefactress; but still it was not possible for him to -abandon the expectation of regaining his rights, and with them the power -of benefiting others. For him there was no middle station; he must -either mount again to empire, or sink to utter desolation; and it was -only in the active duties of sovereignty that he could lose the -remembrance of his present sufferings.</p> - -<p>Since Kara Aziek was lost,—and alas! how sad to think she was -self-condemned for his sake! private affections had no claim on him, -except indeed in the person of Gaspar, (for the worth of Don Emanuel was -yet to be proved.) What a sterile scene did life then present! he -pondered over the present and the future, till his heart took so deep a -print from despair, as to make him wildly doubt whether he had ever -known what happiness was.</p> - -<p>In this state he was ill-adapted to share<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> in the noisy garrulity of his -fellow voyagers; he shunned their society, sitting retired in an obscure -part of the vessel, from the deck of which he seemed to be stupidly -watching her track through the waters.</p> - -<p>It was on the sixth morning after their departure from Setuval, that the -clearing away the thick mist discovered a Turkish galley which had been -blown out to sea, striving to re-gain her course, and bearing up towards -the straits: the captain of the Brazilman being a fellow of an -adventurous spirit, proposed giving the infidel chase; though his vessel -was inferior in size and weight of metal, the hope of a rich booty -animated his sailors: by general consent their track was altered; they -crowded sail, and soon came alongside the galley, whose heavy -decorations impeded her motion.</p> - -<p>The infidel perceiving flight impossible, resigned himself to necessity, -and prepared for action.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p> - -<p>At the first broadside, Sebastian, who had hitherto sat desperately -inattentive to the hasty preparations, started up; his brave heart, -roused at the alarm of war, and every nerve was braced; but suddenly -recollecting those reflections in Barbary which had prompted him to vow -he would never wantonly draw the offensive sword, he cast himself again -on the deck, where he lay inactive.</p> - -<p>His limbs shook with an internal struggle; the sailors supposed he -trembled from fear; but as the balls showered over him, they changed -their opinion, and pronounced him mad.</p> - -<p>Though the Portuguese were lavish of their blood and their ammunition, -they were no match for an experienced enemy: he manœuvred his vessel -with a quickness and dexterity which soon gave him so decided a -superiority, that the Brazilman, in despair, ordered his crew to strike. -At that command Sebastian sprung from the deck, threw himself before<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> -the colours, and exhorted the sailors to defend them from infidel hands; -then seizing a weapon, he rushed forward to the most exposed station.</p> - -<p>It was no longer for mere conquest, but for liberty, for the honour of -the Christian name, and the Portuguese flag, that he was about to fight: -his eyes now flashed with their former fire, his figure seemed to -dilate, and his inspiring voice roused and inflamed every heart. Used to -command, and theoretically skilled in naval tactics, he was unconscious -that he alone gave orders, that those orders were instantly approved and -obeyed: the captain had just knowledge sufficient to perceive that he -had got one on board, to whom war was familiar, and he therefore -suffered his people to follow the dictates of their new leader.</p> - -<p>The Turk fought ably; his vessel skilfully worked, and favoured by the -wind, for a long time bade defiance to every effort at boarding her; her -shot and fire<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>balls hailed through the rigging of the Brazilman, but -happily the wind fell, and the Portuguese rapidly throwing out their -grappling-irons, succeeded in fastening her along-side.</p> - -<p>The remembrance of former combats, and the fire of native valour, now -shone on the brow of Sebastian: like a blaze of lightning he flamed on -the enemy’s deck; his voice, his looks, his gestures, called on others -to follow; in one moment he fell with the force of a thunderbolt amongst -the infidels, whom his powerful arm crushed and scattered in every -direction. After a short, yet desperate resistance, the Turkish captain -cast a gloomy look over the blood and devastation around him, then -dropping the point of his sword, he delivered it to Sebastian.</p> - -<p>The King having returned the captain’s sword, flew from place to place -to stop any wanton slaughter; destruction then ceased. The commander of -the Brazilman eyed him with gathering discontent;<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> “What share do you -expect of the booty?” he asked sourly. “None,” returned Sebastian, “I -ask only care and compassion for these wounded men.”</p> - -<p>The gentleness of his manner testified sincerity, and well-pleased to be -so cheaply served, the captain promised prompt obedience. While they -were speaking, the shrieks of a woman were heard from below; at that -sound Sebastian sprung over a heap of arms, and leaped down into the -cabin: there he beheld a group of women clinging together, as if seeking -to protect the entrance of an inner room where a lady had fainted. At -his decisive voice, some sailors who had alarmed them, fell back; his -intrepidity had gained their admiration, and admiration is quickly -followed by submission.</p> - -<p>“My friends, we do not war with women!” he exclaimed, in a tone of noble -reproof; the men blushed and withdrew. Pleased with the effect of his -ascendancy, the young monarch hastily fastened the<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> door, and advanced -respectfully; sobbing, the ladies prostrated themselves at his feet: -touched with their distress, he tried to re-assure them, while he -approached the one who had fainted, and was lying wrapt up in her shawl -at full length upon the floor of the inner cabin.</p> - -<p>Bending one knee to the ground, he raised her gently, and in doing so -discomposed her veil; trembling, agitated, almost transported, he lifted -hastily the long black hair that her fall had disordered, and beheld the -soft features of Kara Aziek. “Gracious God! am I awake?” he exclaimed, -gazing on her, and clasping her to his breast. The consternation of her -attendants at this bold action was painted in their faces; Sebastian -regarded them not, he held Kara Aziek still, calling on her to revive -and behold her protector in him.</p> - -<p>Did that voice, so beloved, penetrate the dull ear of insensibility? -Aziek opened her eyes, and they met those of Sebastian<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> fixed tenderly -upon her: doubtful rapture flashed over her countenance, she sprang up, -drew quickly back, looked at him an instant, then uttering a joyful cry, -precipitated herself into the dear arms she had quitted.</p> - -<p>This was not the action of one conscious of belonging to another: -Sebastian was exalted to the extremest point of human felicity; -happiness, lost happiness, he now clasped in the form of Kara Aziek, and -enjoyed in the certainty of being able to confer it. “We part no -more—we part no more!” he repeated.</p> - -<p>Bewildered in a maze of delight, and merely conscious that the looks and -voice of Sebastian breathed love like her own, Aziek forgot awhile every -obstacle between them; her tears and sighs mingled with his, as she -rested on his bosom with the sweet serenity of a pure heart, sure of -loving and being beloved; his name, coupled with endearing epithets, -breathed repeatedly from her lips, and her soft arms<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> returned the -pressure of his: at length, starting and trembling, she averted her -eyes, and pronounced the name of Donna Gonsalva.</p> - -<p>Indignation alone appeared on the brow of Sebastian; in a few words he -detailed her perfidy and his own disappointment, and was about to paint -to the horror-struck Aziek his new wishes, when voices at the door of -the outer cabin called him away.</p> - -<p>It was the captain of the Brazilman with his mate: Sebastian hastened to -demand respect for Kara Aziek. He informed them that in their fair -prisoner he had discovered a Moorish lady, to whom he had once been -indebted for liberty; “I owe her my life,” he said, “and I will defend -her with my life: her sex and situation ought to ensure her generous -treatment. I hope and believe they will; but if not, this arm shall -either protect or avenge her.”</p> - -<p>“And a rare strong arm it is,” replied the captain, “we’ll keep to -windward of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> it, be sure. He sha’nt overhaul the lady, only what we find -in the money way is lawful prize; has she no coin nor jewels to pay the -men for civilly treating her and the rest of the women?”</p> - -<p>Sebastian had not time to reply before Aziek herself appeared; she came -forth from her cabinet surrounded by her maids: her unsteady step and -tearful eyes were directed towards him, for whom alone she feared when -the voice of what she thought violence reached her ear. Struck with an -apprehension of being discovered, Sebastian hastily told her in Moresco, -that his rank was unknown, and that these men commanded there.</p> - -<p>Aziek turned frightfully pale, she trembled, and leaned on him for -support; the captain advanced bowing, his eyes fixed on her glittering -armlets, spoke a language easily understood, she hastened to take them -off and present them to him: at the same time she pointed to some large<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> -chests, the keys of which one of her maids laid at his feet.</p> - -<p>During the examination of these chests, Aziek remained leaning on -Sebastian, lost in painful conjectures upon his mysterious disguise: -alas! was he a prisoner also! yet, how then could he have power to -succour her? She turned her eyes on his countenance; the sunny look that -met hers, the smoothed brow, and entrancing smile, promised permanent -protection. What could she dread, when the looks of him she loved bade -her dismiss apprehension?</p> - -<p>Satisfied with a casket of jewels and several purses of gold coin, the -mercenary seaman shut the boxes; “We shall leave you and the lady to -yourselves,” said the captain, “that you may try to reconcile her to a -voyage to Brazil; if she don’t like that, she may go to Portugal in the -prize: settle that as she pleases.</p> - -<p>“Whoever you are, friend, with your<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> coarse doublet, you’re a strange -brave fellow, and have a right to share our gains, and so if you like -women better than money, there’s a whole lot of ’em for you.”</p> - -<p>“I take you at your word,” interrupted the King, “these are my prizes.”</p> - -<p>The men withdrew laughing, and Sebastian again alone with Kara Aziek, -(her women having retired into the inner chamber,) proceeded to satisfy -those anxious inquiries which her eloquent eyes had so long been making. -He briefly detailed the circumstances of his return to Portugal, the -conduct of his supposed friends, the intentions with which he was -leaving it when he read her farewel letter; he painted the emotions that -letter excited, with all the force of tender gratitude.</p> - -<p>“Such were, such are my feelings, Kara Aziek;” he added, throwing -himself at her feet, “I am again what I was when your generous pity -first succoured me—a beggar, and a fugitive—one who must soon be every -thing or nothing:<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>—it remains for you to decide on the dearest part of -my destiny. Speak your wishes, and they shall be obeyed; if they be to -fulfil your engagement with the Basha, I will myself conduct you to him; -but if a friendship more sacred even than love—a gratitude exalted to -adoration—every sentiment in short, except passion itself; if these may -touch you—if you can condescend to accept a heart yet smarting with a -former wound—a heart that shudders at love, yet where your image is -worshipped and cherished—”</p> - -<p>“O say no more!—no more, beloved Sebastian!” interrupted Kara Aziek, -hiding her blushes and tears on his shoulder, “thou knowest too well, -that to be permitted to dwell but on the threshold of that noble heart, -is happiness to Kara Aziek.”</p> - -<p>How eloquent was the silence which followed these few words! how did the -blissful sighs breathed by each, seem to incorporate their souls, and -blend their destinies for ever!<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was long ere either of them could recover sufficiently to converse -with calmness; when they did so, Aziek timidly explained her situation. -She informed Sebastian that her hand had been frequently sought by the -Basha of Syria, a relation of her father’s, but having avowed an -invincible repugnance to marriage, (at least to marriage as it exists in -Mahomeddan countries,) her indulgent father had forborne any -importunity: his wishes however, were for the union, and seizing the -opportunity afforded by her zeal for the supposed Fabian, he offered his -liberty as the reward of her compliance.</p> - -<p>At first, shocked and terrified, Kara Aziek utterly rejected the terms; -every delicate and tender feeling revolted from the hateful prospect of -submitting to the caresses of a man whom she remembered from her infancy -as one with whom her heart could have no commune; far sooner would she -have laid her head on the block for the dear sake of him she loved: but<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> -when she witnessed the failure of his hopes after the departure of -Gaspar, and beheld his profound, and corroding melancholy; when she -thought of his passion for Donna Gonsalva, and fancied her pining over -his loss, her tender soul shook with irresolution, she -hesitated—reflected—struggled with her repugnance—renewed those -struggles, and at length determined upon the sacrifice.</p> - -<p>Ravished with her consent, El Hader did not give her time to retract, he -released the Christian, and immediately dispatched messengers to his -kinsman: the Basha Ibrahim was at that time with the Sultan his master -at Constantinople; he sent from thence a sumptuous galley, laden with -presents for his young bride, and it was on its return with the -self-devoted victim, that Providence threw them into the hands of the -Portuguese.