Hyppolito hastily advanced, and his quick breathing stirred the attention of Sebastian; he looked up, his eyes met those of Hyppolito, who felt them enter into his soul. By a sudden impulse, the young man half bent his knee; surprise and inquiry illuminated the countenance he was observing. Sebastian slowly arose, and as he did so, his youthful companion heard the clank of chains. Such an expression of shame and indignation banished the air of veneration with which Hyppolito was looking at him, that Sebastian understood what passed in his mind. “Young man,” said he, “blush not for me--blush for my oppressors, and my coward friends!--deserved punishment is disgrace--but unmerited oppression, if nobly borne, is glory!”--He moved away as he concluded, leaving Hyppolito gazing after his kingly step, and yet--commanding figure. The vessel was soon crowded with illustrious visitants from the yacht of Medina Sidonia; the captain of the galley understanding their errand, shewed the Duchess and her company to a wider part of the deck, and sent to inform Sebastian that they entreated to see him. He turned back with the captain, and calmly advanced into the circle formed by his examiners. The Duchess who had last met him at Villa Rosolia, under such different circumstances, almost uttered a cry of melancholy welcome: her company burst forth into remarks and questionings: the Duke remained on one spot, steadily eyeing the figure before him. So long was his scrutiny, that some of the group impatiently demanded whether the man they saw, were not really an impostor. Medina suffered them to importune him for an answer, and at length seriously replied, “Am I to speak the truth my lords?--I declare then, that in the voice and mien of this stranger, I recognize the very voice and mien of the King of Portugal. The alteration I find in his face and figure, is only such as twenty years of suffering might be expected to produce.” “What then, you believe he is Don Sebastian? You assert it?” “I assert nothing: persons and voices may resemble; but in events we cannot be mistaken. If this be the King, whom I entertained at Cadiz, ere his expedition to Africa, he will be able to point out to me amongst some armour which I have had brought hither, the present he made to me at that period.” “I gave thee a sword, Sidonia!” said Sebastian, “and I think I should remember it again.” The surrounding nobles, with dismay and surprise, followed the Duke to the stern of the galley, where some attendants had just arrived with a heap of swords, spurs, curious pistols, and daggers. The Duke silently pointed out to them all, the weapon given him by the King, which being less costly than any of the others, was the least likely to be guessed at as a royal gift.