+---------------------------------------------------+
|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.