</p> - -<p>To Kara Aziek the event did indeed appear an especial act of Providence, -since beyond her fondest hopes it not<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> only restored Sebastian to her, -but re-united them at the very period in which they were priviledged -never to part again. In her secret mind she did not regret the loss of -his throne, for it was with Sebastian divested of power and grandeur, -that her heart had first been woven: accustomed to profound retirement, -her inexperienced nature shrunk from the vast sphere of duties which -surrounded sovereignty; it seemed as if the love of one little heart -would be lost in so wide an ocean: she looked with partial eyes to a -scene of narrower views; to a home, private yet not unuseful, where the -social virtues might have full room to expand and to adorn what they -supported.</p> - -<p>It was an amiable weakness in Kara Aziek, yet it was a weakness, to -desire only that situation in which her love would be always felt, and -always necessary; she judged rightly, that power and luxury are not -friendly to the existence of any sentiment which is devoid of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> -selfishness.—In accompanying Sebastian to Brazil, she hoped that he -might be induced to resign his ungrateful people altogether, endeavour -to forget his former state, and find in the bosoms of Affection and -Friendship those calm delights which are never the companions of high -responsibility.</p> - -<p>To dwell with him any where, to see him, to hear him continually,—what -joy did not such a prospect afford! Life seemed too short to her -impassioned heart for the complete enjoyment of so much -happiness.—Never, indeed, did woman love like Kara Aziek: it must be -remembered, however, that her attachment concentrated all the ardour of -her nature; the habits of her country did not suffer the growth even of -friendship; she had no sisters, no brothers—and hitherto she had lived -devoid of any other sentiment than that of duty towards her father.</p> - -<p>As Sebastian contemplated the mixed expression of her ever-varying -countenance, his enraptured feelings assured<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> him that in her’s his soul -had met its partner; but he sighed to think they should have met so -late, when <i>his</i> exhausted heart had no longer love to bestow.</p> - -<p>Excessive tenderness, admiration and gratitude, contending with as -lively emotions of timidity and apprehension, by turns sparkled in -Aziek’s eyes, or suffused her cheek; the aspen-like tremor of her voice -thrilled the susceptible King: it was now that for the first time he -felt the full sweetness of love, in the perfect conviction of giving -happiness to the beloved object; devoid of this conviction all its other -enjoyments are lifeless.—Cold as ice were the sensations awakened by -the beauty of Gonsalva when compared with this heart-penetrating, -ennobling glow! he looked back on them with amazement, and with -something of that joy with which a man recals a danger from which he has -recently escaped.</p> - -<p>These new feelings enabled him to speak of the perfidious woman with -com<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>posure; to Kara Aziek this calmness was animating; for though at one -moment she believed herself indeed rewarded by his preference, at -another she trembled lest Sebastian were self-deceived, and might -hereafter find gratitude and esteem but feeble substitutes for love.</p> - -<p>Having calmed the fears and satisfied the scruples of his gentle friend, -Sebastian remembered that humanity had other claims upon him; the -ascendancy he had gained over the captain and crew by his valour and -disinterestedness, rendered him in some degree answerable to himself for -the treatment of the Turkish prisoners; he therefore reluctantly quitted -Kara Aziek.</p> - -<p>By his advice the Brazil trader consented to send all the Turkish -sailors, with their commander, into the first neutral port, whence they -might easily find a conveyance home, and in that port the prize might be -advantageously sold. It required all the King’s rhetoric to persuade his -companion that it was merciless to<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> push advantage to its uttermost -verge, by insisting upon a ransom for all the prisoners; the man was a -long time in perceiving that there was any merit in being generous to -infidels.</p> - -<p>Sebastian’s mingled arguments and persuasions at length succeeded; and -the prize, manned by a few stout sailors, headed by the mate, was -ordered to convey her former owners to Cadiz, in Spain, that country -being then in amity with the Turks.</p> - -<p>Concluding that the women were forcibly detained by the captors, the -Turkish commander thought it unwise to contest about such immaterial -objects; so making a profound obeisance to his conqueror, he suffered -him, undisturbed, to lead Kara Aziek and her maids from their cabin to -that of the Portuguese vessel: in a few minutes after, the galley -hoisted sail and bore away before the wind for the shores of Andaluzia.</p> - -<p>Anxious to obtain every accommoda<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>tion for Kara Aziek, Sebastian thought -it needful to inform the captain that he could reward him amply for -every attention he might bestow, and that on landing at Brazil he would -prove his truth by actions: having simply announced himself a Portuguese -officer and a friend of Don Emanuel de Castro, he insured the respect -and submission of all the sailors. His remonstrances had now the force -of commands, and the Moorish ladies were permitted to live as retired in -their cabin, as they might have done in Morocco.</p> - -<p>Into their apartments no one intruded except Sebastian and Barémel: that -faithful animal, interesting from the peculiar circumstances under which -he had recognized his master, was constantly fed and caressed by the -gentle Aziek; he formed the amusement of her women, whose simple minds -sought no higher recreation than that of seeing him fetch and -carry:—but to her he was an object of affection.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> - -<p>Often, while looking at Barémel, and pondering on the incidents his -figure recalled, she shuddered at the incomprehensible conduct of Donna -Gonsalva, and had to remember that Sebastian witnessed her depravity ere -she could persuade herself of that depravity’s existence.</p> - -<p>From the King’s mind the remembrance of Gonsalva was vanishing like a -confused dream; to the agony of betrayed love had quickly succeeded -indignation, aversion, and finally contempt: the charm of virtue and -tenderness united in the person of Aziek, completed his cure, and his -soul, formed for freedom, eagerly seized again upon its natural right.</p> - -<p>How do our desires grow with our hopes! how does the possession of one -blessing, quicken and inflame our thirst after others!—but a little -while before, and Sebastian was indifferent to every thing; now, the -smallest of his expectations was considered with lively interest:<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> he -contemplated his reception at Brazil, and his restoration to Portugal, -with the anxiety of a spirit newly roused to action; and secure of -domestic felicity, felt that no other station than that to which he was -born, could fill the expansion of his large soul.</p> - -<p>It is not difficult to communicate our own fire to a heart that lives -only to reflect the feelings of ours. Kara Aziek lent not merely a -docile, but a delighted ear, to the animated discourses of her lover. He -talked to her of the charms of empire, of the sublime privilege of -diffusing comfort and protection throughout nations; he painted the -trials and the triumphs of that virtue which belongs to exalted -stations, its fame here, its immortal reward hereafter; he spoke to her -then of those softer joys which public duties endear and enhance; those -delightful throbbings of the heart, sacred to the names of husband and -of father, which<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> contrasted with the severer virtues of royalty, seem -like the serene beatitude of Heaven.</p> - -<p>His voice, his eyes, his smiles, heightened the effect of his eloquence: -Kara Aziek no longer saw before her the captive Fabian, but the powerful -monarch of Portugal and the two Indies, who, in selecting her from all -the world to share his throne and to fill his heart, was yielding the -most delicious proof of his tenderness; she saw in him only a beneficent -(not an ambitious) sovereign, who sought to extend the dominion of -happiness.</p> - -<p>At these moments she kindled with congenial enthusiasm, and her soul -soaring after his, left far below its first humble and personal wishes.</p> - -<p>But how were these ardours chilled, these transports arrested in their -flight, by the spirit with which Sebastian spoke of his wrongs! he -thirsted for vengeance: with the expectation of one day returning to -take his place amongst the monarchs of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> Europe, came the fatal belief -that he must wash out his stains in the blood of his injurers.</p> - -<p>At mention of Don Antonio, a terrible light flamed on his brow, his -limbs shook, and his articulation became smothered; every look and every -word announced still that imperious and fierce character which had so -often in Barbary blazed before Kara Aziek like sudden earth-fires.</p> - -<p>Her soft nature trembled and grieved; for it was to this intemperance of -feeling, this want of self-government, that all his misfortunes were -attributable; while it continued to rule him, there was no security for -his happiness either on a throne or in a cloister.</p> - -<p>On the present subject, however, she found it difficult to oppose any -arguments that were not immediately overturned by his impetuous and -irresistible rhetoric: neither her education nor the precepts of her -religion afforded support to the mer<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>ciful pleadings of her nature; she -could only urge that instinctive feeling which cries aloud from the -depths of every human heart, that forbearance and forgiveness ought to -be the virtues of erring man.</p> - -<p>Sebastian’s vehement passions were deaf to the voice of her softer -sentiments; pity and mercy could not make themselves heard, where -insulted honour, love outraged into hatred, wounded pride, and -disappointed confidence, were clamorous for retribution: he sought to -teach her the lesson man learns from his cradle, that to preserve -reputation he must often do violence to his character, and seek revenge -where he would willingly concede pardon.</p> - -<p>Ah fatal and monstrous spell, which not even Christianity itself has yet -had power to dissolve!—by thy enchantment the sacred laws of humanity -are disregarded, and murder is enrolled in the catalogue of honourable -deeds!<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> - -<p>Aziek had nothing to urge against opinions which she was thus told were -sanctioned by great authorities; she could only repeat her native -abhorrence to whatever was the effect rather of passion than of reason. -To appease justice and to satiate revenge, were in her estimation very -different things, and she strove to convince Sebastian that true dignity -resided with the former.</p> - -<p>Sometimes her gentle persuasives conquered: he would listen delighted to -the music of her voice and the tenderness of her sentiments; his heart -would melt under their genial softness, till the perfidious Antonio, his -court, his crown, his wrongs, and his deprivations, all forgotten, he -would remember only that he lived to love and to be loved by her.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a id="CHAP_VI"></a>CHAP. VI.</h2> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">Hitherto</span> light airs and cheering suns had accompanied them on their -voyage, but now the weather changed; thick clouds arose, volume after -volume, from the horizon, till the whole heavens were darkened; a hollow -wind muttered among these threatening clouds, and the turbid sea seemed -to labour with an approaching storm.</p> - -<p>It was on the sixteenth day of their voyage that the tempest burst -forth. A tremendous gale from the south-west began to blow, accompanied -with lightning and hail; the ship drove before the blast, her rigging -all torn, and the waves washing over her deck: every peal of thunder was -followed by ghastly yelling of shrill winds, a thousand times more<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> -dreary than thunder. The rattling of hail and rain among her cordage, -the flapping of her wet sails, the creaking of her masts, the confused -sound of voices and feet, as the sailors hurried to and fro along the -deck, the tremendous roaring of the sea, all struck terror to Kara -Aziek; she sat trembling in her cabin, listening to every sound, and -sensible to hope only when she saw Sebastian.</p> - -<p>Aware of their danger, (for the ship was driving rapidly towards a lee -shore,) the King’s anxiety discovered itself in his pale and disturbed -countenance; he presented himself perpetually at the door of Aziek’s -cabin, as if to see that he had her still, and as often hurried away -again to assist in the labours of the seamen.</p> - -<p>Whenever he appeared the devoted Aziek felt her terrors disperse; it -seemed impossible to her that Heaven should abandon him she loved, to a -dreadful death. Her women, drowned in tears, on their knees, and half -distracted,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> mingled shrieks with their prayers and lamentations; the -soft soul of their mistress became a coward for their sakes, and she -wept more for their apprehensions than from her own.</p> - -<p>In the midst of this awful suspense a crash was heard, the next moment -Sebastian entered; his wild look and hurried step transfixed Kara Aziek; -for the first time she believed that they were about to perish together: -without speaking, he snatched her up and bore her in his arms to the -deck; she found he trembled violently: Yes Aziek, but it was for thee he -trembled,—that great soul knew no other fear!</p> - -<p>Merciful Heaven! what a sight presented itself! the vessel, with her -masts swept by the board was lying a mere hull upon mountainous waves; -through the blackness of midnight, by repeated sheets of lightning the -whole ocean was momentarily discovered, dark, raging, covered with -horrid foam,—now swelling to<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> the clouds, now sinking as if into the -depths of perdition.</p> - -<p>Imprecations, vows, prayers, and cries, mingled with the dreadful roar -of the winds and waters; sometimes the storm made a pause, and then was -heard distinctly the noise of the ship, as she drove furiously towards -the rocks: but again the blast and thunder would unite, till heaven and -earth seemed rocking with the sound.