"I was so, truly, under the reign of our late pious king; but things have changed, and a vile upstart has dared to insult my honour; but the day will come, and soon, too, when I may have my full revenge, and he who now triumphs in power shall writhe beneath my feet." "May my lord have success in all his wishes, and enjoy full revenge on all his enemies!" answered the Escudeiro. "Wishes are but of little avail, without action," observed the Noble; "and much must be accomplished before my hopes are fulfilled." "Whatever need be done, I will undertake to serve you, my lord," answered Captain Policarpio, bowing, and laying his hand to his heart. "Ah, my friend, you are a man in whom I can place implicit confidence," said the Duke; "and I know that you would rejoice in my prosperity. What think you, then, if the crown of Portugal were placed on my brow? Would not then my friends have cause to esteem themselves fortunate?" "Those are already fortunate who serve your Excellency; and no one is more calculated to adorn a throne," answered the subtle follower,--his own ambition taking fire on the instant at thoughts of his master's aggrandisement, in the advantages of which he might well expect to participate. "And well do I feel assured that you will not neglect those who have hitherto obeyed you faithfully. Do but point out the means to attain your aims, and no scruples, no obstacles shall deter me from prosecuting them." "Well, well, we will talk of that anon, my worthy servant," answered the Duke. "It is but lately Heaven has thought fit to inspire my heart with such mighty aims; nor have I yet been able to form any plans; but this alone I know, that while that enemy to our holy religion, Sebastiao Joze de Carvalho exists, all will be fruitless; and he who would do me service will strike a poniard to his heart. In this will he commit no sin, as I have been assured by Heaven itself, in the sacred person of one of its most devoted ministers." "I should fear nothing to serve my master," said Policarpio. "But how can the death of the Minister alone place your Excellency on the throne?" "Hark, you!" whispered the Duke, drawing his servant close to him. "The king himself may die. He is weak and sickly; or he may be killed while hunting; he may be thrown from his horse, or a shot may strike him.--Ha! dost thou understand me?" The attendant nodded, a smile of satisfaction passing over his features. "I comprehend, I comprehend; nor will your Excellency's hint be thrown away." Much more, to the same effect as the above, the Duke spoke, a mixture of blasphemy, folly, and daring, to which his worthy servant listened with profound humility and attention, fully determined to take advantage of the knowledge he had gained; if successful, to follow the fortunes of his master, or to betray him, if he saw a probability of his plans failing: and thus are traitors nearly always served.