1. religion and spirituality
2. islam

VATHEK;
ANARABIANTALE,
BY
WILLIAMBECKFORD,ESQ.
WITH
NOTES,CRITICALANDEXPLANATORY.
LONDON:
GEORGESLATER,252,STRAND.
1849.
MEMOIR.
BYWILLIAMNORTH.
WILLIAMBECKFORD,theauthorofthefollowingcelebratedEasterntale,wasbornin1760,anddiedinthe
springof1844,attheadvancedageofeighty-fouryears.Itistoberegretted,thatamanofso
remarkableacharacter,didnotleavetheworldsomerecordofalifeofferingpointsofinterestdifferent
fromthatofanyofhiscontemporaries,fromthepeculiarlystudiousretirementandeccentricavocations
inwhichitwaschieflypassed.Suchamemoirwouldhaveformedacuriouscontrastwiththatofthe
lateM.deChateaubriand,who,bornnearlyatthesameperiod,outlivedbutbyafewyears,thestrange
Englishman,whosefamousromanceformsabrilliantornamenttoFrenchliterature,whichevenAtalais
unlikelytooutliveinthememoryofChateaubriand’scountrymen.Allmenofgeniusshouldwrite
autobiographies.Suchworksareinestimablelessonstoposterity.Asitis,therearefewmen,ofwhom
itismoredifficulttocomposeanelaborateanddetailedhistorythantheauthorof“Vathek.”Fromsuch
scantysourcesasareopentous,thereadermustbecontentwithafewstrikingfactsandillustrations,
whichmayservetoconveysomeideaoftheidiosyncrasyofaman,whosewholelifewasasortof
mystery,eventohispersonalacquaintances.
Hisgreat-great-grandfatherwaslieutenant-governorandcommanderoftheforcesinJamaica;andhis
grandfatherpresidentofthecouncilinthesameisland.Hisfather,thoughnotamerchant,ashasbeen
represented,butalargelandedproprietor,bothinEnglandandtheWestIndies,waslordmayorof
London,anddistinguishedhimselfinpresentinganaddresstotheking,GeorgetheThird,—bya
spiritedretorttohismajesty,—whohadtheill-breedingtotreatdiscourteouslyadeputationwhichthe
lordmayorheaded.TheportraitsofAldermanBeckford,andhismorecelebratedson,werepaintedby
SirJoshuaReynolds.Theformerdiedin1770,leavingthesubjectofthismemoirthewealthiest
commonerinEngland.
NopainsweresparedontheeducationoftheyoungCroesus—thelordsChathamandCamdenbeing
consultedbyhisfatheronthatsubject.BesidesLatinandGreek,hespokefivemodernlanguages,and
wrotethreewithfacilityandelegance.HereadPersianandArabic,designedwithgreatskill,and
studiedthescienceofmusicunderthegreatMozart.
AttheageofeighteenhevisitedParis,andwasintroducedtoVoltaire.“Ontakingleaveofme,”said
Beckford,“heplacedhishandonmyhead,saying,‘There,youngEnglishman,Igiveyoutheblessing
ofaveryoldman.’Voltairewasamereskeleton—abonyanatomy.HiscountenanceIshallnever
forget.”
Hisfirstliteraryproduction,“MemoirsofExtraordinaryPainters,”waswrittenattheearlyageof
seventeen.Itwouldappear,thattheoldhousekeeperatFonthill,wasinthehabitofedifyingvisitorsto
itspicturegallerybyadescriptionofthepaintings,mainlyderivedfromherownfertileimagination.
Thissuggestedtoourauthor,thehumorousideaofcomposingacatalogueofsuppositiouspainterswith
historiesofeach,equallyfancifulandgrotesque.Henceforward,theoldhousekeeperhadaprinted
guide(orrather,mis-guider)togoby,andcoulddiscourseatlargeonthemeritsofOgofBashan!
WaterslouchyofAmsterdam!andHerrSucrewasserofVienna!theirwivesandstyles!Asforthe
countrysquires,etc.,“they,”Beckfordtellsus,“tookallforgospel.”
“Vathek,”—thesuperb“Vathek,”whichLordByronsomuchadmired,andonwhichhesofrequently
complimentedtheauthor,—“Vathek,”thefinestofOrientalromances,as“LallahRookh”isthefirstof
Orientalpoems,bythepenofa“Frank,”waswrittenandpublishedbeforeourauthorhadcompletedhis
twentiethyear,ithavingbeencomposedatasinglesitting!Yes,forthreedaysandtwonightsdidthe
indefatigableauthorpersevereinhistask.Hecompletedit,andaseriousillnesswastheresult.What
otherliterarymaneverequalledthisfeatofrapidityandgenius?
“Vathek”wasoriginallywritteninFrench,ofwhichitsstyleisamodel.Thetranslationwhichfollows,
isnotbytheauthorhimself,thoughheexpressedperfectsatisfactionwithit.Itwasoriginallypublished
in1786.Forsplendourofdescription,exquisitehumour,andsupernaturalinterestandgrandeur,it
standswithoutarivalinromance.InasthoroughlyOrientalkeeping,Hope’s“Anastasius,orMemoirs
ofaModernGreek,”whichBeckfordhimselfhighlyadmired,canalonebecomparedwithit.
MuchofthedescriptionofVathek’spalace,andeventherenowned“HallofEblis,”wasafterwards
visiblyembodiedintherealFonthillAbbey,ofwhichwonders,almostasfabulous,wereatonetime
reportedandbelieved.
FonthillAbbey,whichhadbeendestroyedbyfire,andre-builtduringthelife-timeoftheelder
Beckford,wasonaccountofitsbadsitedemolished,andagainre-builtunderthesuperintendenceof
ourauthorhimself,assistedbyJamesWyatt,Esq.,thearchitect,withamagnificencethatexcitedthe
greatestattentionandwonderatthetime.ThetotaloutlayofbuildingFonthill,includingfurniture,
articlesofvirtu,etc.,musthavebeenenormous,notmuchwithinthemillion,asestimatedbythe
“Times.”Awriterinthe“Athenæum”mentions£400,000asthesum.BeckfordinformedMr.Cyrus
Redding,thattheexactcostofbuildingFonthillwas£273,000.
ThedistinguishingarchitecturalpeculiarityofFonthillAbbey,wasaloftytower,280feetinheight.
Thistowerwasprominentlyshadowedforthin“Vathek,”andshowshowstrongaholdtheideahad
uponhismind.SuchwashisimpatiencetoseeFonthillcompleted,thathehadtheworkscontinuedby
torchlight,withrelaysofworkmen.Duringtheprogressofthebuilding,thetowercaughtfire,andwas
partlydestroyed.Theowner,however,waspresent,andenjoyedthemagnificentburningspectacle.It
wassoonrestored;butaradicalfaultinlayingthefoundation,causediteventuallytofalldown,and
leaveFonthillaruininthelife-timeofitsfounder.
Notsomuchhisextravagantmodeoflife,whichisthecommonnotion,asthelossoftwolargeestates
inalawsuit(thevalueofwhichmaybeinferredfromthefact,thatfifteenhundredslaveswereupon
them)inducedourauthortoquitFonthill,andofferitanditscontentsforpublicsale.Therewasa
generaldesiretoseetheinteriorofthepalace,inwhichitslordhadlivedinaluxuriousseclusion,so
littleadmiredbythecuriousofthefashionableworld.“Heisfortunate,”saysthe“Times”of1822,
“whofindsavacantchairwithintwentymilesofFonthill;thesolitudeofaprivateapartmentisaluxury
whichfewcanhopefor.”...“Falstaffhimselfcouldnottakehiseaseatthismomentwithinadozen
leaguesofFonthill.”...“Thebedsthroughthecountyare(literally)doingdoubleduty—peoplewho
comeinfromadistanceduringthenightmustwaittogotobeduntilothersgetupinthemorning.”...
“Notafarm-house,howeverhumble,—notacottagenearFonthill,butgivessheltertofashion,to
beauty,andrank;ostrichplumes,which,bytheirverywaving,wecantracebacktoPiccadilly,areseen
noddingatacasementwindowoveradepopulatedpoultry-yard.”
Thecostlytreasuresofartandvirtu,aswellasthefurnitureoftherichmansion,werescatteredfarand
wide;andoneofitstablesservedthewriterofthismemoirtoscribbleupon,whenfirststernnecessity,
oryetsternerambition,urgedhimtoaddhismitetotheBabeltowerofliterature.AtthattableIfirst
read“Vathek.”Ihavereaditoftensince,andeveryperusalhasincreasedmyadmiration.
Nearlyfiftyyearsafterthepublicationof“Vathek,”in1835,Mr.Beckfordpublishedhis“Recollections
ofanExcursiontotheMonasteriesofAlcobacaandBatalha,”whichhehadtakenin1795,together
withanepistolatoryrecordofhisobservationsinItaly,SpainandPortugal,betweentheyears1780and
1794.Thesearemarked,ashehimselfintimates,“withthebloomandheydayofyouthfulspiritsand
youthfulconfidence,ataperiodwhentheolderorderofthingsexistedwithallitspicturesquepomps
andabsurdities;whenVeniceenjoyedherPiombiandsub-marinedungeons;PranceherBastille;the
PeninsulaherHolyInquisition.”Withnoneofthosesubjects,however,arethelettersoccupied—but
withdelineationsoflandscape,andtheeffectsofnaturalphenomena.Theseliteraryeffortsappearto
haveexhaustedtheirauthor’sproductivepowers;inaword,heseemssoontohavebeen“used-up,”and
thentohavediscontinuedhissearchafternewsensations,ortohavebeencontenttolivewithoutthem.
AfterthesaleofFonthill,ourauthorlivedaconsiderabletimeinPortugal,andhenceLordByron,who
wasfondofcastingtheshadowofhisownimaginationovereveryobject,pennedthewell-knownlines
atCintra:
“Therethou,too,Vathek,England’swealthiestson,
Onceformedthyparadise;asnotaware
Wherewantonwealthhermightiestdeedshathdone,
Meekpeace,voluptuouslures,waseverwonttoshun.
Heredidstthoudwell;herescenesofpleasureplan,
Beneathyonmountain’severbeauteousbrow;
Butnow,asifathingunblestbyman,
Thyfairydwellingisasloneasthou!
Heregiantweedsapassagescarceallow
Tohallsdeserted;portalsgapingwide
Freshlessonstothethinkingbosom;how
Vainarethepleasauncesonearthsupplied,
Sweptintowrecksanonbytime’sungentletide.”
ThesesombreversescontraststrangelywithBeckford’ssayingtoMr.CyrusRedding,inhisseventysixthyear,“thathehadneverfeltamoments’ennuiinhislife.”
Beckfordwasinpersonscarcelyabovethemiddleheight,slender,andwellformed,withfeatures
indicatinggreatintellectualpower.HewasexactlyoneyearyoungerthanPitt,thecompanionofhis
minority.Hispoliticalprincipleswerepopular,thoughitisrecorded,thatatacourtballontheQueen’s
birth-day,in1782,he,withMissNorth,ledupacountrydance.Hesatinparliament,inhisearlyyears,
bothforWellsandHendon,butretiredonaccountofbadhealth.This,however,heovercamebycareful
dietandexercise,astestifiedbyhisgreatbodilyactivityalmosttothelast.Hewasamanofmost
extensivereading,andcultivatedtaste.
ThelastyearsofhislifewerepassedatBath—whereheunitedtwohousesinLansdownCrescent,by
anarchthrownacrossthestreet,andcontaininghislibrary,whichwaswellselected,andvery
extensive.Notfaroff,heagainerectedatower,180feethigh,ofwhichthefollowingdescriptionwas
givenatthetimeofhisdecease,byacorrespondentoftheAthenæum:—
“Mr.Beckford,atanearlyperiodofhisresidencethere,erectedaloftytower,intheapartmentsof
whichwereplacedmanyofhischoicestpaintingsandarticlesofvirtu.Asiaticinitsstyle,withgilded
latticesandblinds,orcurtains,ofcrimsoncloth,itsstripedceilings,itsminaret,andotheraccessories,
conveyedtheideathatthebeingwhodesignedtheplaceandendeavouredtocarryouttheplan,was
deeplyimbuedwiththespiritofthatlonelygrandeurandstrictsolitarinesswhichobtainsthroughall
countriesandamongallpeopleoftheEast.Thebuildingwassurroundedbyahighwall,andentrance
affordedtothegardeninwhichthetowerstood,byadoorofsmalldimensions.Thegardenitselfwas
Easterninitscharacter.Thoughcomparativelycircumscribedinitssize,neverthelessweretobefound
withinit,solitarywalksanddeepretiringshades,suchascouldbesupposedVathek,themournfuland
themagnificent,loved,andfromthebowersofwhichmightbeexpectedwouldsuddenlyfalluponthe
ear,soundsofthecymbalandthedulcimer.Thebuildingcontainedseveralapartmentscrowdedwith
thefinestpaintings.AtthetimeImademyinspectionthewallswerecrowdedwiththechoicest
productionsoftheeasel.ThememoryfallsbackuponineffaceableimpressionsofOldFranks,
Breughel,Cuyp,Titian,(aHolyFamily),Hondekooter,Polemberg,andahostofotherpainterswhose
workshaveimmortalizedArt.Ornamentsofthemostexquisitegoldfillagree,carvingsinivoryand
wood,Raphaelesquechina,gobletsformedofgems,othersfashionedbythemiraculoushandsof
BenvenutoCellini,filledthemanycabinetsandrecherchéreceptaclescreatedforsuchthings.The
doorsoftheroomswereoffinelypolishedwood—thewindowsofsinglesweepsofplateglass—the
cornicesofgildedsilver;everypart,bothwithinandwithout,bespeakingthewealth,themagnificence,
andthetasteofhimwhohadbuiltthistempleindedicationtograndeur,solitariness,andthearts.”