</p> - -<p>As the tempest had swept away their boat, and they were driving upon the -perilous coasts of Tarradunt and Suz, every soul on board gave himself -up to destruction. It was at this moment that Sebastian yielded to -despair: he pressed Kara Aziek in his arms with convulsive strength, -while he repeated wildly, “You perish Aziek! and my love cannot save -you.”</p> - -<p>“I perish on thy bosom—in thy heart!” she said faintly, fixing on him -her asking eyes, swimming in grief and bliss.</p> - -<p>“Yes, in my heart, Aziek!” he ex<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>claimed vehemently, “I call God to -witness at this awful moment, that you only share my thoughts with Him!”</p> - -<p>Aziek raised her speaking eyes to Heaven with a look of ineffable -emotion—“O grant,” she cried, “divine prophet, that we may live -together in thy paradise!”</p> - -<p>At that expression, mortal pains seized Sebastian, his blood froze, cold -damps stood on his forehead; Aziek, the beloved and generous Aziek, was -a Mahometan, and in the other world they would never be re-united. -Pierced with pious sorrow, he uttered a deep groan, his arms lost their -strength, they slackened their hold, and the sea breaking over them, -carried with it the last earthly blessing of Sebastian.</p> - -<p>The next moment the ship struck upon a steep coast; confusion, terror, -despair, followed; the frantic King calling on Kara Aziek, ran, from -side to side, yet hoping to find her he had lost. Some of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> the crew -clung to the shattered wreck, others threw themselves into the sea on -planks and spars; the women shrieking and invoking their prophet hung -round Sebastian, his heart was wrung with pity, and regardless of his -own situation, he exerted his small remains of strength to succour these -unfortunates.</p> - -<p>A sort of raft, hastily constructed, offered the only means of safety; -to that he committed them, while he sprang to the topmost part of the -stern, madly striving to catch a broader view of the ocean amid the -blazes of lightning.</p> - -<p>Aziek’s name, coupled with that of the awful God he implored to save -her, were soon the sole human sounds heard mingling with the roaring -elements; alone and hopeless, his eyes were still straining round, when -another shock loosened every plank of the vessel, and scattered her in -fragments upon the waters.</p> - -<p>Sebastian sunk; but his guardian angel yet watched over her charge, and -he rose<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> again: cold, motionless, spent with grief and fatigue, -insensible to every thing, he was seized by his watchful dog who kept -hold in defiance of the storm, and at last brought him safely to land.</p> - -<p>The chill morning air contributed to awaken Sebastian from that lethargy -into which his senses had fallen; when he unclosed his eyes, they fixed -upon Barémel, who lay shivering at his feet; he turned them from him to -the objects around: nothing was to be seen beyond arid rocks, and a -measureless ocean whose turbid waves sullenly heaved under a leaden sky.</p> - -<p>He gazed wistfully, for his thoughts were dim and imperfect, and memory -seemed blotted out from his faculties; the confused idea of Kara Aziek, -alone remained.</p> - -<p>He lay some time looking stedfastly before him, while his senses roused -slowly; on a sudden a cry escaped him, he leaped up, and glanced round -with a ma<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>niac’s wildness; the perfect recollection of his misfortune -had shot through his brain, enlightening while it maddened him: he tried -to articulate the name of her he lamented, but the sound expired on his -lips, and smiting his breast, he sat down again upon the ground.</p> - -<p>It is not at first that our hearts feel the full force of a blow which -breaks them in pieces: we do not easily comprehend how a few hours or -moments can have made us so utterly wretched; ’tis only by degrees that -our thoughts, measuring the extent of an irrevocable calamity, ascertain -its existence and its magnitude: then rush forth regret and lamentation, -then the images of past joys surround us like demons assuming beloved -shapes to torture us more keenly; and those deadly words, <i>lost, lost -for ever</i>! resounding perpetually thro’ our souls, fill them with -desolation and despair.</p> - -<p>Pale and motionless, Sebastian sat with his head leaning on his hand, -gazing on<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> that wide ocean which had entombed Kara Aziek: even yet, his -senses were not quite awake; nay, they seemed to have fallen back into -that trance out of which they had transiently started.—His dull eyes -saw not the wistful ones of his dumb companion, who sensible to his -master’s grief, lay moaning before him: nothing rouzed him till some -fragments of wreck floating on shore gave birth to hope.</p> - -<p>Again the face of Sebastian shone with animation, his nerves were -new-strung, he called to Barémel, and flew rather than ran towards the -sea.—Every where he beheld broken masts and yards, mixed with dead -bodies; some were already washed on shore, others borne in with the -tide: at that afflicting sight he averted his head and groaned heavily. -Alas! it appeared his destiny to be for ever surrounded by -destruction!—</p> - -<p>He traversed the sands and shore in vain, he searched the rocks and -their caverns, he sent Barémel into the waves<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> for every object but -faintly discernible; Barémel only brought him Kara Aziek’s shawl: at -this sight his fortitude ceased, he snatched the sad relic, while -burning drops rained from his eyes—she had perished then, she had lost -her life for him!—since but for his unhappy sake she would never have -consented to be the Basha’s wife, never have braved the sea, never have -met so disastrous a death.</p> - -<p>Overcome with these convictions, the unfortunate prince held the shawl -to his lips, and remained in the same attitude with his face enveloped -in it, alternately pursuing in thought the body of Aziek to the hideous -depths of ocean, or following with trembling anxiety her pure spirit -into the courts of Heaven.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a id="CHAP_VII"></a>CHAP. VII.</h2> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">In</span> this state of abstraction, the King was perceived by a groupe of -natives, who had come to the strand, in hope of plundering such vessels -as they might find wrecked there; it cost them no trouble to make him -their prisoner; the formidable Sebastian had not then any care for -himself.—having explained to them as well as the difference of their -provincial Moresco would permit, that he had been cast on their shore by -the late storm, and was consequently too much enfeebled for great -exertion, they were induced to let him walk slowly.</p> - -<p>They led him towards some mean houses, which lay at a distance up the -country; there they left him, and ran off again to the wreck. Barémel, -though<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> beaten away by those surly Africans, had still returned and -followed his master’s steps, but plunged in profound grief, Sebastian -ceased to think of his faithful dog, and entered a hut, unconscious that -clubs and stones were then driving the poor animal far away.</p> - -<p>An old woman within offered him some coarse provisions, and pointed to a -miserable bed of dried weeds, where she said he might sleep off his -fatigue: Sebastian threw himself down in silence, and the woman quitting -him, bolted the door on her charge.—</p> - -<p>The certainty of being again a slave, made little impression on a heart -already exhausted of its capability of suffering. There are periods in -our existence, when we seem able to refuse any further sacrifices to -grief; in these moments a species of sullen resignation succeeds the -transports of despair, and life or death appears equally a matter of -indifference.</p> - -<p>Such were the feelings of Sebastian;<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> he lay on his rude bed, gloomy and -tearless, careless of the passing hours which were to bring back his new -masters.</p> - -<p>It was evening when these men returned: they brought with them many -things from the wreck, which they greedily shared. Their captive’s -silent acquiescence in his destiny, moved them to promise that they -would sell him only to a good master, and that in the mean time he -should be well fed and kindly treated.</p> - -<p>While tempting him to eat part of their hard fare, some one opened the -outer door, and Barémel rushing in, sprung to his master’s feet: one of -the Moors would have thrust him out, had not Sebastian besought the -comfort of retaining his only friend: after a short demur, consent was -granted; and having devoured some scanty fragments of the supper, -Barémel was suffered to retire to rest in the same corner with his -master.</p> - -<p>As the King put aside his doublet and vest, he observed on the back of -them<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> the deep indents of teeth; the miracle of his preservation was -then shewn to him; grief mixed with gratitude, and a sentiment nearly -amounting to tenderness, swelled from his heart to his eyes; it burst -forth in tears, while hastily glancing from his clothes to his mute -friend, he exclaimed, “Ah Barémel, what a life hast thou preserved?”</p> - -<p>The feelings once melted are not soon restored to their former state; -Sebastian wept silently a long time; for he thought of Kara Aziek, and -wished that Barémel had saved her only.</p> - -<p>Vain were these wishes, these poignant regrets; the hollow blasts -sweeping over the roof which sheltered him, and the hoarse waves -resounding from afar, seemed to repeat again and again that Aziek had -been their victim.</p> - -<p>It was now that Sebastian felt conscious of having loved that generous -Being, her loss had torn away the veil of self-delusion, and convinced -him that what he believed<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> but solicitude for her happiness, was in -reality anxiety for his own.—Ah wretched condition of humanity! no -sooner do we begin to feel the full value of our possessions, than they -are wrested from us!—is it the law of our being that we are never to -possess and to enjoy at the same moment?</p> - -<p>Providence had consigned the unfortunate monarch to merciful men; they -tried to cheer his melancholy, and did not urge him to any services: if -he would but share their meal and submit to confinement, they were -satisfied.—’Tis true, it was interest they chiefly consulted in this -conduct, (for on his healthful looks depended their expected profit) yet -ignorant men do not often calculate remote advantages.</p> - -<p>The first day after a new moon, these people set off with their captive -for the town of Mesa, where repairing to the house of a slave merchant, -they encountered an aged man in want of a servant, who purchased -Sebastian.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> - -<p>Something of his former fierceness blazed in the eyes of the proud King -when he found himself the object of degrading traffic, but the gentle -image of Kara Aziek glided before his fancy, and absorbed every other -sentiment in that of regret; he paused, sighed profoundly, and tears -stole down his cheek.</p> - -<p>The old man looked at him with an air of compassion; that look -encouraged Sebastian to ask if Barémel might share his destiny, the -request was granted, and soon after these inseparable companions were -removed to a comfortable abode in the town of Mesa.</p> - -<p>Tefza, Sebastian’s master, was a native of the kingdom of Fez, and -having made a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, bore the title of Hadgé; -(a religious distinction conferred only on such as have visited the -birth-place, and the tomb of their prophet) far advanced in life, and -naturally averse to domestic cares, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> Hadgé had neither wives nor -children, so that all the occupations of Sebastian were to work in a -little garden, and assist in charitable offices.</p> - -<p>The latter part of his duty was one to which his benevolent nature -yielded with delight, and by sharing in it, he learned to esteem his -master, and to obey him in other matters without reluctance. Assuredly -there can be no degradation in serving the good.</p> - -<p>These humane employments softened the bitterness of Sebastian’s regrets, -but though he complained no more, raved no more, an austere sadness -settled on his character: the virtues and the love of Kara Aziek had -penetrated the utmost depths of his heart, and now devoured with vain -remorse at having ever preferred another to her, he abandoned every -other wish, and every other source of enjoyment.</p> - -<p>His docility and his dejection, but above all, that dignity which the -divine hand had stamped upon his lineaments,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> interested the Hadgé; he -would frequently endeavour to draw him into conversation about his past -life and condition, and would often urge on him what he believed the -only true religion: but Sebastian contrived to elude his questions, and -silence his arguments.</p> - -<p>A month had not elapsed, when Tefza informed his slave that they were on -the point of commencing a long journey; he had a brother in Fez, dying -of a lingering disorder, who had sent to beg he would come and close his -eyes; he was therefore about to set forward on the morrow.</p> - -<p>What a tumult of sweet and maddening remembrances did not the prospect -of this journey awaken!—Fez had been the scene of Sebastian’s principal -misfortune; it was once the residence of Kara Aziek; he was going again -to tread that ground, bathed in the blood of his bravest warriors, and -sacred to the memory of Stukeley; he was going to revisit as a slave, -the place which he had left only<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> two or three months back, with love -and a kingdom before him!—How would the worthy Tefza have been amazed, -could he have seen all the movements of that heart, which to him was so -mysteriously reserved!</p> - -<p>Accompanied by Barémel, sometimes travelling on camels or on mules, the -Hadgé and his companion quitted the territory of Tarradunt, crossed the -range of Atlas, and journeying over the plains of Morocco, penetrated -through the passes of the Green Mountains into the kingdom of Fez; -directing their course westward, they came at length to the dwelling of -the Hadgé’s brother, a solitary house near the town of Riffa.