Political bodies do not move with the rapidity of natural ones; consequently a voyage to and from Brazil might be made if required, without delaying the execution of any grand blow: De Castro’s secret mission might be diffusing itself through the different courts, till a moment arrived in which policy would demand the decisive act of Sebastian’s personal appearance. In discussion and consultation half the night was consumed, and on the morrow Gaspar was sent for to take leave of the late viceroy. No sooner did that faithful friend hear the momentous events which seemed conducting his King to the point for which he languished, than he gave way to the wildest joy, and offered Don Emanuel to accompany him if needful, to the remotest corner of Europe. Still more endeared by these testimonies of attachment, Sebastian would not endure the thought of being bereaved of two friends at once; and Don Emanuel deemed it imprudent to return home accompanied by one who might be recollected in Portugal as the man who had asserted his sovereign’s existence in Africa. He now bade farewel to Cachoeira with some regret, but more presages of future good: as he kissed the hand of Kara Aziek, she whispered in a tremulous voice; “Adieu, Don Emanuel! justify the trust my heart reposes in you, by thinking more of your King’s happiness, than of that ungrateful Portugal which spurned him from her. In the name of God I conjure you be well assured of her penitence and resolution--be confident of the fidelity of other powers, ere you call my Sebastian from the bosom of benevolent and peaceful enjoyment, to a scene of contest. I have no ambition for this unconscious child.” De Castro replied to the touching sigh with which she concluded, by a glance full of enthusiasm; “But I have, madam!” he said, bending to press the forehead of little Blanche, “this expansive brow must one day wear a crown; even now, it promises to be the seat of royal virtues. You must not tempt me into treason against my country; and treason it would be to withhold such a treasure from her arms.” A faint smile shone through the tears of Kara Aziek; she bent towards her child with a mixture of pain and pleasure, for the mother was gratified by this tender compliment. Sebastian embraced his noble friend: his looks were unusually serious, and by turns the colour on his cheek deepened and faded. “You go, De Castro!” he said, “you go with our destiny in your hands. You know my soul--you know the tender ties which render life and liberty precious to me: once, I would have gone as gladly to death for the mere chance of recovering my rights, freeing my people, and regaining power to punish her oppressor, as I would have hasted to my bridal hour; but now, these dear objects, these more precious parts of myself, in whom I breathe, live, and enjoy, tug at my heartstrings, and make a coward of me!”