Fromthesummitofthistower,Mr.Beckford,andhealonewithoutatelescope,—couldbeholdthat
othertowerofhisyouthfulmagnificence,Fonthill;onwhichhelovedtogaze,withfeelingswhichit
wouldbedifficulttodescribe.Hiseyesightwaswonderful;hecouldgazeuponthesunlikeaneagle;
andonthedaythatthegreattoweratFonthillfellhemisseditinthelandscapelongbeforethenewsof
thecatastrophereachedBath.
Inconclusion,wehaveonlytoadd,thatourauthor,inhislife-time,hadallthatwealthcangive,andin
hisgravehismemorywillretainthatwhichnowealthcanpurchase.Whatevermayhavebeenhis
errors,theyhavediedwithhim.Hisgeniusyetlives,and“Vathek,”nowforthefirsttimepresentedto
thepublicinapopularform,will,whilstEnglishliteraturelasts,neverwantreaders,and,whilegood
tasteflourishes,admirers.
PREFACE.
THEoriginalofthefollowingstory,withsomeothersofasimilarkind,collectedintheeastbyamanof
letters,wascommunicatedtotheeditorabovethreeyearsago.Thepleasurehereceivedfromthe
perusalofitinducedhimatthattimetotranscribe,andsincetotranslateit.Howfarthecopymaybea
justrepresentationitbecomesnothimtodetermine.Hepresumeshowevertohopethatifthedifficulty
ofaccommodatingourEnglishidiomstotheArabic,preservingthecorrespondenttonesofadiversified
narration,anddiscriminatingthenicertouchesofcharacterthroughtheshadesofforeignmannersbe
dulyconsidered,afailureinsomepointswillnotprecludehimfromallclaimtoindulgence;especially
ifthoseimages,sentiments,andpassions,whichbeingindependentoflocalpeculiarities,maybe
expressedineverylanguage,shallbefoundtoretaintheirnativeenergyinourown.
VATHEK.
VATHEK,ninthCaliph[7a]oftheraceoftheAbassides,wasthesonofMotassem,andthegrandsonof
HarounAlRaschid.Fromanearlyaccessiontothethrone,andthetalentshepossessedtoadornit,his
subjectswereinducedtoexpectthathisreignwouldbelongandhappy.Hisfigurewaspleasingand
majestic;butwhenhewasangry,oneofhiseyesbecamesoterrible[7b]thatnopersoncouldbearto
beholdit;andthewretchuponwhomitwasfixedinstantlyfellbackward,andsometimesexpired.For
fear,however,ofdepopulatinghisdominions,andmakinghispalacedesolate,hebutrarelygavewayto
hisanger.
Beingmuchaddictedtowomen,andthepleasuresofthetable,hesoughtbyhisaffabilitytoprocure
agreeablecompanions;andhesucceededthebetter,ashisgenerositywasunboundedandhis
indulgencesunrestrained;forhewasbynomeansscrupulous:nordidhethink,withtheCaliphOmar
BenAbdalaziz,[8a]thatitwasnecessarytomakeahellofthisworldtoenjoyParadiseinthenext.
Hesurpassedinmagnificenceallhispredecessors.ThepalaceofAlkoremmi,whichhisfather
MotassemhaderectedonthehillofPiedHorses,andwhichcommandedthewholecityofSamarah,[8b]
wasinhisideafartooscanty:headded,therefore,fivewings,orratherotherpalaces,whichhedestined
fortheparticulargratificationofeachofhissenses.
Inthefirstoftheseweretablescontinuallycoveredwiththemostexquisitedainties,whichwere
suppliedbothbynightandbydayaccordingtotheirconstantconsumption;whilstthemostdelicious
wines,andthechoicestcordials,flowedforthfromahundredfountains,thatwereneverexhausted.
Thispalacewascalled“TheEternal,orUnsatiatingBanquet.”
Thesecondwasstyled“TheTempleofMelody,ortheNectaroftheSoul.”Itwasinhabitedbythemost
skilfulmusiciansandadmiredpoetsofthetime,whonotonlydisplayedtheirtalentswithin,but
dispersinginbandswithout,causedeverysurroundingscenetoreverberatetheirsongs,whichwere
continuallyvariedinthemostdelightfulsuccession.
Thepalacenamed“TheDelightoftheEyes,ortheSupportofMemory,”wasoneentireenchantment.
Raritiescollectedfromeverycorneroftheearthweretherefoundinsuchprofusionastodazzleand
confound,butfortheorderinwhichtheywerearranged.Onegalleryexhibitedthepicturesofthe
celebratedMani;andstatuesthatseemedtobealive.Hereawell-managedperspectiveattractedthe
sight;there,themagicofopticsagreeablydeceivedit;whilstthenaturalist,onhispart,exhibitedin
theirseveralclassesthevariousgiftsthatheavenhadbestowedonourglobe.Inaword,Vathekomitted
nothinginthisparticularthatmightgratifythecuriosityofthosewhoresortedtoit,althoughhewasnot
abletosatisfyhisown;forhewas,ofallmen,themostcurious.
“ThePalaceofPerfumes,”whichwastermedlikewise,“TheIncentivetoPleasure,”consistedof
varioushalls,wherethedifferentperfumeswhichtheearthproduceswerekeptperpetuallyburningin
censersofgold.Flambeausandaromaticlampswereherelightedinopenday;butthetoopowerful
effectsofthisagreeabledeliriummightbeavoidedbydescendingintoanimmensegarden,wherean
assemblageofeveryfragrantflowerdiffusedthroughtheairthepurestodours.
Thefifthpalace,denominated“TheRetreatofJoy,ortheDangerous,”wasfrequentedbytroopsof
youngfemales,beautifulastheHouris,[9]andnotlessseducing,whoneverfailedtoreceivewith
caressesallwhomtheCaliphallowedtoapproachthem;forhewasbynomeansdisposedtobejealous,
ashisownwomenweresecludedwithinthepalaceheinhabitedhimself.
NotwithstandingthesensualityinwhichVathekindulged,heexperiencednoabatementintheloveof
hispeople,whothoughtthatasovereignimmersedinpleasurewasnotlesstolerabletohissubjectsthan
onethatemployedhimselfincreatingthemfoes.Buttheunquietandimpetuousdispositionofthe
Caliphwouldnotallowhimtorestthere:hehadstudiedsomuchforhisamusementinthelife-timeof
hisfatherastoacquireagreatdealofknowledge,thoughnotasufficiencytosatisfyhimself;forhe
wishedtoknoweverything;evensciencesthatdidnotexist.Hewasfondofengagingindisputeswith
thelearned,butlikedthemnottopushtheiroppositionwithwarmth.Hestoppedthemouthsofthose
withpresents,whosemouthscouldbestopped;whilstothers,whomhisliberalitywasunabletosubdue,
hesenttoprisontocooltheirblood;aremedythatoftensucceeded.
Vathekdiscoveredalsoapredilectionfortheologicalcontroversy;butitwasnotwiththeorthodoxthat
heusuallyheld.Bythismeansheinducedthezealotstoopposehim,andthenpersecutedthemin
return;forheresolved,atanyrate,tohavereasononhisside.
ThegreatprophetMahomet,whosevicarstheCaliphsare,beheldwithindignationfromhisabodein
theseventhheaventheirreligiousconductofsuchavicegerent.
“Letusleavehimtohimself,”saidhetotheGenii,[10]whoarealwaysreadytoreceivehiscommands;
“letusseetowhatlengthshisfollyandimpietywillcarryhim;ifherunintoexcessweshallknowhow
tochastisehim.Assisthim,therefore,tocompletethetowerwhich,inimitationofNimrod,hehath
begun;not,likethatgreatwarrior,toescapebeingdrowned,butfromtheinsolentcuriosityof
penetratingthesecretsofheaven:hewillnotdivinethefatethatawaitshim.”
TheGeniiobeyed;andwhentheworkmenhadraisedtheirstructureacubitinthedaytime,twocubits
morewereaddedinthenight.Theexpeditionwithwhichthefabricarosewasnotalittleflatteringto
thevanityofVathek.Hefanciedthateveninsensiblemattershowedforwardnesstosubservehis
designs;notconsideringthatthesuccessesofthefoolishandwickedformthefirstrodoftheir
chastisement.
Hispridearrivedatitsheightwhen,havingascended,forthefirsttime,theeleventhousandstairsofhis
tower,hecasthiseyesbelowandbeheldmennotlargerthanpismires;mountainsthanshells;andcities
thanbee-hives.Theideawhichsuchanelevationinspiredofhisowngrandeurcompletelybewildered
him;hewasalmostreadytoadorehimself;tillliftinghiseyesupwards,hesawthestarsashighabove
himastheyappearedwhenhestoodonthesurfaceoftheearth.Heconsoledhimself,however,forthis
transientperceptionofhislittlenesswiththethoughtofbeinggreatintheeyesoftheothers,and
flatteredhimselfthatthelightofhismindwouldextendbeyondthereachofhissight,andtransferto
thestarsthedecreesofhisdestiny.
Withthisviewtheinquisitiveprincepassedmostofhisnightsonthesummitofhistower,tillhe
becameanadeptinthemysteriesofastrology,andimaginedthattheplanetshaddisclosedtohimthe
mostmarvellousadventures,whichweretobeaccomplishedbyanextraordinarypersonage,froma
countryaltogetherunknown.Promptedbymotivesofcuriosity,hehadalwaysbeencourteousto
strangers;butfromthisinstantheredoubledhisattention,andorderedittobeannouncedbysoundof
trumpet,throughallthestreetsofSamarah,thatnooneofhissubjects,onperilofhisdispleasure,
shouldeitherlodgeordetainatraveller,butforthwithbringhimtothepalace.
Notlongafterthisproclamation,therearrivedinhismetropolis,amansohideousthattheveryguards
whoarrestedhimwereforcedtoshuttheireyesastheyledhimalong.TheCaliphhimselfappeared
startledatsohorribleavisage;butjoysucceededtothisemotionofterrorwhenthestrangerdisplayed
tohisviewsuchraritiesashehadneverbeforeseen,andofwhichhehadnoconception.
Inreality,nothingwaseversoextraordinaryasthemerchandisethisstrangerproduced.Mostofhis
curiosities,whichwerenotlessadmirablefortheirworkmanshipthantheirsplendour,hadbesides,their
severalvirtuesdescribedonaparchmentfastenedtoeach.Therewereslipperswhichenabledthefeet
towalk;knivesthatcutwithoutthemotionofahand;sabreswhichdealttheblowatthepersonthey
werewishedtostrike;andthewholeenrichedwithgemsthatwerehithertounknown.
Thesabres,whosebladesemittedadazzlingradiance,fixedmorethanalltheCaliph’sattention,who
promisedhimselftodecipherathisleisuretheuncouthcharactersengravenontheirsides.Without,
therefore,demandingtheirprice,heorderedallthecoinedgoldtobebroughtfromhistreasury,and
commandedthemerchanttotakewhathepleased.Thestrangercompliedwithmodestyandsilence.
Vathek,imaginingthatthemerchant’staciturnitywasoccasionedbytheawewhichhispresence
inspired,encouragedhimtoadvance,andaskedhim,withanairofcondescension,“Whohewas?
whencehecame?andwhereheobtainedsuchbeautifulcommodities?”
Theman,orrathermonster,insteadofmakingareply,thricerubbedhisforehead,which,aswellashis
body,wasblackerthanebony;fourtimesclappedhispaunch,theprojectionofwhichwasenormous;
openedwidehishugeeyes,whichglowedlikefirebrands;begantolaughwithahideousnoise,and
discoveredhislongambercolouredteethbestreakedwithgreen.
TheCaliph,thoughalittlestartled,renewedhisenquiries,butwithoutbeingabletoprocureareply.At
which,beginningtoberuffled,heexclaimed,“knowestthou,varlet,whoIam?andatwhomthouart
aimingthygibes?”Thenaddressinghisguards,“haveyeheardhimspeak?ishedumb?”
“Hehathspoken,”theyreplied,“thoughbutlittle.”
“Lethimspeakthenagain,”saidVathek,“andtellmewhoheis,fromwhencehecame,andwherehe
procuredthesesingularcuriosities,orIswear,bytheassofBalaam,thatIwillmakehimruehis
pertinacity.”
ThismenacewasaccompaniedbytheCaliphwithoneofhisangryandperilousglances,whichthe
strangersustainedwithouttheslightestemotion,althoughhiseyeswerefixedontheterribleeyeofthe
prince.