</p> - -<p>Death had already sealed the eyes of the sick man; but as his property -devolved to the nearest relative, after providing for his widows, the -good Hadgé resolved upon spending the remnant of his own days in his -native place: they returned therefore no more to Tarradunt.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p> - -<p>Days and weeks now revolved in the same wearisome round of trifling -employments and complete retirement; Sebastian almost wished for -laborious tasks which might distract his attention by fatiguing his -body; his attention alas! was occupied with past events. Regret assuming -the form of remorse, preyed on him incessantly, reminding him of the -worthless woman for whose sake he had slighted happiness when he might -have secured it with Kara Aziek.</p> - -<p>With this regret was mixed some repining at the hard destiny which had -never presented him to Aziek but under circumstances of humiliation; he -wished she had seen him in his prosperous days, surrounded by pomps and -pleasures, yet disdaining their caresses, and emulous only of fame! he -wished she had beheld the man she loved in the full plenitude of power; -his preference then, might have appeared a distinction!</p> - -<p>Fruitless were these wishes! that proud<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> heart could now never be -gratified by laying worldly honours at the feet of one chosen object. -Once a frightful apprehension suddenly sprung out of these meditations; -Kara Aziek might have perished doubting the reality of his rights, -surely their strange rencontre on the ocean might authorize such a -suspicion!</p> - -<p>Not even the pang inflicted by her death could equal that which now -wrung Sebastian; he imagined himself to have been suspected an impostor; -the thought was maddening to honour.</p> - -<p>It was many moments ere that impatient spirit could calm itself -sufficiently to silence so preposterous a fear: gradually it was -tranquilized by the recollections of Aziek’s ingenuous looks, where -respect ever mixed itself with love.—But the vanquished alarm had left -behind it some thoughts which roused the slumbering energies of -Sebastian: he felt that Kara Aziek’s memory required that he should -endeavour to restore the man she adored<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> to the rank and the duties -allotted him by Providence.</p> - -<p>Often when plunged in deep fits of gloom, during which his faculties -seemed benumbed and his feelings callous, an inward voice would cry out -to him, “Awake! arise Sebastian! days of glory yet await thee!” then the -blood would pour in tides of fire through his veins, he would start from -his desponding posture, and look round with an inflamed countenance, as -if on the point of breaking the bonds which held him.</p> - -<p>Had they been real bonds how soon would his powerful arm have burst them -asunder! but they were the bonds of gratitude and honour!</p> - -<p>The Hadgé confided in him implicitly, treated him like a son, ceased to -exact his attendance; save where humanity demanded their united cares, -evinced the liveliest interest in his salvation, in short, offered him -every thing, granted him every thing except his freedom.—Could he then -basely<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> turn these benefits into engines of ingratitude?</p> - -<p>At liberty to go whithersoever he pleased, Sebastian was more a prisoner -than when shut up within the cells of El Hader’s residence: the -generosity of his present master was a wall of adamant in his eyes.</p> - -<p>Unable to use stratagem, he tried the effect of entreaties; he combatted -his unsocial melancholy, and spoke unreservedly to Tefza of his desire -to quit Barbary: Tefza’s questions forced him to confess that he had -neither parents nor dear connexions to whom he wished to be re-united, -that he was a solitary wretch going to cross the Atlantic in the forlorn -hope of finding a lost friend.</p> - -<p>“I love thee too much poor youth, to grant thy foolish suit,” said the -Hadgé, one day to him; “thou hast owned that death and perfidy have -swept away all thy possessions, where then wouldst thou seek happiness? -believe me it is only placed<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> in piety. Stay contented with me, listen -to my instructions; it will be impossible for such a soul as thine to -remain long in darkness; I shall convert thee at last to the religion of -our holy prophet; then, thou wilt bless thy misfortunes which brought -thee to covet the bread of life. No, no, thou shalt not go; I am -interested for thy soul.”</p> - -<p>This vain idea had fixed itself so firmly in the good mussulman’s mind -that no protestations of Sebastian’s could shake it: the more the one -resisted arguments the more the other redoubled them; and when he found -his slave resolute in rejecting every persuasive for him to be present -at one of their religious ceremonies, he merely shook his head, telling -him the time would come when he would look back upon his present -obstinate blindness with shame and compunction.</p> - -<p>Neither the indulgence, nor the good intention of Tefza, moderated that -mixture of sorrow and resentment with which the<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> still-impatient monarch -of Portugal received this decision: disdaining further solicitation, and -resolved never again to reveal his rank while it was in the power of -adverse accident to give an air of doubt to such an assertion, he -withdrew once more within himself; and like the proud steed newly -brought under man’s subjection, who champs his bit, and paws the ground -with indignation, he performed the duties of a slave with the haughty -air of a prince.</p> - -<p>Adversity hardens some hearts, and melts others: Sebastian’s -unfortunately did not soften from the grasp of calamity: his eyes, not -yet opened to his own character, had not observed how inevitably some -lines of conduct produce certain misery. Had he reflected -dispassionately, he might have been convinced, that to his romantic -wilfulness and contempt of counsel, all the disasters of Alcazar were -attributable; that rash enterprize, together with his blameable -attachment to the betrothed wife of De Castro, had prepared the hearts -of<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> his subjects for future indifference about his fate.</p> - -<p>There were times, indeed, when Sebastian severely censured parts of his -own conduct, but for want of steadily tracing actions and their -consequences through the whole of their course, he remained -self-deluded, believing Providence, not himself, responsible for his -heaviest calamities. Often did he exclaim, “What have I done to merit -ruin like this!”</p> - -<p>Remote from any social intercourse, (for he abhorred the society of the -Moors) and almost abandoned of hope, his spirit was gradually -contracting a severity bordering upon hardness: that soft being was gone -who alone knew how to melt him into tenderness; that soft being, who -ever possessed a charm capable of awakening him to philanthropy and to -delight.</p> - -<p>Deprived of Kara Aziek, he was likely to lose all that was amiable in -his character, and to retain only the sterner virtues: sometimes he -sighed over this changing<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> character, and felt sorrow at the alteration; -but except his faithful dog, whose attachment always affected him, he -possessed no object for tender solicitude. Was it wonderful then, that -he should become cold and unsocial?</p> - -<p>The short winter of that sultry climate had now passed away, and the -almond trees were already covered with their bright, rosy blossoms; one -of the Moresco feasts was approaching, at which the Hadgé urged his -slave to be present: from such a proposition Sebastian started with -horror, hastening to redouble his devout prostrations before a wooden -cross which he had shaped for himself, and kept within his own chamber. -The Hadgé left him disappointed.</p> - -<p>It was evening when he returned: the captive monarch was alone on one of -those terraces which the Moors raise upon the flat roofs of their -houses, and plant with odorous shrubs; he was stretched out under the -shade of a citron-tree, whose<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> branches enveloped him, and plunged in a -reverie, did not hear the Hadgé utter the following words.</p> - -<p>“Fabian, I have brought home a venerable traveller for rest and -refreshment, see that you prevent all his wants; I must go out again, -and trust him awhile to your care.”</p> - -<p>The noise Tefza made in closing the door that opened on the terrace, -roused Sebastian, he started round, and beheld with rising emotion, an -aged man clad in a dark-brown garment, whose silver beard descended to -his girdle: the mildly-intellectual look, assured him it was Abensallah.</p> - -<p>Uttering an exclamation of joy, Sebastian pressed forward to kiss his -hand; the dervise put his finger on his lip, they were both silent: at -length, venturing to believe Tefza beyond hearing, he stretched out his -arms, and pressing him within them, shed some tears, “We meet at last, -my son,” he said, in a low feeble<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> voice, “the gracious Mahomet has -heard my prayers, and repaid me for this pilgrimage in search of thee.”</p> - -<p>“In search of me!” repeated Sebastian, “surely, father, you have not -been wandering throughout Africa in pursuit of me, ever since the day we -parted.”</p> - -<p>A benign smile gently moved the old man’s lips. “No, my son, I have not; -for I knew not then, whether thy departure had not been voluntary: since -that period I have heard the whole of thy sufferings; they have been -severe—but I come to thee now with comfort—I bring thee a strange -present from a hand deservedly dear.” As the old man spoke, he put aside -the foldings of his mantle, and drew out of his breast a milk-white dove -which nestled there.</p> - -<p>“This bird,” he continued, “is destined to convey intelligence of thy -safety and my success, to one who scarcely values life preserved, -till——”</p> - -<p>The violent emotion of Sebastian inter<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>rupted him: pale, trembling, -oppressed with sudden hope almost to agony, the King vehemently seized -one of Abensallah’s hands in both his, while his eyes only articulated -the name of Aziek: the dervise hastily replied to them.</p> - -<p>“She lives, my son—she sends me to thee.”</p> - -<p>At these life-giving words, Sebastian’s transported countenance might be -said to emit visible rays; he dropt the hand of Abensallah abruptly, and -raising his own to heaven, uttered with his heart the acknowledgment his -lips could not pronounce.</p> - -<p>When this rapturous disorder of the senses would allow him power, he -exclaimed, “She lives—you say she lives, Abensallah!—how saved?—where -sheltered?—This bird, soft and tender like herself, (ah, fit emblem of -Kara Aziek) why is it sent?—assure me that she lives—you would not -deceive me.”</p> - -<p>The impetuous agitation of youth was<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> here gracefully contrasted by the -majestic calmness of age: Abensallah listened with mildness to these -broken and fluctuating sentences, then exhorting him to be composed, -began to detail the circumstances of Kara Aziek’s escape.</p> - -<p>At the dreadful moment in which she was swept away from the arms of -Sebastian, Providence ordained that a large wicker basket should be -swept off also; by an instinctive action she snatched at it for support, -and borne up by its elasticity, continued floating forward.</p> - -<p>The tide was flowing in, so that every surge impelled the basket, and -its precious freight, nearer shore: one wave stronger than another, -lifted them to a prodigious height, and then precipitated them upon the -land; Aziek had just life enough left to feel the possibility of -preserving life, and the fond idea that perhaps Sebastian was with her, -gave her strength to move among the ledges of the rock on which she was -cast, and to secure herself in a<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> chasm: there she sunk down wholly -exhausted, no longer sensible of danger, though the foaming billows -alternately lashed and receded from the projection which sheltered her.</p> - -<p>The same morning air that had revived her distant lover, brought her -back to a sense of existence; but she was incapable of motion, and -remained two whole days undiscovered by any one, even while she heard -people on the shore below, whom her feeble voice could not reach. She -called on Sebastian, but her doleful accents alone returned on the echo.</p> - -<p>Some sea-fowl’s eggs deposited in the cleft that hid her, sufficed to -keep nature from perishing; but grief, and the wounds her tender body -had received while beaten against the rocks, had nearly terminated her -short life, when a Moorish child clambering up in search of birds’ -nests, descried her, and ran off to tell his parents.</p> - -<p>As her complexion, dress, and language, assured them she was a native of -Barbary,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> these people carried her to their fishing-boat with great -care; she fainted ere they reached it, reviving at last only to a state -more like death than life.</p> - -<p>In this situation she was taken to their hut some miles further down the -coast, and remained there many days, almost expiring; at length the hand -of Heaven raised her, and she was able to tell her name and rank.</p> - -<p>Deprived of her soul’s treasure, Kara Aziek believed that she should not -tarry after him on earth, but she was willing to die on the bosom of her -parent, and to receive the consolations of religion in her parting hour. -She therefore gave orders for being conveyed to the Alcayde of the -province, who deeming it his duty to forward her to her father, supplied -her with guards and a physician, under whose protection she was moved in -a sort of litter, by easy stages, from the kingdom of Suz to that of -Fez.</p> - -<p>At this part of his narrative, the der<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>vise suddenly broke off, “alas my -memory!” he exclaimed, “this bird was to have been dispatched with -tidings if I found thee—I see Tefza approaching along the road—thou -hast no time to write—the sight of her bird will suffice—”</p> - -<p>“Stay Abensallah!” cried Sebastian, catching his arm as it was extended -to give the dove liberty;—the dervise paused, while the King hastily -pulled from his head a lock of hair, and pushing aside the loose sleeve -of his habit, untwisted a braid of Kara Aziek’s, which from its length -surrounded his wrist several times.