Sebastian turned round and looked at him earnestly; “I comprehend you Prince!” he said, turning pale also, “you would have me resign my command;--you would strike this last and most important blow yourself.--I cannot blame such laudable ambition--I honour it--but I fear--that is--the soldiers used to my method of”--he stopt in extreme confusion, and pained to bitterness; no selfish avarice of distinction or power, mixed with the dread of a second misfortune to Abbas; he saw the limits of his friend’s military capacity, and he trembled at once for Kara Aziek and for Persia. His resolution however was taken; he determined to speak frankly to Abbas on his evident inexperience, and then represent to him the fatal consequences which must ensue, should the Persians be routed. “Retire with me into this anti-chamber,” he said softly; the Prince followed him in silent dissatisfaction. There, an explanation ensued, and though Sebastian failed of dissuading Abbas from his rash resolution, he had the consolation of observing that this obstinacy grew out of nobleness; no envy discovered itself; nothing but the laudable, though ill-judged longing for an opportunity of regaining what he thought he had forfeited, a title to the throne and people which he had shewn himself unable to protect. Fearful of appearing to prize command for its own sake, Sebastian had nothing left but to request permission to serve as a volunteer under his friend, this request was granted; the compact was ratified by the Sophi, and again vainly combated by Sir Anthony Shirley, after which the warrior friends issued from the palace, that they might inspect the arsenals, concert measures together, and provide as far as possible against future disaster. These employments detained Sebastian till after day break, when he sought his Kiosk in the garden of the ambassador: he now met his page for the first time since their late parting; the boy had but just arrived, and learnt the news of the royal family’s safety, and the consequent security of Ispahan. On seeing their deliverer, he fell at his feet, and bathing his hand with tears, as he timidly kissed it, repeated in a broken voice, “This, this for my country.”--Touched by his sensibility, Sebastian raised him, and anticipating his questions, briefly detailed the incidents of the night. “You have doubtless enquired after the lady Maimuna?” he asked: Zaphna answered, that she had escaped outrage. “Will you return to her?” said the King, “or, must I allow you to see the end of this campaign? is it your wish to join me in my expedition with the Prince?” A thousand changing colours painted the face of Zaphna at the last expression--he looked down, but answered firmly “It is.”--