Nowordscandescribetheamazementofthecourtiers,whentheybeheldthisrudemerchantwithstand
theencounterunshocked.Theyallfellprostratewiththeirfacesontheground,toavoidtheriskoftheir
lives,andcontinuedinthesameabjectposturetilltheCaliphexclaimedinafurioustone:
“Up,cowards!seizethemiscreant!seethathebecommittedtoprison,andguardedbythebestofmy
soldiers!Lethim,however,retainthemoneyIgavehim;itisnotmyintenttotakefromhimhis
property,Ionlywanthimtospeak.”
Nosoonerhadheutteredthesewordsthanthestrangerwassurrounded,pinionedwithstrongfetters,
andhurriedawaytotheprisonofthegreattower,whichwasencompassedbysevenempalementsof
ironbars,andarmedwithspikesineverydirection,longerandsharperthanspits.
TheCaliph,nevertheless,remainedinthemostviolentagitation.Hesatdownindeedtoeat,butofthe
threehundredcoversthatweredailyplacedbeforehim,couldtasteofnomorethanthirty-two.
Adiettowhichhehadbeensolittleaccustomed,wassufficientofitselftopreventhimfromsleeping,
whatthenmustbeitseffectwhenjoinedtotheanxietythatprayeduponhisspirits?Atthefirstglimpse
ofdawnhehastenedtotheprison,againtoimportunethisintractablestranger;buttherageofVathek
exceededallboundsonfindingtheprisonempty,thegatesburstasunder,andhisguardslyinglifeless
aroundhim.Intheparoxysmofhispassionhefellfuriouslyonthepoorcarcases,andkickedthemtill
eveningwithoutintermission.Hiscourtiersandviziersexertedtheireffortstosoothehisextravagance,
butfindingeveryexpedientineffectual,theyallunitedinonevociferation:
“TheCaliphisgonemad!theCaliphisoutofhissenses!”
Thisoutcry,whichwassoonresoundedthroughthestreetsofSamarah,atlengthreachedtheearsof
Carathis,hismother:sheflewintheutmostconsternationtotryherascendencyonthemindofherson.
Hertearsandcaressescalledoffhisattention;andhewasprevaileduponbyherentreatiestobebrought
backtothepalace.
Carathis,apprehensiveofleavingVathektohimself,causedhimtobeputtobed;andseatingherselfby
him,endeavouredbyherconversationtohealandcomposehim.Norcouldanyonehaveattemptedit
withbettersuccess;fortheCaliphnotonlylovedherasamotherbutrespectedherasapersonof
superiorgenius.Itwasshewhohadinducedhim,beingaGreekherself,toadoptallthesciencesand
systemsofhercountry,whichgoodMussulmansholdinsuchthoroughabhorrence.
JudicialastrologywasoneofthosesystemsinwhichCarathiswasaperfectadept.Shebegan,
therefore,withremindinghersonofthepromisewhichthestarshadmadehim;andintimatedan
intentionofconsultingthemagain.
“Alas!”sighedtheCaliph,assoonathecouldspeak,“whatafoolhaveIbeen!notforthekicks
bestowedonmyguards,whosotamelysubmittedtodeath,butforneverconsideringthatthis
extraordinarymanwasthesametheplanetshadforetold;whom,insteadofill-treating,Ishouldhave
conciliatedbyalltheartsofpersuasion.”
“Thepast,”saidCarathis,“cannotberecalled;butitbehovesustothinkofthefuture:perhapsyoumay
againseetheobjectyousomuchregret:itispossibletheinscriptionsonthesabreswillafford
information.Eat,therefore,andtakethyrepose,mydearson.Wewillconsider,to-morrow,inwhat
mannertoact.”
Vathekyieldedtohercounselaswellashecould,andaroseinthemorningwithamindmoreatease.
Thesabreshecommandedtobeinstantlybrought;andporinguponthemthroughagreenglass,that
theirglitteringmightnotdazzle,hesethimselfinearnesttodeciphertheinscriptions;buthisreiterated
attemptswereallofthemnugatory:invaindidhebeathisheadandbitehisnails;notaletterofthe
wholewasheabletoascertain.Sounluckyadisappointmentwouldhaveundonehimagain,hadnot
Carathis,bygoodfortune,enteredtheapartment.
“Havepatience,son!”saidshe.“Youcertainlyarepossessedofeveryimportantscience,butthe
knowledgeoflanguagesisatrifle,atbest;andtheaccomplishmentofnonebutapedant.Issuefortha
proclamationthatyouwillconfersuchrewardsasbecomeyourgreatnessuponanyonethatshall
interpretwhatyoudonotunderstand,andwhatitisbeneathyoutolearn.Youwillsoonfindyour
curiositygratified.”
“Thatmaybe,”saidtheCaliph;“butinthemeantimeIshallbehorriblydisgustedbyacrowdof
smatterers,whowillcometothetrialasmuchforthepleasureofretailingtheirjargonasfromthehope
ofgainingthereward.Toavoidthisevil,itwillbepropertoaddthatIwillputeverycandidatetodeath
whoshallfailtogivesatisfaction;for,thankheaven,Ihaveskillenoughtodistinguishbetweenonethat
translatesandonethatinvents.”
“OfthatIhavenodoubt,”repliedCarathis,“buttoputtheignoranttodeathissomewhatsevere,and
maybeproductiveofdangerouseffects.Contentyourselfwithcommandingtheirbeardstobeburnt:
beards,inastate,arenotquitesoessentialasmen.”
TheCaliphsubmittedtothereasonsofhismother,andsendingforMorakanabad,hisprimevizier,said:
“Letthecommoncriersproclaim,notonlyinSamarah,butthroughouteverycityinmyempire,that
whosoeverwillrepairhither,anddeciphercertaincharacterswhichappeartobeinexplicable,shall
experiencetheliberalityforwhichIamrenowned;butthatallwhofailupontrialshallhavetheirbeards
burntofftothelasthair.Letthemaddalso,thatIwillbestowfiftybeautifulslaves,andasmanyjarsof
apricotsfromtheisleofKirmith,uponanymanthatshallbringmeintelligenceofthestranger.”
ThesubjectsoftheCaliph,liketheirsovereign,beinggreatadmirersofwomen,andapricotsfrom
Kirmith,felttheirmouthswateratthesepromises,butweretotallyunabletogratifytheirhankering,for
nooneknewwhichwaythestrangerhadgone.
AstotheCaliph’sotherrequisitiontheresultwasdifferent:thelearned,thehalf-learned,andthosewho
wereneither,butfanciedthemselvesequaltoboth,cameboldlytohazardtheirbeards,andall
shamefullylostthem.
Theexactionoftheseforfeitures,whichfoundsufficientemploymentfortheEunuchs,gavethemsucha
smellofsingedhairasgreatlytodisgusttheladiesoftheseraglio,andmakeitnecessarythatthisnew
occupationoftheirguardiansshouldbetransferredintootherhands.
Atlength,however,anoldmanpresentedhimself,whosebeardwasacubit-and-a-halflongerthanany
thathadappearedbeforehim.Theofficersofthepalacewhisperedtoeachother,astheyusheredhim
in:
“Whatapitysuchabeardshouldbeburnt!”
EventheCaliph,whenhesawit,concurredwiththeminopinion;buthisconcernwasentirely
needless.Thisvenerablepersonagereadthecharacterswithfacility,andexplainedthemverbatim,as
follows:
“Weweremadewhereeverythinggoodismade;wearetheleastofthewondersofaplacewhereallis
wonderful;anddeservingthesightofthefirstpotentateonearth.”
“Youtranslateadmirably!”criedVathek.“Iknowtowhatthesemarvellouscharactersallude.Lethim
receiveasmanyrobesofhonour,andthousandsofsequinsofgold,ashehathspokenwords.Iamin
somemeasurerelievedfromtheperplexitythatembarrassedme!”
Vathekinvitedtheoldmantodine,andeventoremainsomedaysinthepalace.Unluckilyforhim,he
acceptedtheoffer;fortheCaliphhavingorderedhimnextmorningtobecalled,said:
“Readagaintomewhatyouhavereadalready;Icannotheartoooftenthepromisethatismademe,the
completionofwhichIlanguishtoobtain.”
Theoldmanforthwithputonhisgreenspectacles;buttheyinstantlydroppedfromhisnose,on
perceivingthatthecharactershehadreadthedaypreceding,hadgivenplacetoothersofdifferent
import.
“Whatailsyou?”askedtheCaliph;“andwhythesesymptomsofwonder?”
“Sovereignoftheworld,”repliedtheoldman,“thesesabresholdanotherlanguageto-day,fromthat
theyyesterdayheld.”
“Howsayyou?”returnedVathek.“Butitmattersnot!tellme,ifyoucan,whattheymean.”
“Itisthis,mylord,”rejoinedtheoldman:“‘Woetotherashmortalwhoseekstoknowthatofwhichhe
shouldremainignorantandtoundertakethatwhichsurpassethhispower!’”
“Andwoetothee!”criedtheCaliph,inaburstofindignation:“to-daythouartvoidofunderstanding:
begonefrommypresence,theyshallburnbutthehalfofthybeard,becausethouwertyesterday
fortunateinguessing.MygiftsIneverresume.”
Theoldman,wiseenoughtoperceivehehadluckilyescaped,consideringthefollyofdisclosingso
disgustingatruth,immediatelywithdrew,andappearednotagain.
ButitwasnotlongbeforeVathekdiscoveredabundantreasontoregrethisprecipitation;forthoughhe
couldnotdecipherthecharactershimself,yet,byconstantlyporinguponthem,heplainlyperceivedthat
theyeverydaychanged;andunfortunatelynoothercandidateofferedtoexplainthem.Thisperplexing
occupationinflamedhisblood,dazzledhissight,andbroughtonagiddinessanddebilitythathecould
notsupport.Hefailednot,however,thoughinsoreducedacondition,tobeoftencarriedtohistower,
asheflatteredhimselfthathemighttherereadinthestars,whichhewenttoconsult,somethingmore
congruoustohiswishes.Butinthishishopesweredeluded;forhiseyes,dimmedbythevapoursofhis
head,begantosubservehiscuriositysoill,thathebeheldnothingbutathickduncloud,whichhetook
forthemostdirefulofomens.
Agitatedwithsomuchanxiety,Vathekentirelylostallfirmness;afeverseizedhimandhisappetite
failed.Insteadofbeingoneofthegreatesteaters,hebecameasdistinguishedfordrinking.So
insatiablewasthethirstwhichtormentedhim,thathismouth,likeafunnel,wasalwaysopentoreceive
thevariousliquorsthatmightbepouredintoitandespeciallycoldwater,whichcalmedhimmorethan
everyother.
Thisunhappyprincebeingthusincapacitatedfortheenjoymentofanypleasure,commandedthe
palacesofthefivesensestobeshutup;foreboretoappearinpublic,eithertodisplayhismagnificence
oradministerjustice;andretiredtotheinmostapartmentofhisharem.Ashehadeverbeenan
indulgenthusband,hiswives,overwhelmedwithgriefathisdeplorablesituation,incessantlyoffered
theirprayersforhishealth,andunremittinglysuppliedhimwithwater.
Inthemeantime,thePrincessCarathis,whoseafflictionnowordscandescribe,insteadofrestraining
herselftosobbingandtears,wascloseteddailywiththeVizierMorakanabad,tofindoutsomecureor
mitigationoftheCaliph’sdisease.Underthepersuasionthatitwascausedbyenchantment,theyturned
overtogetherleafbyleaf,allthebooksofmagicthatmightpointoutaremedy;andcausedthehorrible
stranger,whomtheyaccusedastheenchanter,tobeeverywheresoughtforwiththestrictestdiligence.
AtthedistanceofafewmilesfromSamarahstoodahighmountain,whosesideswereswardedwith
wildthymeandbasil,anditssummitoverspreadwithsodelightfulaplainthatitmightbetakenforthe
Paradisedestinedforthefaithful.Uponitgrewahundredthicketsofeglantineandotherfragrant
shrubs;ahundredarboursofroses,jessamine,andhoneysuckle;asmanyclumpsoforangetrees,cedar,
andcitron;whosebranches,interwovenwiththepalm,thepomegranate,andthevine,presentedevery
luxurythatcouldregaletheeyeorthetaste.Thegroundwasstrewedwithviolets,harebells,and
pansies;inthemidstofwhichsprungforthtuftsofjonquils,hyacinths,andcarnations,witheveryother
perfumethatimpregnatestheair.Fourfountains,notlessclearthandeep,andsoabundantastoslake
thethirstoftenarmies,seemedpurposelyplacedheretomakethescenemoreresemblethegardenof
Eden,whichwaswateredbythefoursacredrivers.Herethenightingalesangthebirthoftherose,her
well-beloved,andatthesametimelamenteditsshort-livedbeauty;whilsttheturtledeploredthelossof
moresubstantialpleasuresandthewakefullarkhailedtherisinglightthatreanimatesthewhole
creation.Here,morethananywhere,themingledmelodiesofbirdsexpressedthevariouspassionsthey
inspired;asiftheexquisitefruits,whichtheypeckedatpleasure,hadgiventhemadoubleenergy.