</p> - -<p>The sight of that lovely-soft hair, revived the memory of her lovelier -form, and Sebastian’s emotions now assumed a more passionate cast; his -eyes sparkling with vehement wishes, floated in a kind of rapturous -dizziness; half-closing them, he leaned for support against the shoulder -of Abensallah: an ardent sigh burst from his oppressed heart.</p> - -<p>“Moderate this transport, my son!<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>” said the dervise gravely, “or turn -it towards that God to whom thou owest so much.”—</p> - -<p>Sebastian blushed, and roused himself. “My heart <i>does</i> overflow with -gratitude;” he replied, “Heaven reads it: but surely I may be permitted -to feel the value of what that Heaven restores?”—</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he was weaving the locks of hair together, intending them -to convey to Kara Aziek the sentiment of their inseparable union,——the -gentle dove scarcely fluttered in Abensallah’s grasp, while -Sebastian fastened the precious knot under her wing; no sooner was it -fixed, than running to the furthest edge of the terrace, he unloosed the -bird, which shot away with the velocity of light.</p> - -<p>Her white pinions, rendered visible by the darkening twilight, enabled -them long to trace her course through air, but at length she diminished -to a mere speck, and the next moment disappeared wholly.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p> - -<p>The eyes of the King remained fixed upon that part of the sky where she -had vanished; Abensallah had just time to whisper that he would finish -his story on the morrow, before Tefza joined them.</p> - -<p>When the Hadgé found that the stranger had not partaken of any -refreshment, he was going to rebuke his slave, when Abensallah turned -his wrath into pleasure, by assuring him the young man had done better -by attending to his discourse.</p> - -<p>Concluding that so pious a personage could only have talked upon one -topic, Tefza smiled graciously, and leading his guest down to a covered -apartment, ordered a dish of kusscason, and dried fruits.</p> - -<p>During supper, Sebastian discovered that Abensallah had introduced -himself in the chief mosque to the Hadgé, and proclaiming himself the -hermit of Benzeroel, had immediately received an invitation to rest for -the night under his roof: he was to set off again the ensuing day.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p> - -<p>“A charitable errand brought me to Riffa,” he said, addressing Tefza, -“our blessed prophet has allowed me to fulfil it: by sun-rise to-morrow -I must return to my mountain, for many unfortunates are now perhaps -waiting for me there to ask my feeble prayers,—let this Christian -accompany me a little on my way.”</p> - -<p>Tefza joyfully consented, and they separated for the night.—There was -no sleep in the breast of Sebastian, agitated by anxiety to learn more -of Aziek’s situation, and thrilling with a multitude of sweet -anticipations, he left his bed, and traversed his room: sometimes he -stopt and embraced Barémel, thanking him for having preserved a life now -unspeakably dear to him; but still oftener he prostrated himself before -the cross, and yielded up his whole soul to the delightful duty of -gratitude.</p> - -<p>It was in these moments that the proud spirit which had rebelled against -its trials, and dared to question divine justice, be<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>came soft and -malleable, and melted into penitence: how was he touched and overcome -when he reflected, that at the very time he was resisting the almighty -hand, that bounteous hand was preparing for him the most miraculous -blessing!</p> - -<p>Struck, penetrated with remorse, he wept his fault; and never was the -imperious monarch of Portugal more humble, more impressed with a sense -of human dependance, than at this period when happiness seemed to woo -his embrace.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a id="CHAP_VIII"></a>CHAP. VIII.</h2> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">Day</span> dawned over the high top of Atlas, bringing the hour for -Abensallah’s departure; Sebastian was first ready: they set off -together, the former seated on a quiet mule, which Tefza kindly forced -the dervise to accept; the latter walking by his side.</p> - -<p>No sooner were they beyond the precincts of Riffa, and passing under the -refreshing shade of trees, than Sebastian besought his companion to -proceed with his narrative: Abensallah hastened to acquiesce.</p> - -<p>“My story will not be much longer;” he observed, “it is enough to tell -thee that Kara Aziek reached her home in safety, where the ablest -physicians were employed to restore her health: but her<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> soul languished -for thee, my son, and medicines cannot reach the soul.—her father too, -happy in beholding her again, and moved by her melancholy, though -ignorant of its cause, consented to defer sending information of her -safety to the Basha of Syria, till our prophet should have heard the -prayers of the physicians: this indulgence somewhat revived her, yet her -heart drooped again, for she believed thee lost. Wasted by sorrow and -sickness, every one supposed her fast descending to Hades, when lo, her -looks brightened, her spirit overflowed with joy, and she revived to a -second life. This wonderful change was wrought in her, by one of those -events which Providence orders, but which erring mortals so often -attribute to chance.”</p> - -<p>Dost thou not remember, prince, having found a traveller in the road to -Riffa, whom robbers had stripped and left covered with wounds?—thou -did’st carry him in thine arms to the house of thy master,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> thy pious -cares restored him to life, he sojourned with thee five days, at -parting, thy words were these, “Moor, do not thank <i>me</i>, thank Christ, -whose servant I am, and who has taught me to succour even those who deny -his name.”</p> - -<p>“Yes—I remember this man, but what had he to do with my fate?”</p> - -<p>“Much,” returned Abensallah, “see how good actions bless -themselves!—this man came to Mequinez to visit a brother, who is -married to Kara Aziek’s favorite woman: he spoke of thee, he detailed -thy humanity, described thy person, and thy discourses, but chiefly he -spoke of yon faithful animal, whom he had heard thee call thy preserver -from shipwreck: at this relation Benzaide ran to her mistress, -transfused her own hopes into her bosom, and quickly suggested a mode of -being satisfied.—The Almoçadem El Hader, had been just offered the -government of Benzeroel; Kara Aziek was to<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> persuade him to accept it, -as that step would bring her into a cavila near thee.</p> - -<p>“No sooner was she removed thither, than remembering thy accounts of -Abensallah, she dispatched messengers for me, partly that I might teach -her how best to thank the great prophet for restoring her health, partly -to interest me with her own anxiety: the sad story she had to tell of -thy misfortunes, renewed all my affection, I set out, and found thee.”</p> - -<p>At these words, Sebastian precipitated himself into the arms of the -benevolent dervise, his excessive emotion deprived him of utterance: “Ah -my son!” resumed Abensallah, “if Providence destines thee to regain thy -rights, thou hast promised to sheathe the sword, which for so many -centuries has desolated Africa;—be true to that promise, and then I -cannot believe myself culpable in seeking to obtain thy freedom, and -preserving for thee the heart of her, whose virtues will prove<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> the best -guarantee of thy good faith. Thou knowest I am no bigot; wherever they -are to be found, sincerity and zeal obtain my respect. Christians are as -yet but walking in darkness, they see not the light that we do, but if -they walk uprightly according to their own laws, may we not hope for -their salvation? Obey <i>thy</i> prophet, prince, and then I trust we shall -meet again, even in the paradise of his superior, Mahomet.”</p> - -<p>“Hold, hold, father,” interrupted Sebastian, averting his face with a -look of horror, “I must not listen to such impious words. I acknowledge -no superior to Him under whose banner I fight.”</p> - -<p>Abensallah cast on him a glance of pity, but did not answer: Sebastian -for some time preserved a dignified silence, at length suddenly -recollecting the commission he had formerly given the dervise, he -enquired whether he had ever sought out the Portuguese prisoners.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p> - -<p>A new source of satisfaction opened to him when he learnt that -Abensallah’s charitable exertions had procured the release of several, -and that amongst them was Don Emanuel de Castro.</p> - -<p>Had he then told De Castro of his sovereign’s existence? How had he -received that information? What sentiments had he uttered? These, and a -croud of other questions, followed each other with such impetuosity, -that the dervise scarcely found an opportunity of replying to them.</p> - -<p>“When he took the ring thou didst instruct me to display,” said -Abensallah, “his otherwise calm and thoughtful aspect, became suddenly -as changeful my son, as thine own: his cheek alternately reddened and -grew pale, and his eyes bent on the momentous signet, seemed fraught -with past events: once or twice he sighed, but soon brightening into -joy, he put it respectfully to his lips, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> devoutly blessed thy -prophet for having preserved thee. Having told him of thy strange -disappearance, he seemed greatly disturbed, although I endeavoured to -make him believe that some hasty impulse had prompted thee to brave thy -fate, without my assistance: he then won from me the ring, assuring me -that shouldst thou not be returned to Portugal, unless he could produce -that, such of the grandees as found it their interest to doubt, might -plausibly suspect him of falsehood. To this reasoning I yielded, and -soon after, journeying to Tangier, made my way to the governor, and -brought back with me a redemption friar, to treat for Don Emanuel’s -ransom.</p> - -<p>“Ignorant of his rank, the person to whose lot he had fallen would have -sold him for a trifle, but thy friend refused to take advantage of this -circumstance: he left with him seven purses of gold crowns.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“How like De Castro!” interrupted his once-intemperate rival, “nobleness -and he were twin-born! Father, it is one of my sins to have used this -man unworthily.”</p> - -<p>“What an unworthy passion must that have been which blinded thee!” -exclaimed Abensallah, with an earnestness unusual to him. “Were I to -paint Truth, the majestic portrait should have the lineaments of Emanuel -de Castro.”</p> - -<p>“It was an unworthy passion;” returned the King, casting his eyes down, -yet somewhat proudly still—“However, father, I believed the object of -it, what she appeared, an angel!”</p> - -<p>This oblique defence produced some observations and admonitions from -Abensallah which carried along with them infinite instruction; Sebastian -listened with profound attention, and many of the exhortations he then -heard, were remembered in after years with solid advantage.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p> - -<p>They parted near a village where the good dervise had some charitable -visits to make.</p> - -<p>Reflective but happy, Sebastian returned homewards, too much occupied -with Kara Aziek’s safety, and Abensallah’s friendship, to recollect that -he was even now remote from enjoying them; fortunately for human nature, -it is ever inclined to take one good as the earnest of another; and -sweetly cheated by this self-delusion, the King of Portugal already -looked confidently to the ultimate possession of all his wishes.</p> - -<p>Tefza welcomed him back with many an encomium upon the pious dervise, -whose discourses he ventured to hope would not be thrown away: -encouraged by the complacency with which his slave heard him, he renewed -his own arguments in favor of Mahomet, promising to make the Christian -his heir, provided he would embrace Islamism. At any other period such -a<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> proposal would have drawn down on him a storm of indignation, but the -harmonized feelings of Sebastian were at present inclined to put the -most amiable construction upon every thing, he therefore saw only zeal -and affection in this weak attempt at bribing him to abandon his -peculiar faith, and answered him temperately yet firmly.</p> - -<p>This unusual gentleness on a topic which had hitherto roused fiery -opposition, gave the good Hadgé grounds for believing him not unmoved by -the conversation of Abensallah.</p> - -<p>While he was indulging unreal satisfaction during the days which -followed this, his royal slave was impatiently watching the -re-appearance of that winged messenger whose speedy return Abensallah -had led him to expect. The first glow of blissful surprise was now over, -chilling fears began to succeed; and in proportion to the value he set -on Liberty and Love,<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> so increased his doubts of ever obtaining them.</p> - -<p>Kara Aziek under the command of her father, and himself in slavery, were -ill able to give a happy change to their mutual destiny: it is true -Abensallah had informed him that she would purchase his freedom through -the medium of Benzaide’s brother-in-law, but observation of the Hadgé’s -character warned him not to rely too much upon his acquiescence, and -while contemplating the blind zeal of that devotee, he trembled to -think, that after all, this bright dawn might darken, and the sun of -felicity sink in clouds.</p> - -<p>The fourth day elapsed without bringing any intelligence from Benzeroel: -every hour of those days had the King hurried to the terrace, and -hastily glanced round the whole circle of air; in the evenings when -Tefza was at the mosque, he repaired to his station, gazing with a -throbbing heart, which mistook every cloud for a bird.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p> - -<p>The day was done, Tefza had come home and retired to rest, Sebastian -sought the terrace again; he leaned over its railing, and his eyes -wandered round a scene of solemn beauty.</p> - -<p>The “moon walking in brightness,” cast her sublime shadow upon the city -below; the minaurets of its mosques, and the flat roofs of its houses -were covered with light as with a mantle; profound repose rested on -these buildings; but a moment before they had been full of hurry and -noise: distant groves of tall palms, and the far-off mountains of Atlas -with their snowy summits, glittered faintly on the horizon, filling the -imagination with yet nobler images, and prompting genius and piety to -awake together. The whole prospect breathed peace, and all nature -appeared to feel in this majestic stillness the immediate presence of -her Almighty Maker.