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.