TothismountainVathekwassometimesbrought,forthesakeofbreathingapurerair;andespecially,to
drinkatwillofthefourfountains,whichwerereputedinthehighestdegreesalubrious,andsacredto
himself.Hisattendantswerehismother,hiswives,andsomeeunuchs,whoassiduouslyemployed
themselvesinfillingcapaciousbowlsofrockcrystal,andemulouslypresentingthemtohim.Butit
frequentlyhappenedthathisavidityexceededtheirzeal;insomuchthathewouldprostratehimselfupon
thegroundtolapupthewater,ofwhichhecouldneverhaveenough.
Onedaywhenthisunhappyprincehadbeenlonglyinginsodebasingaposture,avoice,hoarsebut
strong,thusaddressedhim:
“Whyassumestthouthefunctionofadog,ohCaliph,soproudofthydignityandpower?”
Atthisapostropheheraiseduphisheadandbeheldthestrangerthathadcausedhimsomuchaffliction.
Inflamedwithangeratthesight,heexclaimed:
“AccursedGiaour![23]whatcomestthouhithertodo?isitnotenoughtohavetransformedaprince,
remarkableforhisagility,intooneofthoseleatherbarrelswhichtheBedouinArabscarryontheir
camelswhentheytraversethedeserts?PerceivestthounotthatImayperishbydrinkingtoexcess,no
lessthanbyatotalabstinence?”
“Drinkthenthisdraught,”saidthestranger,ashepresentedtohimaphialofaredandyellowmixture;
“andtosatiatethethirstofthysoulaswellasofthybody,knowthatIamanIndian,butfromaregion
ofIndiawhichiswhollyunknown.”
TheCaliph,delightedtoseehisdesiresaccomplishedinpart,andflatteringhimselfwiththehopeof
obtainingtheirentirefulfilment,withoutamoment’shesitationswallowedthepotion,and
instantaneouslyfoundhishealthrestored,histhirstappeased,andhislimbsasagileasever.
Inthetransportsofhisjoy,VathekleapedupontheneckofthefrightfulIndian,andkissedhishorrid
mouthandhollowcheeks,asthoughtheyhadbeenthecorallips,andtheliliesandrosesofhismost
beautifulwives;whilstthey,lessterrifiedthanjealousatthesight,droppedtheirveilstohidetheblush
ofmortificationthatsuffusedtheirforeheads.
Norwouldthescenehaveclosedhere,hadnotCarathis,withalltheartofinsinuation,alittlerepressed
therapturesofherson.HavingprevaileduponhimtoreturntoSamarah,shecausedaheraldtoprecede
him,whomshecommandedtoproclaimasloudlyaspossible:
“Thewonderfulstrangerhathappearedagain;hehathhealedtheCaliph;hehathspoken!hehath
spoken!”
Forthwithalltheinhabitantsofthisvastcityquittedtheirhabitations,andrantogetherincrowdstosee
theprocessionofVathekandtheIndian,whomtheynowblessedasmuchastheyhadbeforeexecrated,
incessantlyshouting,
“Hehathhealedoursovereign;hehathspoken!hehathspoken!”
Norwerethesewordsforgotteninthepublicfestivals,whichwerecelebratedthesameeveningto
testifythegeneraljoy,forthepoetsappliedthemasachorustoallthesongstheycomposed.
TheCaliph,inthemeanwhilecausedthepalacesofthesensestobeagainsetopen,andashefound
himselfpromptedtovisitthatoftaste,inpreferencetotherest,immediatelyorderedasplendid
entertainment,towhichhisgreatofficersandfavouritecourtierswereallinvited.TheIndian,whowas
placedneartheprince,seemedtothinkthatasaproperacknowledgmentofsodistinguishedaprivilege,
hecouldneithereat,drink,nortalktoomuch.Thevariousdaintieswerenosoonerservedupthanthey
vanished,tothegreatmortificationofVathek,whopiquedhimselfonbeingthegreatesteateralive,and
atthistimeinparticularhadanexcellentappetite.
Therestofthecompanylookedroundateachotherinamazement,buttheIndianwithoutappearingto
observeit,quaffedlargebumperstothehealthofeachofthem:sunginastylealtogetherextravagant;
relatedstoriesatwhichhelaughedimmoderately;andpouredforthextemporaneousverseswhich
wouldnothavebeenthoughtbad,butforthestrangegrimaceswithwhichtheywereuttered.Inaword,
hisloquacitywasequaltothatofahundredastrologers;heateasmuchasahundredporters,and
carousedinproportion.
TheCaliph,notwithstandingthetablehadbeenthirtytimescovered,foundhimselfincommodedbythe
voraciousnessofhisguest,whowasnowconsiderablydeclinedintheprince’sesteem.Vathek,
however,beingunwillingtobetraythechagrinhecouldhardlydisguise,saidinawhisperto
Bababalouk,[26a]thechiefofhiseunuchs:
“Youseehowenormoushisperformancesineverywayare;whatwouldbetheconsequenceshouldhe
getatmywives?Go!redoubleyourvigilance,andbesurelookwelltomyCircassians,whowouldbe
moretohistastethanalloftherest.”
Thebirdofthemorninghadthricerenewedhissong,whenthehourofthedivan[26b]sounded.Vathek,
ingratitudetohissubjects,havingpromisedtoattend,immediatelyarosefromtableandrepairedthither
leaninguponhisvizier,whocouldscarcelysupporthim,sodisorderedwasthepoorprincebythewine
hehaddrank,andstillmorebytheextravagantvagariesofhisboisterousguest.
Theviziers,theofficersofthecrown,andofthelaw,arrangedthemselvesinasemi-circleabouttheir
sovereign,andpreservedarespectfulsilence,whilsttheIndian,wholookedascoolasifcomefroma
fast,satdownwithoutceremonyonastepofthethrone,laughinginhissleeveattheindignationwith
whichhistemerityhadfilledthespectators.
TheCaliph,however,whoseideaswereconfusedandhisheadembarrassed,wentonadministering
justiceathap-hazard,tillatlengththeprimevizier[27]perceivinghissituation,hituponasudden
expedienttointerrupttheaudience,andrescuethehonourofhismaster,towhomhesaidinawhisper:
“Mylord,theprincessCarathis,whohathpassedthenightinconsultingtheplanets,informsyouthat
theyportendyouevil;andthedangerisurgent.Beware,lestthisstrangerwhomyouhavesolavishly
recompensedforhismagicalgewgaws,shouldmakesomeattemptonyourlife:hisliquor,whichatfirst
hadtheappearanceofeffectingyourcure,maybenomorethanapoisonofasuddenoperation.Slight
notthissurmise;askhim,atleast,ofwhatitwascompounded;whenceheprocuredit;andmentionthe
sabres,whichyouseemtohaveforgotten.”
Vathek,towhomtheinsolentairsofthestrangerbecameeverymomentlesssupportable,intimatedto
hisvizierbyawinkofacquiescence,thathewouldadopthisadvice,andatonceturningtowardsthe
Indian,said:
“Getupanddeclareinfulldivanofwhatdrugstheliquorwascompoundedyouenjoinedmetotake,for
itissuspectedtobepoison;addalsotheexplanationIhavesoearnestlydesiredconcerningthesabres
yousoldme,andthusshowyourgratitudeforthefavoursheapedonyou.”
HavingpronouncedthesewordsinasmoderateatoneasaCaliphwellcould,hewaitedinsilent
expectationforananswer;buttheIndian,stillkeepinghisseat,begantorenewhisloudshoutsof
laughter,andexhibitthesamehorridgrimaceshehadshownthembefore,withoutvouchsafingaword
inreply.Vathek,nolongerabletobrooksuchinsolence,immediatelykickedhimfromthesteps,
instantlydescendingrepeatedhisblow,andpersistedwithsuchassiduity,asincitedallwhowere
presenttofollowhisexample.EveryfootwasaimedattheIndian,andnosoonerhadanyonegiven
himakickthanhefelthimselfconstrainedtoreiteratethestroke.
Thestrangeraffordedthemnosmallentertainment;forbeingbothshortandplump,hecollectedhimself
intoaballandrolledroundonallsidesattheblowsofhisassailants,whopressedafterhimwhereverhe
turned,withaneagernessbeyondconception,whilsttheirnumberswereeverymomentincreasing.The
ball,indeed,inpassingfromoneapartmenttoanother,dreweverypersonafteritthatcameinitsway,
insomuchthatthewholepalacewasthrownintoconfusion,andresoundedwithatremendousclamour.
Thewomenoftheharem,amazedattheuproar,flewtotheirblindstodiscoverthecause,butnosooner
didtheycatchaglimpseoftheballthanfeelingthemselvesunabletorefrain,theybrokefromthe
clutchesoftheireunuchs,whotostoptheirflightpinchedthemtilltheybled,butinvain;whilst
themselves,thoughtremblingwithterrorattheescapeoftheircharge,wereasincapableofresistingthe
attraction.
TheIndian,afterhavingtraversedthehalls,galleries,chambers,kitchens,gardens,andstablesofthe
palace,atlasttookhiscoursethroughthecourts,whilsttheCaliph,pursuinghimcloserthantherest,
bestowedasmanykicksashepossiblycould,yetnotwithoutreceivingnowandthenone,whichhis
competitors,intheireagerness,designedfortheball.
Carathis,Morakanabad,andtwoorthreeoldvizierswhosewisdomhadhithertowithstoodthe
attraction,wishingtopreventVathekfromexposinghimselfinthepresenceofhissubjects,felldownin
hiswaytoimpedethepursuit,buthe,regardlessoftheirobstruction,leapedovertheirheads,andwent
onasbefore.Theythenorderedthemuezzinstocallthepeopletoprayers,bothforthesakeofgetting
themoutoftheway,andofendeavouringbytheirpetitionstoavertthecalamity;butneitherofthese
expedientswasawhitmoresuccessful.Thesightofthisfatalballwasalonesufficienttodrawafterit
everybeholder.Themuezzinsthemselves,thoughtheysawitbutatadistance,hasteneddownfrom
theirminaretsandmixedwiththecrowd,whichcontinuedtoincreaseinsosurprisingamanner,that
scarceaninhabitantwasleftinSamarah,excepttheaged,thesickconfinedtotheirbeds,andinfantsat
thebreast,whosenursescouldrunmorenimblywithoutthem.EvenCarathis,Morakanabad,andthe
rest,wereallbecomeoftheparty.
Theshrillscreamsofthefemaleswhohadbrokenfromtheirapartments,andwereunabletoextricate
themselvesfromthepressureofthecrowd,togetherwiththoseoftheeunuchsjostlingafterthem,
terrifiedlesttheirchargeshouldescapefromtheirsight,increasedbytheexecrationsofhusbands
urgingforwardandmenacingboth,kicksgivenandreceived,stumblingsandoverthrowsateverystep,
inaword,theconfusionthatuniversallyprevailed,renderedSamarahlikeacitytakenbystorm,and
devotedtoabsoluteplunder.
AtlastthecursedIndian,whostillpreservedhisrotundityoffigure,afterpassingthroughallthestreets
andpublicplaces,andleavingthemempty,rolledonwardstotheplainofCatoul,andtraversedthe
valleyatthefootofthemountainofthefourfountains.
Asacontinualfallofwaterhadexcavatedanimmensegulphinthevalley,whoseoppositesidewas
closedinbyasteepacclivity,theCaliphandhisattendantswereapprehensivelesttheballshouldbound
intothechasm,andtopreventit,redoubledtheirefforts,butinvain.TheIndianperseveredinhis
onwarddirection,andashadbeenapprehended,glancingfromtheprecipicewiththerapidityof
lightning,waslostinthegulphbelow.
VathekwouldhavefollowedtheperfidiousGiaour,hadnotaninvisibleagencyarrestedhisprogress.
Themultitudethatpressedafterhimwereatoncecheckedinthesamemanner,andacalm
instantaneouslyensued.Theyallgazedateachotherwithanairofastonishment;andnotwithstanding
thatthelossofveilsandturbans,togetherwithtornhabits,anddustblendedwithsweat,presenteda
mostlaughablespectacle,therewasnotonesmiletobeseen;onthecontrary,allwithlooksof
confusionandsadnessreturnedinsilencetoSamarah,andretiredtotheirinmostapartments,without
everreflectingthattheyhadbeenimpelledbyaninvisiblepowerintotheextravaganceforwhichthey
reproachedthemselves:foritisbutjust,thatmenwhosooftenarrogatetotheirownmeritthegoodof
whichtheyarebutinstruments,shouldattributetothemselvestheabsurditieswhichtheycouldnot
prevent.
TheCaliphwastheonlypersonthatrefusedtoleavethevalley.Hecommandedhistentstobepitched
there,andstationedhimselfontheveryedgeoftheprecipice,inspiteoftherepresentationsofCarathis
andMorakanabad,whopointedoutthehazardofitsbrinkgivingway,andthevicinitytothemagician
thathadsoseverelytormentedhim.Vathekderidedalltheirremonstrances;andhavingordereda
thousandflambeaustobelighted,anddirectedhisattendantstoproceedinlightingmore,laydownon
theslipperymargin,andattempted,bythehelpofthisartificialsplendour,tolookthroughthatgloom
whichallthefiresoftheempyreanhadbeeninsufficienttopervade.Onewhilehefanciedtohimself
voicesarisingfromthedepthofthegulph,atanotherheseemedtodistinguishtheaccentsoftheIndian,
butallwasnomorethanthehollowmurmurofwaters,andthedinofthecataractsthatrushedfrom
steeptosteep,downthesidesofthemountain.