</p> - -<p>Sebastian’s heart was touched, a sweet melancholy penetrated and filled -it, never<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> before had he thought of Kara Aziek with so little passion or -so much love; never before had he contemplated eternity with her, with -so much enthusiasm; he repeated her name softly, and some tears stole -down his cheek.</p> - -<p>“O beautiful planet!” he exclaimed, fixing his swimming eyes on the orb -above, “Thou alone art like my beloved! perhaps she is looking on thee -at this moment, and thinking of her Sebastian: our souls are then -meeting, Kara Aziek, sympathy unites them, though a hard fate separates -our lives.—Are we not destined to live together in another world?—O -yes, thou wilt abjure thy error, and give thyself to the God I worship.”</p> - -<p>He stopt, mused awhile, then recollecting the dove, again looked -wistfully round. Perhaps some disaster had happened to her, some -wandering Alarbe might have shot her as she flew! at so probable an idea -composure vanished, and anxiety<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> blended with pity began to encrease -insupportably.</p> - -<p>But at that instant a bright speck is seen on the deep blue of the -Heavens; it increases, approaches! soon the white wings of a bird are -visible, they move swifter, they pause, it is the dove!</p> - -<p>She drops from her height and alights beside him: Sebastian seizes her -hastily, but his trembling hand almost fears to grasp his prize; he -covers her head, her wings, with kisses, he feels the letter beneath -them, yet, as if afraid of too much joy, is unable to do more than to -renew those kisses and to call on Heaven as the witness of his -gratitude!</p> - -<p>Having at last secured his treasure, neither humanity nor justice would -permit him to enjoy it, till he had rewarded its carrier; he ran with -the little creature in his bosom to his own chamber where he gave it -food and water, caressing it all the time with a fondness which excited<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> -Barémel’s jealousy; he barked, and leaped upon his master as if to -remind him that he too had served him.</p> - -<p>“What a change!” exclaimed Sebastian, musing, “from a court and crowds -of serving nobles, to this Moorish hovel; and these two mute creatures! -ah well, they love me, and are faithful.”</p> - -<p>He now placed the pigeon in a cage of oziers which he had before -prepared for her, and while her weary eyes closed in sleep, and Barémel -was comforted by licking his master’s hand unchidden, the momentous -letter was opened and read.</p> - -<p>All that the tenderest and freeest of hearts could dictate when -addressing the object dearest to it on earth, that letter contained; it -repeated vows of eternal constancy, and assured him that his freedom -would immediately be attempted: but the joy diffused over Sebastian’s -mind by this promise was blighted at once by learning, that a lamentable -disorder had<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> seized El Hader, and that in consequence of it, Aziek -believed herself bound to remain with him.</p> - -<p>“Thou wilt quit Barbary,” she wrote, “alas! thou wilt then have to quit -it alone, (for how can I clandestinely desert a dying father who has -indulgently heard my prayer of being released from the Basha?) but -thoughts of Kara Aziek’s love will live in thy generous soul, and thou -wilt claim her after thy return to Portugal.”</p> - -<p>“Yet O! think not my beloved, that I will not follow thee to the -remotest corner of the globe, should the angel of death summon away my -kind parent: my soul is inseparable from thine; it is lost, confounded, -mixed with thine for ever. Whatever be thy destiny I have a precious -right to share it: in happiness or in misery art thou not <i>my</i> -Sebastian?”</p> - -<p>In another part she described in the most affecting language her -emotions on receiving the proof of his preservation<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> Sebastian did not -require so lively a picture of Kara Aziek’s devotedness to be convinced -that she lived only in him, and that while a sacred duty withheld her -from sharing his fate immediately, she was rending her heart to obey its -dictates. Alas! if he were to quit Barbary without her, how many years -might pass ere he could return to claim her!</p> - -<p>The joyful tumults excited at first, now sunk into sadness; trouble and -apprehension took possession of that breast which so lately seemed -filled with an eternity of happiness, and reclining his head on his -hand, the sorrowful Sebastian sat thinking away the hours of night in -cheerless solitude.</p> - -<p>Aziek had settled that Babec (the dove was so called,) should remain in -his care till after the arrival of Benzaide’s brother-in-law, and that -then the pretty messenger was to be dispatched with news to his -impatient mistress: Sebastian was to journey<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> with his purchaser to the -house of Benzaide, from whence it would not be difficult to manage an -interview with Kara Aziek.</p> - -<p>These were all the arrangements Aziek had yet made, at least all that -she had written down; for in her heart were multitudes of contrary -wishes, fantastic plans, seducing hopes, which she meant to communicate -to her lover when they met. She was indeed meditating a full avowal to -her father, whose sanction alone could reconcile such opposite -affections; this project however, required infinite consideration, as El -Hader might not easily give credit to the royal dignity, and base -injuries of his former slave, or if he did, might deem it an act of -conscience to betray him into the hands of his own sovereign: at any -rate a Mussulman’s antipathy to a Christian would cost much pains to -overcome.</p> - -<p>After the lapse of a few days, Benzaid<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span>e’s brother appeared at Riffa; -the Hadgé instantly recollected in him the merchant whom his slave had -succoured, and welcomed him, as he did all strangers, with benevolent -hospitality: but when he proposed purchasing his benefactor, and so -returning his goodness by the gift of freedom, Tefza turned pale, -stammered out some encomiums upon his gratitude, and refused the -request; a look of indignation from Sebastian made him cast down his -eyes.</p> - -<p>The traveller ventured to name a decided sum of money, and receiving no -answer, doubled its amount; the Hadgé replied by a short angry negative: -again the traveller redoubled his offer, and again Tefza refused it; the -whole day was wasted in fruitless proposals on the one side, and firm -denials on the other.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Sebastian watched with breathless anxiety the countenances of -each; the letter Kara Aziek had sent him<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> by Benzaide’s brother -increased this anxiety, as it contained an account of her father’s -heightened danger, warning him to prepare for many fresh obstacles if he -were not free at the moment of his death to snatch her from the power of -her relations. Tefza’s obstinacy almost irritated him to utter bitter -invectives against that bigotted religion by which it was dictated: -never before had he expressed himself so violently.</p> - -<p>The Hadgé was grieved, somewhat displeased, but not shaken. “Come, come, -no more of this my son, you speak the language of the evil-one, and he -would fain make prey of that well-disposed heart of yours.—I know what -is good for you—my frequent prayers do not arise in vain—some day our -prophet will hear them, and you will feel that he does. What is money to -me?—I have plenty of it—I covet only the treasure of good works;—and -is it not a good work to save a soul?—once for all, I say I will not<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> -part with you.—Traveller you have your answer.”—</p> - -<p>Kara Aziek’s agent sorrowfully departed.—</p> - -<p>Sebastian hesitated a moment, then remembering that he owed her a -sacrifice, he surmounted his towering spirit, and threw himself at the -old man’s feet: there he implored his generosity, he acknowledged his -obligations, he described his own affection and respect, but then he -painted his passionate longing for freedom in the liveliest colours, and -ventured to touch upon his own fidelity in having so long borne the -weight of servitude, rather than act treacherously to a confiding -master. In short he left no persuasion unapplied.</p> - -<p>Tefza shed tears, and raised him tenderly; but he began upon the old -argument, repeating his unjust determination.</p> - -<p>Lashed into fury Sebastian now flung away the Hadgé’s hand, and looking -at him with an inflamed countenance, ex<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span>claimed—“Take back then, all -your favours;—at least oppress me with them no more—— I here abjure -them, tell you I abhor them—will retain them no longer!—from this hour -I hold myself released from every scruple of honour, and will employ my -whole soul in trying to fly your accursed country! look well to me -then—say not I have basely deceived you, for I tell it you in the face -of Heaven.—— Why do you force me to this ingratitude, old man?—you -<i>have</i> used me most graciously—may God bless you for it”—his voice -faultered as he spoke the last words, but impatient of reply, he rushed -out of the apartment.—</p> - -<p>Blinded by passion, his reason did not see the folly of a too hasty -communication to Kara Aziek; he hurried to his own chamber, wrote her a -short detail of his disappointment, ending with an assurance that he -would break his bonds at any rate, and soon hasten to her: having taken -Babec from her cage, and fastened the<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> vellum under her silver wing, he -opened the casement and let her fly.</p> - -<p>Scarcely waiting till she should disappear, he left his room and ran -with the quickness of chafed feelings towards the town, where he had -several sick persons to visit, and much alms to distribute: this -occupation, by reminding him of the Hadgé’s best qualities, caused him -to regret having expressed his purpose, however determined, in such -harsh terms: regret increased painfully, and brought him back sooner -than his accustomed hour.—</p> - -<p>Tefza was out, and did not re-appear till night was far wasted: on -seeing his slave quietly standing at the gate watching his return, he -uttered an exclamation of joy; Sebastian then found that the Hadgé had -been all these hours in search of him, whom he believed gone to put his -threat of flight into execution.</p> - -<p>The garments of Tefza were dripping<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> with wet, for it had rained heavily -after sun-set, and he was too solicitous to get tidings of his runaway, -to think of sheltering himself: he now embraced Sebastian, saying, he -trusted that Alla had made him repent his cruel anger, and disposed him -to continue happily with one who loved him like a father.</p> - -<p>Gratitude and compunction did indeed appear in the King’s reply, but he -gently repeated his unaltered determination, even while occupied in -changing the old man’s soaked galebia, with a careful tenderness hostile -to his words. Tefza sighed, squeezed the Christian’s hand, and withdrew -shivering to his chamber.</p> - -<p>The night was spent by Sebastian in such disturbance of mind as keeps -sleep far distant: passion and gratitude urged him to fly to Kara Aziek; -gratitude joined by honour forbade him to escape from Tefza. In the -storm raised by those contradictory emotions, reason’s voice was -unheard; what passion wished, she pro<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span>nounced lawful, what her rival -attempted to say was hastily silenced.</p> - -<p>Never before had Sebastian found it difficult to discover the path of -duty; he dreaded his final decision, because it might be influenced by -his desires, and nearly leaned to the erroneous side merely from fearing -himself too much.</p> - -<p>The next morning however, found him resolved to regain his rightful -liberty by any means, since he had neither consented to part with it, -nor forfeited his claim by the commission of crimes: accident alone, not -even the chance of War, had brought him into bondage; perhaps, he -thought, they who enlist under her banners bind themselves to abide by -her nicer laws; here, however, no laws exist to chain me.—</p> - -<p>Cheered by the serenity which always follows a resolution grounded upon -conscientious deliberation, he lightly left his room, and was proceeding -out of the house with an intent of purchasing in<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> Riffa some coarse -habit to serve as a disguise, when a low groan arrested his steps; he -listened,—another, and another followed,—they came from the -sleeping-room of his master.</p> - -<p>Forgetful of all those anxieties which but a moment before had engrossed -him, he pushed open the door, and cautiously entered; the sound of his -tread startled Tefza, he faintly unclosed his eyes, exclaiming “ah! is -it you, my son!—give me some drink—I am very ill.”</p> - -<p>Sebastian hastened to his bed-side, on touching Tefza’s hand he found it -dry and burning; his eyes were heavy, his breath short—every symptom -announced one of those malignant fevers which so frequently ravage -Barbary, and are produced by excessive moisture after intense heats.</p> - -<p>Struck with the conviction that it was to the search for him that Tefza -owed his malady, Sebastian’s heart smote him more powerfully than -justice required; he hur<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span>ried to rouse the household slaves, and have -the physician sent for, then he returned to the old man, and sat -watching and soothing him by turns.</p> - -<p>The Moorish doctor was just skilful enough to perceive his patient’s -extreme danger, and to prescribe a few innoxious useless simples; he -repeated his visit at night, by which time the Hadgé was delirious, and -his fever alarmingly increased.</p> - -<p>Observing the ignorance of this practitioner, and remembering the -remedies resorted to by the Portuguese, Sebastian assumed some command, -and ventured to act according to the suggestions of his own -understanding; the medicines he administered were in some degree -successful: but a fierce disease must have its course; the fever raged -for one-and twenty days, till it had spent its fires, and then they went -out of themselves.