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.