Havingpassedthenightinthiscruelperturbation,theCaliphatday-breakretiredtohistent,where,
withouttakingtheleastsustenance,hecontinuedtodozetilltheduskofeveningbegantocomeon;he
thenresumedhisvigilsasbefore,andperseveredinobservingthemformanynightstogether.At
length,fatiguedwithsosuccesslessanemployment,hesoughtrelieffromchange.Tothisendhe
sometimespacedwithhastystridesacrosstheplain;andashewildlygazedatthestars,reproached
themwithhavingdeceivedhim;butlo!onasuddentheclearblueskyappearedstreakedoverwith
streamsofblood,whichreachedfromthevalleyeventothecityofSamarah.Asthisawful
phenomenonseemedtotouchhistower,Vathekatfirstthoughtofrepairingthithertoviewitmore
distinctly,butfeelinghimselfunabletoadvance,andbeingovercomewithapprehension,hemuffledup
hisfaceinhisrobe.
Terrifyingastheseprodigieswere,thisimpressionuponhimwasnomorethanmomentary,andserved
onlytostimulatehisloveofthemarvellous.Instead,therefore,ofreturningtohispalace,hepersisted
intheresolutionofabidingwheretheIndianvanishedfromhisview.Onenight,however,whilehewas
walkingasusualontheplain,themoonandthestarsatoncewereeclipsed,andatotaldarkness
ensued.Theearthtrembledbeneathhim,andavoicecameforth,thevoiceoftheGiaour,whoin
accentsmoresonorousthanthunder,thusaddressedhim:
“Would’stthoudevotethyselftome?adorethentheterrestrialinfluences,andabjureMahomet.On
theseconditionsIwillbringtheetothepalaceofsubterraneanfire:thereshaltthoubehold,inimmense
depositories,thetreasureswhichthestarshavepromisedthee,andwhichwillbeconferredbythose
intelligenceswhomthoushaltthusrenderpropitious.ItwasfromthenceIbroughtmysabres;anditis
therethatSolimanBenDaoudreposes,surroundedbythetalismansthatcontroltheworld.”
TheastonishedCaliphtrembledasheanswered,yetinastylethatshowedhimtobenonovicein
preternaturaladventures:
“Whereartthou?Bepresenttomyeyes;dissipatethegloomthatperplexesme,andofwhichIdeem
theethecause.AfterthemanyflambeausIhaveburnttodiscoverthee,thoumayestatleastgranta
glimpseofthyhorriblevisage.”
“AbjurethenMahomet,”repliedtheIndian,“andpromisemefullproofsofthysincerity;otherwisethou
shaltneverbeholdmeagain.”
TheunhappyCaliph,instigatedbyinsatiablecuriosity,lavishedhispromisesintheutmostprofusion.
Theskyimmediatelybrightened;andbythelightoftheplanets,whichseemedalmosttoblaze,Vathek
beheldtheearthopen,andattheextremityofavastblackchasmaportalofebony,beforewhichstood
theIndian,stillblacker,holdinginhishandagoldenkey,thatcausedthelocktoresound.
“How,”criedVathek,“canIdescendtothee,withoutthecertaintyofbreakingmyneck?Cometake
me,andinstantlyopentheportal.”
“Notsofast,”repliedtheIndian,“impatientCaliph!KnowthatIamparchedwiththirst,andcannot
openthisdoortillmythirstbethoroughlyappeased.Irequirethebloodoffiftyofthemostbeautiful
sonsofthyviziersandgreatmen,orneithercanmythirstnorthycuriositybesatisfied.Returnto
Samarah;procureformethisnecessarylibation;comebackhither;throwitthyselfintothischasm;and
thenshaltthousee!”
Havingthusspoken,theIndianturnedhisbackontheCaliph,who,incitedbythesuggestionof
demons,resolvedonthedirefulsacrifice.Henowpretendedtohaveregainedhistranquillity,andset
outforSamarahamidsttheacclamationsofapeoplewhostilllovedhim,andforborenottorejoice
whentheybelievedhimtohaverecoveredhisreason.Sosuccessfullydidheconcealtheemotionofhis
heart,thatevenCarathisandMorakanabadwereequallydeceivedwiththerest.Nothingwasheardof
butfestivalsandrejoicings.Theball,whichnotonguehadhithertoventuredtomention,wasagain
broughtonthetapis.Agenerallaughwentround;thoughmany,stillsmartingunderthehandsofthe
surgeon,fromthehurtsreceivedinthatmemorableadventure,hadnogreatreasonformirth.
TheprevalenceofthisgayhumourwasnotalittlegratefultoVathek,asperceivinghowmuchit
conducedtohisproject.Heputontheappearanceofaffabilitytoeveryone;butespeciallytohis
viziers,andthegrandeesofhiscourt,whomhefailednottoregalewithasumptuousbanquet,during
whichheinsensiblyinclinedtheconversationtothechildrenofhisguests.Havingasked,withagoodnaturedair,whoofthemwereblessedwiththehandsomestboys,everyfatheratonceassertedthe
pretensionsofhisown;andthecontestimperceptiblygrewsowarm,thatnothingcouldhavewithholdenthemfromcomingtoblowsbuttheirprofoundreverenceforthepersonoftheCaliph.Underthe
pretence,therefore,ofreconcilingthedisputants,Vathektookuponhimtodecide;andwiththisview
commandedtheboystobebrought.
Itwasnotlongbeforeatroopofthesepoorchildrenmadetheirappearance,allequippedbytheirfond
motherswithsuchornamentsasmightgivethegreatestrelieftotheirbeauty,ormostadvantageously
displaythegracesoftheirage.Butwhilstthisbrilliantassemblageattractedtheeyesandheartsof
everyonebesides,theCaliphscrutinizedeachinhisturnwithamalignantaviditythatpassedfor
attention,andselectedfromtheirnumberthefiftywhomhejudgedtheGiaourwouldprefer.
Withanequalshowofkindnessasbefore,heproposedtocelebrateafestivalontheplain,forthe
entertainmentofhisyoungfavourites,whohesaidoughttorejoicestillmorethanallattherestoration
ofhishealth,onaccountofthefavoursheintendedforthem.
TheCaliph’sproposalwasreceivedwiththegreatestdelight,andsoonpublishedthroughSamarah.
Litters,camels,andhorseswereprepared.Womenandchildren,oldmenandyoung—everyoneplaced
himselfinthestationhechose.Thecavalcadesetforward,attendedbyalltheconfectionersinthecity
anditsprecincts.Thepopulace,followingonfoot,composedanamazingcrowd,andoccasionedno
littlenoise.Allwasjoy;nordidanyonecalltomindwhatmostofthemhadsufferedwhentheyfirst
travelledtheroadtheywerenowpassingsogaily.
Theeveningwasserene,theairrefreshing,theskyclear,andtheflowersexhaledtheirfragrance.The
beamsofthedecliningsun,whosemildsplendourreposedonthesummitofthemountain,shedaglow
ofruddylightoveritsgreendeclivity,andthewhiteflockssportinguponit.Nosoundswereaudible,
savethemurmursofthefourfountains,andthereedsandvoicesofshepherds,callingtoeachother
fromdifferenteminences.
Thelovelyinnocents,proceedingtothedestinedsacrifice,addednotalittletothehilarityofthescene.
Theyapproachedtheplainfullofsportiveness;somecoursingbutterflies,otherscullingflowers,or
pickinguptheshininglittlepebblesthatattractedtheirnotice.Atintervals,theynimblystartedfrom
eachother,forthesakeofbeingcaughtagain,andmutuallyimpartingathousandcaresses.
Thedreadfulchasm,atwhosebottomtheportalofebonywasplaced,begantoappearatadistance.It
lookedlikeablackstreakthatdividedtheplain.Morakanabadandhiscompanionstookitforsome
workwhichtheCaliphhadordered.Unhappymen!littledidtheysurmiseforwhatitwasdestined.
Vathek,notlikingthattheyshouldexamineittoonearly,stoppedtheprocession,andorderedaspacious
circletobeformedonthisside,atsomedistancefromtheaccursedchasm.Thebody-guardofeunuchs
wasdetached,tomeasureoutthelistsintendedforthegames,andprepareringlesforthelinestokeep
offthecrowd.Thefiftycompetitorsweresoonstripped,andpresentedtotheadmirationofthe
spectatorsthesupplenessandgraceoftheirdelicatelimbs.Theireyessparkledwithajoywhichthose
oftheirfondparentsreflected.Everyoneofferedwishesforthelittlecandidatenearesthisheart,and
doubtednotofhisbeingvictorious.Abreathlesssuspenseawaitedthecontestoftheseamiableand
innocentvictims.
TheCaliph,availinghimselfofthefirstmomenttoretirefromthecrowd,advancedtowardsthechasm,
andthereheard,yetnotwithoutshuddering,thevoiceoftheIndian;who,gnashinghisteeth,eagerly
demanded:
“Wherearethey?Wherearethey?perceivestthounothowmymouthwaters?”
“RelentlessGiaour!”answeredVathek,withemotion,“cannothingcontenttheebutthemassacreof
theselovelyvictims?Ah!wertthoutobeholdtheirbeauty,itmustcertainlymovethycompassion.”
“Perditiononthycompassion,babbler!”criedtheIndian.“Givethemme!instantlygivethem,ormy
portalshallbeclosedagainsttheeforever!”
“Notsoloudly,”repliedtheCaliph,blushing.
“Iunderstandthee,”returnedtheGiaour,withthegrinofanogre:“thouwantesttosummonupmore
presenceofmind.Iwillforamomentforbear.”
Duringthisexquisitedialoguethegameswentforwardwithallalacrity,andatlengthconcluded,justas
thetwilightbegantoovercastthemountains.Vathek,whowasstillstandingontheedgeofthechasm,
calledoutwithallhismight:
“Letmyfiftylittlefavouritesapproachme,separately;andletthemcomeintheorderoftheirsuccess.
TothefirstIwillgivemydiamondbracelet;tothesecondmycollarofemeralds;tothethirdmyaigret
ofrubies;tothefourthmygirdleoftopazes;andtotherest,eachapartofmydress,evendowntomy
slippers.”
Thisdeclarationwasreceivedwithreiteratedacclamations;andallextolledtheliberalityofaprince
whowouldthusstriphimselffortheamusementofhissubjectsandtheencouragementoftherising
generation.
TheCaliphinthemeanwhileundressedhimselfbydegrees;andraisinghisarmashighashewasable,
madeeachoftheprizesglitterintheair;but,whilsthedelivereditwithonehandtothechild,who
sprangforwardtoreceiveit,hewiththeotherpushedthepoorinnocentintothegulph,wherethe
Giaour,withasullenmuttering,incessantlyrepeated“More!more!”
Thisdreadfuldevicewasexecutedwithsomuchdexterity,thattheboywhowasapproachinghim
remainedunconsciousofthefateofhisforerunner;andastothespectators,theshadesofevening,
togetherwiththeirdistance,precludedthemfromperceivinganyobjectdistinctly.Vathek,havingin
thismannerthrowninthelastofthefifty,andexpectingthattheGiaouronreceivinghimwouldhave
presentedthekey,alreadyfanciedhimselfasgreatasSoliman,andconsequentlyabovebeingamenable
forwhathehaddone;when,tohisutteramazement,thechasmclosed,andthegroundbecameasentire
astherestoftheplain.
Nolanguagecouldexpresshisrageanddespair.HeexecratedtheperfidyoftheIndian;loadedhim
withthemostinfamousinvectives;andstampedwithhisfootasresolvingtobeheard.Hepersistedin
thisdemeanourtillhisstrengthfailedhim,andthenfellontheearthlikeonevoidofsense.Hisviziers
andgrandees,whowerenearerthantherest,supposedhimatfirsttobesittingonthegrassatplaywith
theiramiablechildren;butatlength,promptedbydoubt,theyadvancedtowardsthespot,andfoundthe
Caliphalone,whowildlydemandedwhattheywanted.
“Ourchildren!ourchildren!”criedthey.
“Itisassuredlypleasant,”saidhe,“tomakemeaccountableforaccidents.Yourchildren,whileatplay,
fellfromtheprecipicethatwashere;andIshouldhaveexperiencedtheirfatehadInotbeensavedbya
suddenstartback.”
Atthesewords,thefathersofthefiftyboyscriedoutaloud:themothersrepeatedtheirexclamationsan
octavehigher;whilsttherest,withoutknowingthecause,soondrownedthevoicesofboth,withstill
louderlamentationsoftheirown.
“OurCaliph,”saidthey,andthereportsooncirculated,“OurCaliphhasplayedusthistrick,togratify
hisaccursedGiaour.Letuspunishhimforhisperfidy!letusavengeourselves!letusavengetheblood
oftheinnocent!letusthrowthiscruelPrinceintothegulphthatisnear,andlethisnamebementioned
nomore!”
