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.--