Through the exertions of Lord Essex, some German Princes had promised to join the triple league against their common enemy, and Henry of France, (perhaps secretly favoring those principles he had weakly yielded up to gain a throne,) actually advanced an unconditional sum of money for the aid of Sebastian’s agents in their various missions. A formidable expedition under the gallant Essex, was fitting out in the ports of England; the capture or destruction of Cadiz was its object. But the most extraordinary part of this communication, was contained in the following sentences. “Amongst the volunteers in our expedition, there are two, at whose names your majesty will start. Antonio of Crato, and his son Don Christopher. For some time the prior had been upheld by the English, but on discovering the instability and levity of his character, they abandoned his interests: I found him living a neglected and private individual in London. “He was unconscious that my exertions here were caused by any stronger motive than the abhorrence of the Spanish yoke, (for our secret goes not beyond a small circle) and he deemed it right to visit me--my reception was so cold, that he quickly left me, and we have never met since. “He is embarked in the enterprize, foolishly believing that it is meant for his exaltation: Lord Essex is aware of the use which may be made of this folly, (as it indeed serves to mask the real candidate for Portugal) and suffers him therefore to boast as he will. “Don Christopher is of a different stamp: there is an honourable melancholy about him, that touched me at first sight; it is easy to perceive that he blushes at the remembrance of his mother, and that the story of your majesty’s wrongs has reached his ears. He accompanies the Earl of Essex as his lieutenant: for he is a true patriot, and seems earnest to make some atonement for the sins of his parents. Let me, sire, bespeak your favor for him, when you meet him in Portugal.” At this mention of his perfidious cousin, Sebastian felt an emotion long unknown: his blood ran cold, and hastily putting down the letter, he took up that of Gaspar. Kara Aziek had no attention to bestow on the abject Prior of Crato: she was absorbed in grateful contemplation of the happy prospect before her. Don Emanuel had enumerated so many Spanish and Portuguese nobles, eager to assist in the re-establishment of Sebastian or his offspring, that it would have been criminal to refuse placing some confidence in their efforts. England, France, and Holland, were on their side, and nothing remained to be concluded, except the signing of a treaty, and the delivery of their mutual pledges.