</p> - -<p>During this tedious period Sebastian was agitated by the greatest -inquietude for Kara Aziek; Benzaide’s brother-in-<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>law (having delayed -his return a few days,) had been the bearer of a letter describing the -tie which now bound him to Riffa, and Babec had afterwards appeared with -the information of El Hader’s death, and the removal of Aziek to the -neighbouring house of an uncle.</p> - -<p>Plunged in filial sorrow, she had scarcely said more than that her sad -heart needed the consolation of its dearest object, though at the same -time she urged him by every sacred law of gratitude and humanity not to -desert the Hadgé till death had released him, or health returned.</p> - -<p>As Sebastian sat by the old man’s pillow, contemplating his wasted -figure while it lay composed in sleep, (for the fever had left him,) he -could not refrain from heaving deep and repeated sighs; a tedious -convalescence must follow such a violent disorder: Tefza, reduced to -infantine feebleness, would long require the tenderest care—who would -bestow it in the absence<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> of Sebastian?—Alas, even goodness cannot -always insure to itself a comforter in the time of need! most men are -capable of making <i>one</i> great sacrifice to their benefactor, but how few -are disposed to yield without murmuring, their time, their enjoyments, -nay their rest and personal liberty, in a continued round of privations!</p> - -<p>“Poor childless old man!” said Sebastian, looking tenderly on him, “thou -hast thy wish, I remain with thee.”</p> - -<p>At this virtuous resolution, some sweetness mingled with the pain of -regret: O delightful emotion of self-approval, how amply dost thou repay -the soul for any sacrifice!</p> - -<p>Sebastian’s heart was calmed yet elevated, and he added devoutly—“This -is Heaven’s will.”</p> - -<p>It was his purpose to stay at Riffa, till Tefza should be sufficiently -recovered, and then he hoped to obtain freedom from his gratitude, -without having recourse to<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span> violent measures. Kara Aziek, shut up in her -uncle’s house with the privacy of mourning, would be almost -inaccessible, were he near her abode, and it was therefore as well, -perhaps, for them to be thus far asunder, till her grief was enough -abated for them to concert together a mode of flight: two or three weeks -longer, and he hoped to be with Benzaide in the cavila of Benzeroel.</p> - -<p>Tefza’s recovery was tryingly slow; and though he felt and acknowledged -his obligation to the heroic faithfulness of Sebastian, he had not the -heroism himself to repay it instantly by freedom:—he would only promise -freedom hereafter, but no intreaties could prevail on him to fix the -period.</p> - -<p>The sickly state of his body and mind pleaded so powerfully for -indulgence, that Sebastian forbore to press the subject, secretly making -up his mind to a decisive step, should the old man’s wearying -irresolution render it necessary.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the midst of these inquietudes, another billet arrived from Kara -Aziek, it was written hastily, and with a trembling hand: “Alas!” she -said, “we are lost, my beloved! my uncle has just informed me, that the -Basha of Syria, acquainted with my existence, has reclaimed my -person—he is set out to receive me—light of my soul! am I again to be -torn from thee? art thou to be lost to me at last?—despair and love -change my whole nature; I am no longer thy timid, starting Aziek. I -meditate a rash, ah me! perhaps an immodest step: I am going, disguised -like one of thy sex, to seek refuge in flight; Benzaide and her husband -will accompany me: we will bend our course to the dwelling of -Abensallah, his piety will be our protection and our guide, wilt thou -not meet me there, Sebastian? at least when gratitude and humanity have -no longer claims on thee, wilt thou not hasten to her, whom the most -passionate wishes, the wildest fears, consume hour<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span>ly?—but oh! how -sweet it is, to feel life burning out for thee!</p> - -<p>“Providence opens to me the door of liberty, this night perhaps, this -night, ah! haste my beloved.”</p> - -<p>The most frightful pangs seized Sebastian on reading this letter, in -their first paroxysm he was on the point of hastening to Tefza, casting -himself at his feet, declaring his situation, and imploring permission -to depart; but the next moment he trembled at the rash suggestion, -confident that Tefza’s bigotry, would never pardon a Mahometan woman for -loving a Christian.</p> - -<p>He then sought to allay his apprehensions by reflecting on the safe -asylum Kara Aziek had chosen; yet how would she arrive there? she, so -delicate, so timid, so inexperienced! was her tender frame made for the -haste and fatigue of flight! and that flight too, performed under -burning skies, upon uneasy animals, and exposed to numberless accidents! -were her<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span> sex discovered in that relentless country, (where women are -deemed impious if they believe themselves created without roots) shame -and punishment would follow.</p> - -<p>At that thought the devoted lover fancied himself ready to pay any price -for her safety,—nay, even that of wholly resigning her; he thought so -only an instant; her soft beauties in the arms of another, was an idea -so abhorrent, that it maddened him as it passed, and banished all wish -for her delay.</p> - -<p>He now hurried out in search of Tefza, and found him stretched along a -paillasse in his garden, enjoying the evening air; as he approached, the -infirm old man eyed him with an expression of thanking kindliness, which -pained while it pleased Sebastian: having uttered several assurances of -reviving health, and eaten heartily of some dish brought by a servant, -he afforded the impatient King an opportunity of remarking upon his -convales<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span>cence, and consequently of re-urging his suit.</p> - -<p>The subject was once more discussed with vehement importunity by the -one, and useless arguments by the other; Sebastian was again inflamed to -passion, and again the weak Tefza became sick, and tearful, and -relenting.</p> - -<p>“But one trial more!” he cried, detaining the King by his mantle, “thou -knowest how my heart yearns for thy conversion—gratitude for thy late -goodness encreases this desire, and makes me seem cruel to thee, when I -mean to be most kind. Only accompany me to Mecca; with the first -caravan, I go thither to bless the prophet for my life, and to implore -him for thee: should he not hear my unworthy prayers, should thy soul -remain unconverted by the piety thou wilt behold there, I swear to thee -by Mahomet himself, that in three days after our arrival, thou shalt be -free!<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Sebastian turned quickly round, and fixed his eyes on him with a look -that searched his soul: “Swear it to me!” he exclaimed, then as suddenly -stopping, he added, “Tefza I cannot consent, it will be too late.”</p> - -<p>His fate at this period depended on the chance of a single moment; a -day, an hour, might ravish Kara Aziek from him, and with her all hope of -future happiness from the attainment of minor objects. Tefza’s repeated -refusal and desolate ill health, by turns maddened and melted him; yet -was he just enough to respect the old man’s motive, even while suffering -under its pernicious effects.</p> - -<p>A new thought struck him: “we are not many leagues from Benzeroel,” he -cried, “let us go thither Tefza! you venerate the worthy dervise who -dwells among its mountains: we will state our case—you shall urge every -argument suggested by this fruitless wish of converting<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> me,—I will -simply state the mode by which I became a slave, my desire of freedom, -my dutiful care of you in illness, and your indefinite promise:—if he -bid me go with you to Arabia, I will comply,—if he exhort you to -torture me no longer, but fulfil your promise, may I not expect that you -will obey him?”</p> - -<p>Transported out of himself, Tefza caught the ardent King in his arms, -exclaiming—“I consent—we set out to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>Leaving him no time for consideration, Sebastian hastily obtained -permission, and left the garden to order preparations for their journey: -while doing so, he reflected with some confusion upon the stratagem he -had used: his ingenuous nature abhorred even the appearance of artifice, -and this was not the first time in his life that he had given that name -to prudence.</p> - -<p>To conceal any thing from another, interested in the subject of that -concealment, had uniformly seemed to him a species<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> of insincerity, -which he never practised without extreme repugnance: this noble -prejudice now covered his brow with the colouring of shame: he paused -and considered “But what advantage do I mean to make of this artifice? -none that the Hadgé will not himself sanction; we shall both gain the -benefit of Abensallah’s counsel; he will perhaps convince Tefza, that -equity demands my freedom, and that not even their religion authorizes -unjust actions; he will persuade him, possibly, from this perilous -journey into Arabia,—if not, I do not mean to take sanctuary with -Abensallah, I will perform my engagement, and hasten back from Mecca to -Benzeroel; alas! all the good this stratagem may bestow, will be only -the satisfaction of seeing my beloved, of knowing that she is safe, and -can wait securely for me.”</p> - -<p>Sebastian’s heart said all this sincerely, and he endeavoured to think, -that by<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> withholding the principal motive of his present conduct from -Tefza, he was not deceiving, though he was not confiding in him.</p> - -<p>By day-break on the morrow the travellers set forth: Tefza on a camel, -attended by two trusty servants, Sebastian on a stout mule, guarded by -the faithful Barémel, and cherishing in his bosom Kara Aziek’s dove.</p> - -<p>This tender little creature, seemed in her lover’s eyes, a part of Aziek -herself: whenever he softly kissed its warm plumage, delightful emotions -thrilled through his veins; the balmy breath of its gentle mistress -appeared to be yet there, and he could fancy a thousand fond caresses -lavished on Babec, meant for him, and so rendered to him at last.</p> - -<p>As he now mounted his mule, he lightly smoothed the bird’s silver wings, -pressed them yet lighter with his lips, and carefully laid her to rest -next his<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> heart: the look he gave her, was such as a mother bestows on -her first born and only child!</p> - -<p>Tefza smiled at his favorite slave’s <i>playthings</i>, as he called Barémel -and Babec, half inclined to think his wits disordered from such unmanly -solicitude about a bird; but too indulgent to say so, he waited till -Sebastian had safely adjusted his charge, and then ordered the camels, -&c. to proceed.</p> - -<p>Travelling instead of exhausting, revived the Hadgé, for he rested -during the hot hours of noon, and only moved when the air was tempered -by morning or evening breezes: Sebastian had a thousand times to -recollect that Tefza was old and sick ere he could prevent himself from -impatiently urging a quicker method; his soul was already at the cave of -Abensallah. Imagination had placed him in the embrace of Kara Aziek; -that timid, ardent embrace, to which Love at one moment gave the most -transporting character, and the next<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> instant changed it into tremors of -apprehension and shame: he fancied her pitying tears over the grave of -his friend; at that sad image, passion’s intoxicating reveries suddenly -fled, Sebastian’s thoughts assumed a severer cast, and many were the -pangs of self-reproach which now tyrannised over him.</p> - -<p>Reflections like these happily abstracted some portion of his anxiety -about Aziek, and the attentions required by his feeble companion -completed their effect.</p> - -<p>They reached the extremity of Mounts Benzeroel on the evening of the -ninth day.</p> - -<p>At sight of Abensallah’s tranquil abode, where Sebastian had experienced -so much goodness, where he had performed the last melancholy duties to -Stukeley, where so many hopes and wishes (now annihilated,) had once -agitated his heart, where at length he was come to seek the most -faithful and tender of women, he was inexpressibly moved; a variety of -feelings melted him;<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> he stopt, gazed wistfully on the rock, and -precipitately concealed his face in his garment.</p> - -<p>He was roused by the well-remembered voice of Ismael, now at the mouth -of the cave, who was praying the travellers to alight: as the Hadgé -entered first, Sebastian had an opportunity of discovering himself to -Ismael, and charging him not to mention their former acquaintance before -Tefza or his servants; after this precaution, he entered.</p> - -<p>On passing the threshold he cast a trembling glance round the narrow -cell; no one was there but Tefza and Abensallah: his heart died away; -yet, did he expect to behold Kara Aziek? no, she must be secured in the -interior apartment which Abensallah reserved as an asylum for persecuted -persons.</p> - -<p>Occupied with the most frightful anxiety (for his inconsistent heart -could not recover from its first shock,) he scarcely saw the reverend -dervise who was folding him<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span> to his breast and saving; him his -benediction; an observation from Tefza roused him, and faultering out a -few grateful words, he sat down opposite to the chamber he longed to -penetrate.</p> - -<p>His eyes now searched those of Abensallah, but extreme earnestness -blunted his perception, for he knew not whether it was comfort or -commiseration he read in that gently-expressive face: his own looks were -only too distinct a transcript of his disturbed soul: the alternate -flushings and mortal paleness of his cheeks, could not escape the notice -of Tefza, he believed that they were occasioned by the workings of a -mind which began to feel the true religion.</p> - -<p>In fact the Hadgé was now diffusely detailing his errand to Benzeroel, -and calling upon Abensallah to assist the great work he had humbly taken -in hand: Abensallah bestowed many sincere encomiums upon his pious -intention of visiting Mecca, but required to<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span> hear the Christian’s -sentiments ere he could properly pronounce his own opinion.