Atthisrumour,andthesemenaces,Carathis,fullofconsternation,hastenedtoMorakanabad,andsaid:
“Vizier,youhavelosttwobeautifulboys,andmustnecessarilybethemostafflictedoffathers;butyou
arevirtuous;saveyourmaster!”
“Iwillbraveeveryhazard,”repliedtheVizier,“torescuehimfromhispresentdanger;butafterwards
willabandonhimtohisfate.Bababalouk,”continuedhe,“putyourselfattheheadofyourEunuchs,
dispersethemob,andifpossiblebringbackthisunhappyPrincetohispalace.”
Bababaloukandhisfraternity,felicitatingeachotherinalowvoiceontheirdisabilityofeverbeing
fathers,obeyedthemandateoftheVizier;who,secondingtheirexertionstotheutmostofhispower,at
lengthaccomplishedhisgenerousenterprise,andretired,asheresolved,tolamentathisleisure.
NosoonerhadtheCaliphre-enteredhispalace,thanCarathiscommandedthedoorstobefastened;but
perceivingthetumulttobestillviolent,andhearingtheimprecationswhichresoundedfromall
quarters,shesaidtoherson:
“Whetherthepopulaceberightorwrong,itbehovesyoutoprovideforyoursafety:letusretiretoyour
ownapartment,andfromthence,throughthesubterraneanpassageknownonlytoourselves,intoyour
tower;there,withtheassistanceofthemuteswhoneverleaveit,wemaybeabletomakesome
resistance.Bababalouk,supposingustobestillinthepalace,willguarditsavenuesforhisownsake;
andweshallsoonfind,withoutthecounselsofthatblubbererMorakanabad,whatexpedientmaybethe
besttoadopt.”
Vathek,withoutmakingtheleastreply,acquiescedinhismother’sproposal,andrepeatedashewent:
“NefariousGiaour!whereartthou?hastthounotyetdevouredthosepoorchildren?wherearethy
sabres?thygoldenkey?thytalismans?”
Carathis,whoguessedfromtheseinterrogationsapartofthetruth,hadnodifficultytoapprehendin
gettingatthewhole,assoonasheshouldbealittlecomposedinhistower.ThisPrincesswassofar
frombeinginfluencedbyscruplesthatshewasaswickedaswomancouldbe,whichisnotsayinga
little,forthesexpiquethemselvesontheirsuperiorityineverycompetition.TherecitaloftheCaliph
thereforeoccasionedneitherterrornorsurprisetohismother;shefeltnoemotionbutfromthepromises
oftheGiaour;andsaidtoherson:
“ThisGiaour,itmustbeconfessed,issomewhatsanguinaryinhistaste,buttheterrestrialpowersare
alwaysterrible:nevertheless,whattheonehaspromisedandtheotherscanconfer,willprovea
sufficientindemnification.Nocrimesshouldbethoughttoodearforsuchareward.Forbearthento
reviletheIndian:youhavenotfulfilledtheconditionstowhichhisservicesareannexed.Forinstance,
isnotasacrificetothesubterraneanGeniirequired?andshouldwenotbepreparedtoofferitassoonas
thetumultissubsided?ThischargeIwilltakeonmyself,andhavenodoubtofsucceedingbymeansof
yourtreasures;which,astherearenowsomanyothersinstore,maywithoutfearbeexhausted.”
Accordingly,thePrincess,whopossessedthemostconsummateskillintheartofpersuasion,went
immediatelybackthroughthesubterraneanpassage,andpresentingherselftothepopulacefroma
windowofthepalace,begantoharanguethemwithalltheaddressofwhichshewasmistress,whilst
Bababaloukshoweredmoneyfrombothhandsamongstthecrowd,whobytheseunitedmeanswere
soonappeased.Everypersonretiredtohishome,andCarathisreturnedtothetower.
Prayeratbreakofdaywasannounced,whenCarathisandVathekascendedthestepswhichledtothe
summitofthetower,wheretheyremainedforsometime,thoughtheweatherwasloweringandwet.
Thisimpendinggloomcorrespondedwiththeirmalignantdispositions;butwhenthesunbegantobreak
throughtheclouds,theyorderedapaviliontoberaisedasascreenfromtheintrusionofhisbeams.The
Caliph,overcomewithfatigue,soughtrefreshmentfromrepose,atthesametimehopingthatsignificant
dreamsmightattendonhisslumbers;whilsttheindefatigableCarathis,followedbyapartyofher
mutes,descendedtopreparewhatevershejudgedproperfortheoblationoftheapproachingnight.
Bysecretstairs,knownonlytoherselfandherson,shefirstrepairedtothemysteriousrecessesin
whichweredepositedthemummiesthathadbeenbroughtfromthecatacombsoftheancientPharaohs.
Ofthesesheorderedseveraltobetaken.Fromthencesheresortedtoagallery,where,undertheguard
offiftyfemalenegroes,mute,andblindoftherighteye,werepreservedtheoilofthemostvenomous
serpents,rhinoceros’horns,andwoodsofasubtleandpenetratingodour,procuredfromtheinteriorof
theIndies,togetherwithathousandotherhorriblerarieties.Thiscollectionhadbeenformedfora
purposelikethepresent,byCarathisherself,fromapresentimentthatshemightonedayenjoysome
intercoursewiththeinfernalpowers,towhomshehadeverbeenpassionatelyattached,andtowhose
tasteshewasnostranger.
Tofamiliarizeherselfthebetterwiththehorrorsinview,thePrincessremainedinthecompanyofher
negresses,whosquintedinthemostamiablemannerfromtheonlyeyetheyhad,andleeredwith
exquisitedelightattheskullsandskeletonswhichCarathishaddrawnforthfromhercabinets,whose
keysheentrustedtonoone;allofthemmakingcontortions,andutteringafrightfuljargon,butvery
amusingtothePrincesstillatlast,beingstunnedbytheirgibbering,andsuffocatedbythepotencyof
theirexhalations,shewasforcedtoquitthegallery,afterstrippingitofapartofitstreasures.
Whilstshewasthusoccupied,theCaliph,whoinsteadofthevisionsheexpected,hadacquiredinthese
insubstantialregionsavoraciousappetite,wasgreatlyprovokedatthenegresses:for,havingtotally
forgottentheirdeafness,hehadimpatientlyaskedthemforfood;andseeingthemregardlessofhis
demand,hebegantocuff,pinch,andpushthem,tillCarathisarrivedtoterminateascenesoindecent,to
thegreatcontentofthesemiserablecreatures,whohavingbeenbroughtupbyher,understoodallher
signs,andcommunicatedinthesamewaytheirthoughtsinreturn.
“Son!whatmeansallthis?”saidshe,pantingforbreath.“IthoughtIheardasIcameup,theshrieksof
athousandbats,tearingfromtheircranniesintherecessesofacavern,anditwastheoutcryonlyof
thesepoormutes,whomyouweresounmercifullyabusing.Intruthyoubutilldeservetheadmirable
provisionIhavebroughtyou.”
“Giveitmeinstantly!”exclaimedtheCaliph:“Iamperishingforhunger!”
“Astothat,”answeredshe,“youmusthaveanexcellentstomachifitcandigestwhatIhavebeen
preparing.”
“Bequick,”repliedtheCaliph.“Butoh,heavens!whathorrors!Whatdoyouintend?”
“Come,come,”returnedCarathis,“benotsosqueamish,buthelpmetoarrangeeverythingproperly,
andyoushallseethatwhatyourejectwithsuchsymptomsofdisgustwillsooncompleteyourfelicity.
Letusgetreadythepileforthesacrificeofto-night,andthinknotofeatingtillthatisperformed.
Knowyounotthatallsolemnritesareprecededbyarigorousabstinence?”
TheCaliph,notdaringtoobject,abandonedhimselftogrief,andthewindthatravagedhisentrails,
whilsthismotherwentforwardwiththerequisiteoperations.Phialsofserpents’oil,mummies,and
bones,weresoonsetinorderonthebalustradeofthetower.Thepilebegantorise;andinthreehours
wasasmanycubitshigh.Atlength,darknessapproached,andCarathishavingstrippedherselftoher
inmostgarment,clappedherhandsinanimpulseofecstasy,andstrucklightwithallherforce.The
mutesfollowedherexample:butVathek,extenuatedwithhungerandimpatience,wasunabletosupport
himself,andfelldowninaswoon.Thesparkshadalreadykindledthedrywood;thevenomousoil
burstintoathousandblueflames;themummies,dissolving,emittedathickdunvapour;andthe
rhinoceros’hornsbeginningtoconsume;alltogetherdiffusedsuchastench,thattheCaliph,recovering,
startedfromhistranceandgazedwildlyonthesceneinfullblazearoundhim.Theoilgushedforthina
plentitudeofstreams;andthenegresses,whosupplieditwithoutintermission,unitedtheircriestothose
ofthePrincess.Atlastthefirebecamesoviolent,andtheflamesreflectedfromthepolishedmarbleso
dazzling,thattheCaliph,unabletowithstandtheheatandtheblaze,effectedhisescape,andclambered
uptheimperialstandard.
Inthemeantime,theinhabitantsofSamarah,scaredatthelightwhichshoneoverthecity,arosein
haste,ascendedtheirroofs,beheldthetoweronfire,andhurriedhalf-nakedtothesquare.Theirloveto
theirsovereignimmediatelyawoke;andapprehendinghimindangerofperishinginhistower,their
wholethoughtswereoccupiedwiththemeansofhissafety.Morakanabadflewfromhisretirement,
wipedawayhistears,andcriedoutforwaterliketherest.Bababalouk,whoseolfactorynerveswere
morefamiliarizedtomagicalodours,readilyconjecturingthatCarathiswasengagedinherfavourite
amusements,strenuouslyexhortedthemnottobealarmed.Him,however,theytreatedasanold
poltroon;andforborenottostylehimarascallytraitor.Thecamelsanddromedarieswereadvancing
withwater,butnooneknewbywhichwaytoenterthetower.Whilstthepopulacewasobstinatein
forcingthedoors,aviolenteastwinddrovesuchavolumeofflameagainstthem,asatfirstforcedthem
off;butafterwards,rekindledtheirzeal.Atthesametime,thestenchofthehornsandmummies
increasing,mostofthecrowdfellbackwardinastateofsuffocation.Thosethatkepttheirfeetmutually
wonderedatthecauseofthesmell,andadmonishedeachothertoretire.Morakanabad,moresickthan
therest,remainedinapiteouscondition.Holdinghisnosewithonehand,hepersistedinhisefforts
withtheothertoburstopenthedoors,andobtainadmission.Ahundredandfortyofthestrongestand
mostresoluteatlengthaccomplishedtheirpurpose.Havinggainedthestaircasebytheirviolent
exertions,theyattainedagreatheightinaquarterofanhour.
Carathis,alarmedatthesignsofhermutes,advancedtothestaircase,wentdownafewsteps,andheard
severalvoicescallingoutfrombelow:
“Youshallinamomenthavewater!”
Beingratheralert,consideringherage,shepresentlyregainedthetopofthetower,andbadeherson
suspendthesacrificeforsomeminutes,adding:
“Weshallsoonbeenabledtorenderitmoregrateful.Certaindoltsofyoursubjects,imagining,no
doubt,thatwewereonfire,havebeenrashenoughtobreakthroughthosedoors,whichhadhitherto
remainedinviolate,forthesakeofbringingupwater.Theyareverykind,youmustallow,sosoonto
forgetthewrongsyouhavedonethem:butthatisoflittlemoment.LetusofferthemtotheGiaour.Let
themcomeup:ourmutes,whoneitherwantstrengthnorexperience,willsoondespatchthem,
exhaustedastheyarewithfatigue.”
“Beitso,”answeredtheCaliph,“providedwefinish,andIdine.”
Infact,thesegoodpeople,outofbreathfromascendingeleventhousandstairsinsuchhaste,and
chagrinedathavingspilt,bytheway,thewatertheyhadtaken,werenosoonerarrivedatthetopthan
theblazeoftheflamesandthefumesofthemummiesatonceoverpoweredtheirsenses.Itwasapity!
fortheybeheldnottheagreeablesmilewithwhichthemutesandthenegressesadjustedthecordto
theirnecks:theseamiablepersonagesrejoiced,however,nolessatthescene.Neverbeforehadthe
ceremonyofstranglingbeenperformedwithsomuchfacility.Theyallfellwithouttheleastresistance
orstruggle;sothatVathek,inthespaceofafewmoments,foundhimselfsurroundedbythedeadbodies
ofhismostfaithfulsubjects,allofwhichwerethrownonthetopofthepile.
Carathis,whosepresenceofmindneverforsookher,perceivingthatshehadcarcasessufficientto
completeheroblation,commandedthechainstobestretchedacrossthestaircase,andtheirondoors
barricaded,thatnomoremightcomeup.
Nosoonerweretheseordersobeyed,thanthetowershook;thedeadbodiesvanishedintheflames;
whichatoncechangedfromaswarthycrimsontoabrightrosecolour.Anambientvapouremittedthe
mostexquisitefragrance;themarblecolumnsrangwithharmonioussounds,andtheliquefiedhorns
diffusedadeliciousperfume.Carathis,intransports,anticipatedthesuccessofherenterprise;whilstthe
mutesandnegresses,towhomthesesweetshadgiventhecholic,retiredtotheircellsgrumbling.
