“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.