</p> - -<p>“Speak to him alone if thou wilt; said the triumphant Tefza, I will -yield him every advantage, he shall confess at least, that I am solely -actuated by affection for his soul.”</p> - -<p>At this acceptable proposal, Ismael was called to lead the Hadgé up a -flight of steps cut in the rock which led to another cell where lay the -Koran and other holy books, and which the dervise denominated his -mosque.</p> - -<p>Sebastian started up on their departure, and stood trembling with -repressed eagerness, till the echo of their feet above, was no longer -distinct, he then grasped Abensallah’s arm with one hand, while he -stretched out the other towards the spring of the secret door.—“She is -here? my father?” he said, in a voice that half-demined and half asked -the question.</p> - -<p>“No my son, she is not: prepare thy<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> spirit for still further trials: -she is with the servants of the Basha, on the road to Syria.”</p> - -<p>Abensallah’s first words were sufficient for Sebastian; his soul, -already enfeebled by an extreme indulgence of delightful anticipations, -had not strength to bear this shock, he staggered a few paces, and fell -apparently lifeless against the wall of the cell.</p> - -<p>On loosening his unhappy friend’s vest, Abensallah perceived Babec, whom -he hastily shut into a basket, then returned to the King, and sprinkled -his face with water: he revived at length; but with every breath he -drew, repeated sighs seemed rending life a second time away.</p> - -<p>Abensallah meanwhile gently spoke of resignation to Heaven’s decrees, of -those unexpected turns in our destiny which so often make light spring -out of darkness; Sebastian smiled sadly, and again sighed heavily: the -dervise then pressed upon him the peculiar mercies which had already<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> -been shewn him by the Great Being who thought fit to cloud his sunshine -awhile. The young Monarch at that moment despised thrones and courts, -too certain, that with Kara Aziek would go all his happiness; ashamed of -his weakness he looked aside with a flushed cheek; “O my father!” he -said, “think not that I am thus vanquished by selfish regret, no, I call -Heaven to witness it is for <i>her</i> my heart is wrung so sorely.”</p> - -<p>The compassionate Abensallah hastened to alleviate this pain, he -informed him that Kara Aziek had but just dispatched her last letter to -Riffa, when a numerous cavalcade of camels, horsemen, and presents, -headed by an officer of the Basha’s army, had arrived at El Hader’s -mansion: the Basha himself was in Syria, where he was detained by a war -with the Persians, and having learned from the uncle of Aziek that she -still lived, had sent his people to claim her.</p> - -<p>Callous to her tears, intreaties, and protestations of being released by -her fa<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span>ther from this hated engagement, her relentless uncle insisted -upon her immediate departure; she could not doubt that he was actuated -by avarice, as he would inherit that fortune the proud Basha refused to -accept, were she to quit Barbary, and she therefore offered to resign -every thing into his hands: but her kinsman persisted in his commands, -for he mistrusted her sincerity.</p> - -<p>Narrowly watched, and so precluded from escaping, the unhappy victim -could only steal into Benzaide’s hand as she embraced her at parting, a -letter for Abensallah, and some directions for her own conduct; the -latter enjoined her to dispatch her brother-in-law to Benzeroel with the -billet for Abensallah, and the young brood of Babec. Aziek’s tender -heart could not disregard even the instincts of a bird; and she well -knew that if Sebastian believed her journeying towards the cave of the -dervise, he would not release the dove, nor lose sight of it, till he -had<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span> brought it thither. Babec therefore would come to Benzeroel; to -whom then could she bequeath her pretty favorite with its little -nestlings, so cheerfully as to Abensallah?</p> - -<p>She wrote to tell him so, and to intreat that he would soften to -Sebastian the dreadful blow which her forced departure must inflict. In -the most solemn manner she besought her lover to believe that she would -perish rather than yield herself to the Basha; that wherever she might -be conveyed, however oppressed or threatened, she would consider her -heart and her person equally the property of her absent Sebastian, and -that he might be certain, that whether Aziek lived or died, she lived or -died worthy of his love. She coupled this declaration with an earnest -entreaty that he would follow her into Syria, where during the months -sacred to mourning in those countries, she might find some mode of -escaping to him, were he near enough to aid and to receive her.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span></p> - -<p>Many tears had blotted the characters traced by her hand, but the -feelings of Sebastian instructed him in hers, and he was obliged to turn -away from Abensallah, that his weakness might not again be visible: when -he came to that passage which announced her future intention, and -required him to follow her, his emotions were suddenly changed; the -Phœnix hope sprung from her own ashes, and made him now as impatient to -fly with Tefza into the vicinity of Syria, as he had before been -solicitous to avoid it.</p> - -<p>Strange vicissitude of human affairs! how often do the changes of a -single hour convert events from curses into blessings! Sebastian had -considered the Hadgé’s pilgrimage as the most fatal mischance that could -have arisen, now it seemed only a kind interposition of Providence in -his favour.</p> - -<p>The re-appearance of Tefza abruptly terminated the discourse which his -absence had permitted: Abensallah then pro<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span>nounced the decision required -of him, and became the witness of that compact which bound Tefza to give -his slave freedom in three days after their arrival at Mecca, should he -still require it.</p> - -<p>The lively satisfaction which this decision afforded to Sebastian’s -master, was somewhat damped by hearing sentiments from Abensallah -different from his own: that excellent old man mildly tried to moderate -the other’s flaming zeal, and at last convinced him that it is not given -to fallible man to tyrannise over the consciences of his brethren.</p> - -<p>But see the inconsistency of human nature! Tefza had not resolution to -act conformably with this conviction; he still adhered to the plan of -leading his slave over desolate and dangerous tracts of country for the -mere chance of converting him by the imposing spectacle of Mahomet’s -crouded tomb. The piety and wisdom of Abensallah he could not doubt, but -he<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> secretly complimented himself upon greater fervour in the same -faith.</p> - -<p>While the two Mussulmen were earnestly conversing on the life and -doctrines of their prophet, Sebastian went out to visit the grave of -Stukeley. He found it piously adorned with evergreens, which the dervise -had planted round it: nearly two years had now elapsed since that -period, and the myrtles and box were expanded into perfect luxuriance.</p> - -<p>The old cluster of locust-trees still cast its deep shadow along the -solitary mound; but the ground about it, was thickly set with flowers, -whose balmy breath incensed the honoured clay, and whose charming -colours gave beauty to the bed of death.</p> - -<p>Night was approaching, and so gloomily, that the lanthorn Sebastian -carried, scarcely threw light enough around to discover more than -detached parts of the scene: soon however, flashes of pale lightning, -which begun to quiver at distant intervals<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> among the clouds, -momentarily illuminated every object, and distinctly shewed the -fearfully-steep rocks, the grave at their feet, and the moss-grown -crucifix which surmounted it.</p> - -<p>Sebastian’s heart was heavily oppressed; a mortal sadness weighed it -down, but he shed no tears; he knelt before the cross, and there poured -out his regrets, lamented his errors, prayed for Stukeley’s soul, and -implored a blessing on the desperate enterprize he was about to attempt.</p> - -<p>What was that enterprize? he knew not—he considered not;—it must grow -out of circumstances: all he felt assured of was, that to rescue Kara -Aziek, he would attempt impossibilities, and meet destruction in any -shape.</p> - -<p>Again his thoughts reverted to Stukeley, and again they retraced with -anguish, that happy period in which the gallant Englishman had become -known to him. O happy period indeed! for then the youth of Sebastian was -in its first gloss;<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> then, he looked round upon nature, and saw in it -only the reflection of his own sweet and ingenuous spirit; all men -appeared to him just, benevolent, and faithful, and every thing he -possessed, secure and permanent: now, experience had swept away these -vain pageants; security was no more, doubt and apprehension had -succeeded.</p> - -<p>As he leaned sadly against the cross, his reflections imperceptibly -assumed that form which a poetical mind so naturally gives to melancholy -subjects: as the ideas flowed, he cut them with the point of a moorish -knife upon the wooden base of the crucifix.</p> - -<hr class="fift15" /> - -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">Rest, rest, ye ashes dear!<br /></span> -<span class="i2">I come not here<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Your peace to alter, nor remove you where<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Honor and Pomp attend,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">To wait the buried friend,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And yield his hov’ring shade, the choral prayer.<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span><br /></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Singly I come, alas! with tears alone,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">To mourn youth’s trusting hour, for ever flown!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">O friend beloved! O brother of my soul!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">How long shall time and fortune various roll,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Yet bear no pang away,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">With which this honored clay,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Now rives the heart, that wrongs have turned to stone?<br /></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">I think of thee—and with that dear-lov’d thought,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Comes many a melting thrill for human kind:<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Thou wast of mortal make, yet I did find<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Each grace celestial in thy fabric wrought.<br /></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">O Genius! Friendship! Heav’n-attaining worth!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Ye once were joined on earth;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">In Stukeley’s soul, by God’s own purpose fixed,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Ye once did dwell and grow,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Breathing e’en here below<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The air of Eden pure, with dross unmixed.<br /></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Ah little understood!<br /></span> -<span class="i2">That soul refined,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">That ardent heart, that piercing mind,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Those views etherial, which his purer eye<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Read in their native sky,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Were deem’d but fancies vain, by souls of grosser mood.<br /></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He lived to suffer, and to give<br /></span> -<span class="i0">A noble lesson how to live;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">On Glory’s bed, his latest sigh,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Was breathed to teach us how to die!—<br /></span> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span></div></div> -</div> - -<p>At this sentiment, so long associated with all his feelings, Sebastian’s -imagination suddenly checked itself: troubled and confused doubts, as to -so general an application of the sentiment (however just, when applied -to him who acted from a strong impulse of conscience) succeeded to his -more passionate regrets: in the midst of them, Ismael appeared.</p> - -<p>He came to say that his master was going to retire for the night, and -waited his Christian guest.</p> - -<p>Sebastian arose, fixed a long look on the earth which covered the brave -Englishman, and turned away. He never saw it again.</p> - -<p class="fint">END OF THE SECOND VOLUME.<br /><br /><br /><br /> -<img src="images/deco1.png" -width="100" -alt="" /><br /> -<span class="smcap">J. M‘Creery</span>, Printer,<br /> -Black-Horse-Court, Fleet-street, London.<br /> -</p> - -<table id="transcrib" style="padding:2%;border:3px dotted gray;" - class="typo"> -<tr><th>Typographical errors corrected by the etext transcriber:</th></tr> -<tr><td> - -<p>Many minor punctuation errors have been corrected.</p> - -<p>first vist to Barbary=> first visit to Barbary {pg 17}</p> - -<p>you may not not hereafter call me a base=> you may not hereafter call me -a base {pg 25}</p> - -<p>she unconsciouly weave=> she unconsciously weave {pg 28}</p> - -<p>scuccour for those=> succour for those {pg 37}</p> - -<p>journey in desart regions=> journey in desert regions {pg 51}</p> - -<p>from a side eminnence=> from a side eminence {pg 53}</p> - -<p>rendered him speechles=> rendered him speechless {pg 104}</p> - -<p>he was a Portugueze office=> he was a Portuguese office {pg 126}</p> - -<p>figure, exclaming in a=> figure, exclaiming in a {pg 136}</p> - -<p>aukward reckoning=> awkward reckoning {pg 144}</p> - -<p>have shared his thone=> have shared his throne {pg 164}</p> - -<p>fellow of an adverturous=> fellow of an adventurous {pg 197}</p> - -<p>when addressing the the object=> when addressing the object {pg 275}</p> - -</td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="full" /> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DON SEBASTIAN ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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