Scarcelyweretheygone,when,insteadofthepile,horns,mummies,andashes,theCaliphbothsawand
felt,withadegreeofpleasurewhichhecouldnotexpress,atable,coveredwiththemostmagnificent
repast:flaggonsofwine,andvasesofexquisitesherbet,floatingonsnow.Heavailedhimself,without
scruple,ofsuchanentertainment;andhadalreadylaidhandsonalambstuffedwithpistachios,whilst
Carathiswasprivatelydrawingfromafillagreenurn,aparchmentthatseemedtobeendless;andwhich
hadescapedthenoticeofherson.Totallyoccupied,ingratifyinganimportunateappetite,heleftherto
peruseit,withoutinterruption;whichhavingfinished,shesaidtohim,inanauthoritativetone,
“Putanendtoyourgluttony,andhearthesplendidpromiseswithwhichyouarefavoured!”Shethen
read,asfollows:
“Vathek,mywell-beloved,thouhastsurpassedmyhopes:mynostrilshavebeenregaledbythesavour
ofthymummies,thyhorns;and,stillmore,bythelivesdevotedonthepile.Atthefullofthemoon,
causethebandsofthymusicians,andthytymbals,tobeheard;departfromthypalacesurroundedbyall
thepageantsofmajesty;thymostfaithfulslaves,thybestbelovedwives;thymostmagnificentlitters;
thyrichestloadencamels;andsetforwardonthywaytoIstakar.ThereawaitIthycoming.Thatisthe
regionofwonders.ThereshaltthoureceivethediademofGianBenGian,[50]thetalismansof
Soliman,andthetreasuresofthepreadimiteSultans:thereshaltthoubesolacedwithallkindsof
delight.But,bewarehowthouenterestanydwellingonthyroute,orthoushaltfeeltheeffectsofmy
anger.”
TheCaliph,who,notwithstandinghishabitualluxury,hadneverbeforedinedwithsomuchsatisfaction,
gavefullscopetothejoyofthesegoldentidings,andbetookhimselftodrinkinganew.Carathis,whose
antipathytowinewasbynomeansinsuperable,failednottosupplyareasonforeverybumper,which
theyironicallyquaffedtothehealthofMahomet.Thisinfernalliquorcompletedtheirimpioustemerity,
andpromptedthemtoutteraprofusionofblasphemies.Theygavealoosetotheirwit,attheexpense
oftheassofBalaam,thedogofthesevensleepers,andtheotheranimalsadmittedintotheparadiseof
Mahomet.Inthissprightlyhumourtheydescendedtheeleventhousandstairs,divertingthemselvesas
theywentattheanxiousfacestheysawonthesquare,throughtheoiletsofthetower,andatlength
arrivedattheroyalapartmentsbythesubterraneanpassage.Bababaloukwasparadingtoandfro,and
issuinghismandateswithgreatpomptotheeunuchs,whoweresnuffingthelightsandpaintingtheeyes
oftheCircassians.NosoonerdidhecatchsightoftheCaliphandhismotherthanheexclaimed,
“Hah!youhavethen,Iperceive,escapedfromtheflames;Iwasnot,however,altogetheroutofdoubt.”
“Ofwhatmomentisittouswhatyouthoughtorthink?”criedCarathis“go,speed,tellMorakanabad
thatweimmediatelywanthim;andtakecarehowyoustopbythewaytomakeyourinsipid
reflections.”
Morakanabaddelayednottoobeythesummons,andwasreceivedbyVathekandhismotherwithgreat
solemnity.Theytoldhimwithanairofcomposureandcommiserationthatthefireatthetopofthe
towerwasextinguished,butthatithadcostthelivesofthebravepeoplewhosoughttoassistthem.
“Stillmoremisfortunes!”criedMorakanabadwithasigh.“Ah,commanderofthefaithful,ourholy
prophetiscertainlyirritatedagainstus!itbehovesyoutoappeasehim.”
“Wewillappeasehimhereafter,”repliedtheCaliph,withasmilethataugurednothingofgood.“You
willhaveleisuresufficientforyoursupplicationsduringmyabsence;forthiscountryisthebaneofmy
health.IamdisgustedwiththemountainoftheFourFountains,andamresolvedtogoanddrinkofthe
streamofRocnabad.[51]Ilongtorefreshmyselfinthedelightfulvalleyswhichitwaters.Doyou,with
theadviceofmymother,governmydominions;andtakecaretosupplywhateverherexperimentsmay
demand;foryouwellknowthatourtoweraboundsinmaterialsfortheadvancementofscience.”
ThetowerbutillsuitedMorakanabad’staste.Immensetreasureshadbeenlavisheduponit,andnothing
hadheeverseencarriedthitherbutfemalenegroes,mutes,andabominabledrugs.Nordidheknow
wellwhattothinkofCarathis,wholikeachamelioncouldassumeallpossiblecolours.Hercursed
eloquencehadoftendriventhepoorMussulmantohislastshifts.Heconsidered,however,thatifshe
possessedbutfewgoodqualities,hersonhadstillfewer,andthatthealternative,onthewhole,would
beinherfavour.Consoled,therefore,withthisreflection,hewentingoodspiritstosoothethe
populace,andmaketheproperarrangementsforhismaster’sjourney.
Vathek,toconciliatethespiritsofthesubterraneanpalace,resolvedthathisexpeditionshouldbe
uncommonlysplendid.Withthisviewheconfiscatedonallsidesthepropertyofhissubjects,whilsthis
worthymotherstrippedtheseragliosshevisitedofthegemstheycontained.Shecollectedallthe
sempstressesandembroiderersofSamarah,andothercities,tothedistanceofsixtyleagues,toprepare
pavilions,palanquins,sofas,canopies,andlitters,forthetrainofthemonarch.Therewasnotleftin
Masulipatanasinglepieceofchintz;andsomuchmuslinhadbeenboughtuptodressoutBababalouk
andtheotherblackeunuchs,thatthereremainednotanellinthewholeIrakofBabylon.
Duringthesepreparations,Carathis,whoneverlostsightofhergreatobject,whichwastoobtainfavour
withthepowersofdarkness,madeselectpartiesofthefairestandmostdelicateladiesofthecity;butin
themidstoftheirgaietyshecontrivedtointroduceserpentsamongstthem,andtobreakpotsof
scorpionsunderthetable.Theyallbittoawonder,andCarathiswouldhaveleftthemtobite,wereit
notthattofillupthetime,shenowandthenamusedherselfincuringtheirwoundswithanexcellent
anodyneofherowninvention;forthisgoodprincessabhorredbeingindolent.
Vathek,whowasnotaltogethersoactiveashismother,devotedhistimetothesolegratificationofhis
senses,inthepalaceswhichwereseverallydedicatedtothem.Hedisgustedhimselfnomorewiththe
divanorthemosque.OnehalfofSamarahfollowedhisexample,whilsttheotherlamentedtheprogress
ofcorruption.
Inthemidstofthesetransactions,theembassyreturnedwhichhadbeensentinpioustimestoMecca.It
consistedofthemostreverendmoullahs,[53]whohadfulfilledtheircommission,andbroughtbackone
ofthosepreciousbesomswhichareusedtosweepthesacredcaaba;apresenttrulyworthyofthe
greatestpotentateonearth!
TheCaliphhappenedatthisinstanttobeengagedinanapartmentbynomeansadaptedtothereception
ofembassies,thoughadornedwithacertainmagnificence,notonlytorenderitagreeable,butalso
becauseheresortedtoitfrequently,andstaidaconsiderabletimetogether.Whilstoccupiedinthis
retreat,heheardthevoiceofBababaloukcallingoutfrombetweenthedoorandthetapestrythathung
beforeit:
“HerearetheexcellentMahometEbnEdrisalShafei,andtheseraphicAlMouhadethin,whohave
broughtthebesomfromMecca,andwithtearsofjoyentreattheymaypresentittoyourmajestyin
person.”
“Letthembringthebesomhither,itmaybeofuse,”saidVathek,whowasstillemployed,nothaving
quiterackedoffhiswine.
“How!”answeredBababalouk,halfaloudandamazed.
“Obey,”repliedtheCaliph,“foritismysovereignwill;goinstantly!vanish!forherewillIreceivethe
goodfolkwhohavethusfilledtheewithjoy.”
Theeunuchdepartedmuttering,andbadethevenerabletrainattendhim.Asacredrapturewasdiffused
amongstthesereverendoldmen.Thoughfatiguedwiththelengthoftheirexpedition,theyfollowed
Bababaloukwithanalertnessalmostmiraculous,andfeltthemselveshighlyflatteredastheyswept
alongthestatelyporticos,thattheCaliphwouldnotreceivethemlikeambassadorsinordinary,inhis
hallofaudience.Soonreachingtheinterioroftheharem(where,throughblindsofpersianthey
perceivedlargesofteyes,darkandblue,thatwentandcamelikelightning)penetratedwithrespectand
wonder,andfulloftheircelestialmission,theyadvancedinprocessiontowardsthesmallcorridorsthat
appearedtoterminateinnothing,butneverthelessledtothecellwheretheCaliphexpectedtheir
coming.
“What!isthecommanderofthefaithfulsick?”saidEbnEdrisalShafei,inalowvoicetohis
companion.
“Iratherthinkheisinhisoratory,”answeredAlMouhadethin.
Vathek,whoheardthedialogue,criedout“WhatimportsityouhowIamemployed?approachwithout
delay.”
Theyadvanced,andBababaloukalmostsunkwithconfusion,[55]whilsttheCaliph,withoutshowing
himself,putforthhishandfrombehindthetapestrythathungbeforethedoor,anddemandedofthem
thebesom.
Havingprostratedthemselvesaswellasthecorridorwouldpermit,andeveninatolerablesemi-circle,
thevenerableAlShafei,drawingforththebesomfromtheembroideredandperfumedscarfsinwhichit
hadbeenenveloped,andsecuredfromtheprofanegazeofvulgareyes,arosefromhisassociatesand
advancedwithanairofthemostawfulsolemnitytowardsthesupposedoratory;butwithwhat
astonishment!withwhathorrorwasheseized!
Vathek,burstingoutintoavillainouslaugh,snatchedthebesomfromhistremblinghand,andfixing
uponitsomecobwebsthathungsuspendedfromtheceiling,gravelybrushedawaytillnotasingleone
remained.
Theoldmen,overpoweredwithamazement,wereunabletolifttheirbeardsfromtheground;foras
Vathekhadcarelesslyleftthetapestrybetweenthemhalfdrawn,theywerewitnessestothewhole
transaction.Theirtearsgushedforthonthemarble.AlMouhadethinswoonedthroughmortification
andfatigue,whilsttheCaliph,throwinghimselfbackwardonhisseat,shoutedandclappedhishands
withoutmercy.Atlast,addressinghimselftoBababalouk:
“Mydearblack,”saidhe,“go,regalethesepiouspoorsoulswithmygoodwinefromShiraz;andas
theycanboastofhavingseenmoreofmypalacethananyonebesides,letthemalsovisitmyoffice
courts,andleadthemoutbythebackstepsthatgotomystables.”Havingsaidthis,hethrewthebesom
intheirface,andwenttoenjoythelaughwithCarathis.
Bababaloukdidallinhispowertoconsoletheambassadors,butthetwomostinfirmexpiredonthe
spot;therestwerecarriedtotheirbeds,fromwhence,beingheart-brokenwithsorrowandshame,they
neverarose.
Thesucceedingnight,Vathek,attendedbyhismother,ascendedthetowertoseeifeverythingwere
readyforhisjourney,forhehadgreatfaithintheinfluenceofthestars.Theplanetsappearedintheir
mostfavourableaspects.TheCaliph,toenjoysoflatteringasight,suppedgailyontheroof,and
fanciedthatheheard,duringhisrepast,loudshoutsoflaughterresoundthroughthesky,inamanner
thatinspiredthefullestassurance.
Allwasinmotionatthepalace;lightswerekeptburningthroughthewholeofthenight;thesoundof
implements,andofartisansfinishingtheirwork;thevoicesofwomenandtheirguardianswhosungat
theirembroidery;allconspiredtointerruptthestillnessofnature,andinfinitelydelighttheheartof
Vathek,whoimaginedhimselfgoingintriumphtosituponthethroneofSoliman.
Thepeoplewerenotlesssatisfiedthanhimself;allassistedtoacceleratethemomentwhichshould
rescuethemfromthewaywardcapricesofsoextravagantamaster.
ThedayprecedingthedepartureofthisinfatuatedprincewasemployedbyCarathisinrepeatingtohim
thedecreesofthemysteriousparchment,whichshehadthoroughlygottenbyheart;andin
recommendinghimnottoenterthehabitationofanyonebytheway;“forwellthouknowest,”added
she,“howliquorishthytasteisaftergooddishesandyoungdamsels;letmethereforeenjointheetobe
contentwiththyoldcooks,whoarethebestintheworld;andnottoforgetthatinthyambulatory
seragliotherearethreedozenprettyfaces,whichBababaloukhathnotyetunveiled.I,myself,havea
greatdesiretowatchoverthyconduct,andvisitthesubterraneanpalace,whichnodoubtcontains
whatevercaninterestpersonslikeus.Thereisnothingsopleasingasretiringtocaverns;mytastefor
deadbodiesandeverythinglikemummyisdecided;andIamconfidentthouwiltseethemostexquisite
oftheirkind.Forgetmenotthen,butthemomentthouartinpossessionofthetalismanswhichareto
opentotheethemineralkingdoms,andthecentreoftheearthitself,failnottodispatchsometrusty
geniustotakemeandmycabinet,fortheoiloftheserpentsIhavepinchedtodeathwillbeapretty
presenttotheGiaour,whocannotbutbecharmedwithsuchdainties.”
