human
Who is that man, who seems of so much authority here?
gpt
No other than Sebastiao Joze de Carvalho, answered the Captain; one of the ministers of the king,
human
In one respect I will, in requesting you to take up your abode here, said Don Luis, as they mounted the steps, preceded by the old steward.
gpt
Of the rest we will consider; but I like not his authoritative tone.
human
Well, I will set you the example of obedience, by accepting your hospitality instead of returning on board my ship; and I trust you will follow my advice for the rest.
gpt
Ah! this comes of going to sea, and wandering in strange countries among heretics, he thought;
human
Thank you, my good Lucas, I have already finished supper; but I hope another day to do more justice to Senhora Anna's cookery. For the present, leave us; for I have much to say to Captain Pinto.
gpt
Ah! he is sadly changed from what he once was, poor young gentleman! Oh dear, oh dear!
human
Come, Luis, he said,
gpt
Your warnings were but too just, and I have been miserably deceived,
human
Do not make yourself unhappy; you will recover sooner than you expect, said the Captain.
gpt
Remember our voyage: dark clouds and storms for the greater part of the time; and yet the sun burst out brightly, and we arrived safe in port at last. Take my word for it, everything happens for the best, and you may some day rejoice that you have undergone what you now consider so great a misfortune.
human
You have already prophesied too truly for me now to contradict you, said Don Luis;
gpt
I do not say that it is pleasant, but, with returning health, he will be glad he took it, said the Captain, laughing.
human
Come, come, this is our first evening on shore after a long voyage, and we must not be sad-- so here's a health to the fair ladies of Portugal, and I am sure there are plenty of them, so that, if one is not kind, there are others who will be so. That is a sailor's maxim, and I should advise you to adopt it; 'twill save many a heart-ache.
gpt
Oh! do not talk on the subject, exclaimed Don Luis, not relishing his friend's principles;
human
I am not of so callous a nature.
gpt
Well, we'll change the subject; and, while I am giving advice, let me strongly urge you to call to-morrow on the minister. He is a man not to be trifled with; and though he is a firm friend to those who please him, he is a relentless enemy to any who venture to oppose his objects.
human
But why should I fear him, I have no favours to ask, and he has no means of injuring me?
gpt
Do not confide in that, answered the Captain.
human
If you displease him, he will find means of avenging himself when you least expect it. He never yet forgave an offence. Though he is my patron and friend, and a man with many qualities I admire, I know his faults, and they are terrible ones. Pity is an utter stranger to his bosom, and the life of man he looks upon as a thing of nought, to be disposed of at his pleasure. While other men tremble with fear, his nerves are only the better strung. I remember him when he married Donna Theresa Noronha, the niece of the Conde dos Arcos, and a relation of the proud Duke of Aveiro. Her relations all protested against the match, stigmatising him as a low-born profligate, unworthy of their alliance; but he laughed, and bore her off in spite of them, though they have vowed vengeance on him ever since. But we shall see which will ultimately conquer; and, mark me, every step he takes to power is one nearer to their destruction.
gpt
You describe a person whose friendship I would rather shun than seek,
human
There you think wrong, said the Captain, laughing.
gpt
He is just the person you ought to make your friend; for he can be of more Service to you than any one else; while, if you fail to win his regard, and make him your enemy, you will find him a most dangerous one. At all events, call on him with me to-morrow.
human
Though fear of his enmity does not influence me, I will follow your advice, my good friend, and accompany you, which I am also hound to do after the service he rendered me to-night.
gpt
It matters but little what your motives are, so that you follow his wishes,