Sebastian did not hesitate to embrace this plausible plan: the countenance of Jusuf bore the stamp of integrity; and compassion for the Moorish lady, (whose unceasing sighs he had often heard during the whole night of his watch at her door,) appeared to have infused into him an unfeigned zeal for her service. Trusting to his sincerity, Sebastian gave him some gold, and promising him a richer reward hereafter, left him in the Kiosk. The enthusiasm inspired by Sebastian’s late intrepid and able conduct, and still more by the sweet graciousness of his manner, did not allow the two Italians to debate a moment about risking themselves for his sake, and for that of the ladies he wished to succour: they promised to meet him in a grove of plane trees, behind the city, at the hour of twilight. It was not Sebastian’s intention to encumber himself with his page, and to avoid the boy’s importunity he resolved not to speak to him of the enterprize until they were beyond the city walls; there he should disclose his intention, and leave him in charge to reveal the motive of his apparent flight to Sir Anthony Shirley, should fate destine him to perish or be detained in the fortress. Desperate indeed was the throw he was about to hazard: every thing rested on the faith of one man who might betray and ruin him; but if, withheld by caution, he should let this perilous opportunity escape, Kara Aziek might be lost to him for ever; once possessed by the Basha, death only would offer her refuge.--This thought determined him. Having arranged his own dearest concern, he hastened to visit such parts of the city as required particular attention to their defence: he examined, instructed, superintended, directed a thousand details in the fortification; he repeated the most important orders again and again, that Ispahan might not feel his absence should he not return ere the departure of Prince Abbas: he then returned to his Kiosk, warned by the sun, whose softening light was already sinking behind clouds. CHAP. IV. Sebastian had scarce entered, when Prince Abbas appeared; he came to inform him that, having received intelligence by a deserter from the enemy, of a new movement of the Basha, which it was important for him to frustrate, he should revert to his friend’s advice, and march at nightfall. At this intelligence, Sebastian’s complexion suddenly altered: “why does your colour change?” asked Abbas, with surprize. “The information troubles me,” replied his friend, “for I do not feel qualified to march so soon--I am not myself yet--indisposed--disturbed I know not how in my mind.”