ScarcelyhadCarathisendedthisedifyingdiscourse,whenthesun,settingbehindthemountainofthe
FourFountains,gaveplacetotherisingmoon.Thisplanetbeingthateveningatfull,appearedof
unusualbeautyandmagnitudeintheeyesofthewomen,theeunuchs,andthepages,whowereall
impatienttosetforward.Thecityre-echoedwithshoutsofjoyandflourishingoftrumpets.Nothing
wasvisiblebutplumesnoddingonpavilions,andaigretsshininginthemildlustreofthemoon.The
spacioussquareresembledanimmenseparterre,variegatedwiththemoststatelytulipsoftheeast.
Arrayedintherobeswhichwereonlywornatthemostdistinguishedceremonials,andsupportedbyhis
vizierandBababalouk,theCaliphdescendedthegrandstaircaseofthetowerinthesightofallhis
people.Hecouldnotforbearpausingatintervalstoadmirethesuperbappearancewhicheverywhere
courtedhisview,whilstthewholemultitude,eventothecamelswiththeirsumptuousburdens,knelt
downbeforehim.Forsometimeageneralstillnessprevailed,whichnothinghappenedtodisturb,but
theshrillscreamsofsomeeunuchsintherear.Thesevigilantguardshavingremarkedcertaincagesof
theladiesswaggingsomewhatawry,anddiscoveredthatafewadventurousgallantshadcontrivedtoget
in,soondislodgedtheenrapturedculprits,andconsignedthemwithgoodcommendations,tothe
surgeonsoftheserail.Themajestyofsomagnificentaspectaclewasnot,however,violatedby
incidentslikethese.Vathek,meanwhile,salutedthemoonwithanidolatrousair,thatneitherpleased
Morakanabadnorthedoctorsofthelaw,anymorethantheviziersandgrandeesofhiscourt,whowere
allassembledtoenjoythelastviewoftheirsovereign.
Atlengththeclarionsandtrumpetsfromthetopofthetowerannouncedthepreludeofdeparture.
Thoughtheinstrumentswereinunisonwitheachother,yetasingulardissonancewasblendedwith
theirsounds.ThisproceededfromCarathis,whowassingingherdirefulorisonstotheGiaour,whilst
thenegressesandmutessuppliedthoroughbasswithoutarticulatingaword.ThegoodMussulmans
fanciedthattheyheardthesullenhumofthosenocturnalinsectswhichpresageevil,andimportuned
Vathektobewarehowheventuredhissacredperson.
OnagivensignalthegreatstandardoftheCalifatwasdisplayed;twentythousandlancesshonearound
it;andtheCaliph,treadingroyallyontheclothofgoldwhichhadbeenspreadforhisfeet,ascendedhis
litteramidstthegeneralawethatpossessedhissubjects.
Theexpeditioncommencedwiththeutmostorder,andsoentireasilence,thateventhelocustswere
heardfromthethicketsontheplainofCatoul.Gaietyandgoodhumourprevailing,sixgoodleagues
werepastbeforethedawn;andthemorningstarwasstillglitteringinthefirmamentwhenthewholeof
thisnumeroustrainhadhaltedonthebanksoftheTigris,wheretheyencampedtoreposefortherestof
theday.
Thethreedaysthatfollowedwerespentinthesamemanner,butonthefourththeheavenslooked
angry,lightningsbrokeforthinfrequentflashes,re-echoingpealsofthundersucceeded,andthe
tremblingCircassiansclungwithalltheirmighttotheiruglyguardians.TheCaliphhimselfwasgreatly
inclinedtotakeshelterinthelargetownofGulchissar,thegovernorofwhichcameforthtomeethim,
andtenderedeverykindofrefreshmenttheplacecouldsupply.Buthavingexaminedhistablets,he
sufferedtheraintosoakhimalmosttothebone,notwithstandingtheimportunityofhisfirstfavourites.
Thoughhebegantoregretthepalaceofthesenses,yethelostnotsightofhisenterprise,andhis
sanguineexpectationsconfirmedhisresolution.Hisgeographerswereorderedtoattendhim,butthe
weatherprovedsoterrible,thatthesepoorpeopleexhibitedalamentableappearance;andasnolong
journeyshadbeenundertakensincethetimeofHarounalRaschid,theirmapsofthedifferentcountries
wereinastillworseplightthanthemselves.Everyonewasignorantwhichwaytoturn;forVathek,
thoughwellversedinthecourseoftheheavens,nolongerknewhissituationonearth.Hethundered
evenlouderthantheelements,andmutteredforthcertainhintsofthebowstringwhichwerenotvery
soothingtoliteraryears.Disgustedatthetoilsomewearinessoftheway,hedeterminedtocrossover
thecraggyheights,andfollowtheguidanceofapeasant,whoundertooktobringhim,infourdays,to
Rocnabad.Remonstranceswerealltonopurpose,hisresolutionwasfixed,andaninvasion
commencedontheprovinceofthegoats,whospedawayinlargetroopsbeforethem.Itwascuriousto
viewonthesehalfcalcinedrockscamelsrichlycaparisoned,andpavilionsofgoldandsilkwavingon
theirsummits,whichtillthenhadneverbeencovered,butwithsaplessthistlesandfern.
Thefemalesandeunuchsutteredshrillwailingsatthesightoftheprecipicesbelowthem,andthedreary
prospectsthatopenedinthevastgorgesofthemountains.Beforetheycouldreachtheascentofthe
steepestrocknightovertookthem,andaboisteroustempestarose,whichhavingrenttheawningsofthe
palanquinsandcages,exposedtotherawguststhepoorladieswithin,whohadneverbeforefeltso
piercingacold.Thedarkcloudsthatovercastthefaceoftheskydeepenedthehorrorsofthisdisastrous
night,insomuchthatnothingcouldbehearddistinctlybutthemewlingofpages,andlamentationsof
sultanas.
Toincreasethegeneralmisfortune,thefrightfuluproarofwildbeastsresoundedatadistance,andthere
weresoonperceivedintheforesttheywereskirtingtheglaringofeyeswhichcouldbelongonlyto
devilsortigers.Thepioneers,whoaswellastheycould,hadmarkedoutatrack,andapartofthe
advancedguardweredevouredbeforetheyhadbeenintheleastapprisedoftheirdanger.The
confusionthatprevailedwasextreme.Wolves,tigers,andothercarnivorousanimals,invitedbythe
howlingoftheircompanions,flockedtogetherfromeveryquarter.Thecrushingofboneswasheardon
allsides,andafearfulrushofwingsoverhead,fornowvulturesalsobegantobeoftheparty.
Theterroratlengthreachedthemainbodyofthetroopswhichsurroundedthemonarchandhisharem,
atthedistanceoftwoleaguesfromthescene.Vathek(voluptuouslyreposedinhiscapaciouslitterupon
cushionsofsilk,withtwolittlepagesbesidehim,ofcomplexionsmorefairthantheenamelof
Franguestan,whowereoccupiedinkeepingoffflies)wassoundlyasleep,andcontemplatinginhis
dreamsthetreasuresofSoliman.Theshrieks,however,ofhiswivesawokehimwithastart,and
insteadoftheGiaourwithhiskeyofgold,hebeheldBababaloukfullofconsternation.
“Sire,”exclaimedthisgoodservantofthemostpotentofmonarchs,“misfortunehasarrivedatits
height;wildbeasts,whoentertainnomorereverenceforyoursacredpersonthanforthatofadeadass,
havebesetyourcamelsandtheirdrivers:thirtyoftherichestladenarealreadybecometheirprey,as
wellasallyourconfectioners,yourcooks,andpurveyors,andunlessourholyprophetshouldprotect
us,weshallhavealleatenourlastmeal.”
Atthementionofeating,theCaliphlostallpatience.Hebegantobellow,andevenbeathimself,for
therewasnoseeinginthedark.Therumoureveryinstantincreased,andBababaloukfindingnogood
couldbedonewithhismasterstoppedbothhisearsagainstthehurly-burlyoftheharem,andcalledout
aloud:
“Come,ladiesandbrothers!allhandstowork!strikelightinamoment!nevershallitbesaidthatthe
commanderofthefaithfulservedtoregaletheseinfidelbrutes.”
Thoughtherewantednotinthisbevyofbeautiesasufficientnumberofcapriciousandwayward,yet,
onthepresentoccasiontheywereallcompliance.Fireswerevisibleinatwinklinginalltheircages.
Tenthousandtorcheswerelightedatonce.TheCaliphhimselfseizedalargeoneofwax;everyperson
followedhisexample;andbykindlingropesendsdippedinoilandfastenedonpoles,anamazingblaze
wasspread.Therockswerecoveredwiththesplendourofsunshine.Thetrailsofsparkswaftedbythe
wind,communicatedtothedryfern,ofwhichtherewasplenty.Serpentswereobservedtocrawlforth
fromtheirretreatswithamazementandhissings,whilstthehorsessnorted,stampedtheground,tossed
theirnosesintheair,andplungedaboutwithoutmercy.
Oneoftheforestsofcedarthatborderedtheirwaytookfire,andthebranchesthatoverhungthepath
extendingtheirflamestothemuslinsandchintzeswhichcoveredthecagesoftheladies,obligedthem
tojumpoutattheperiloftheirnecks.Vathek,whoventedontheoccasionathousandblasphemies,was
himselfcompelledtotouchwithhissacredfeetthenakedearth.
Neverhadsuchanincidenthappenedbefore.Fullofmortification,shameanddespondence,andnot
knowinghowtowalk,theladiesfellintothedirt.
“MustIgoonfoot,”saidone.
“MustIwetmyfeet,”criedanother.
“MustIsoilmydress,”askedathird.
“ExecrableBababalouk,”exclaimedall;“Outcastofhell!whathadstthoutodowithtorches?Better
wereittobeeatenbytigersthantofallintoourpresentcondition;weareforeverundone.Notaporter
isthereinthearmy,noracurrierofcamelsbuthathseensomepartofourbodies,andwhatisworse,
ourveryfaces!”
Onsayingthis,themostbashfulamongstthemhidtheirforeheadsontheground,whilstsuchashad
moreboldnessflewatBababalouk,buthe,wellapprisedoftheirhumour,andnotwantingin
shrewdness,betookhimselftohisheelsalongwithhiscomrades,alldroppingtheirtorchesandstriking
theirtymbals.
Itwasnotlesslightthaninthebrightestofthedog-days,andtheweatherwashotinproportion;but
howdegradingwasthespectacle,tobeholdtheCaliphbespatteredlikeanordinarymortal!Asthe
exerciseofhisfacultiesseemedtobesuspended,oneofhisEthiopianwives(forhedelightedinvariety)
claspedhiminherarms,threwhimuponhershoulderlikeasackofdates,andfindingthatthefirewas
hemmingthemin,setoffwithnosmallexpedition,consideringtheweightofherburden.Theother
ladieswhohadjustlearnedtheuseoftheirfeetfollowedher;theirguardsgallopedafter;andthecamel
driversbroughtuptherearasfastastheirchargewouldpermit.
Theysoonreachedthespotwherethewildbeastshadcommencedthecarnage,andwhichtheyhadtoo
muchspirittoleave,notwithstandingtheapproachingtumult,andtheluxurioussuppertheyhadmade.
Bababaloukneverthelessseizedonafewoftheplumpest,whichwereunabletobudgefromtheplace,
andbegantoflaythemwithadmirableadroitness.Thecavalcadebeinggotsofarfromthe
conflagrationasthattheheatfeltrathergratefulthanviolent,itwasimmediatelyresolvedontohalt.
Thetatteredchintzeswerepickedup;thescrapsleftbythewolvesandtigersinterred;andvengeance
wastakenonsomedozensofvulturesthatweretoomuchgluttedtoriseonthewing.Thecamels
whichhadbeenleftunmolestedtomakesal-ammoniacbeingnumbered,andtheladiesoncemore
inclosedintheircages,theimperialtentwaspitchedonthelevellestgroundtheycouldfind.
Vathek,reposinguponamatressofdown,andtolerablyrecoveredfromthejoltingoftheEthiopian,
who,tohisfeelingsseemedtheroughesttrottingjadehehadhithertomounted,calledoutforsomething
toeat;butalas!thosedelicatecakeswhichhadbeenbakedinsilverovensforhisroyalmouth,those
richmanchets,ambercomfits,flaggonsofSchirazwine,porcelainvasesofsnow,andgrapesfromthe
banksoftheTigris,wereallirremediablylost;andnothinghadBababalouktopresentintheirstead,but
aroastedwolf,vulturesàladaube,aromaticherbsofthemostacridpoignancy,rottentruffles,boiled
thistles,andsuchotherwildplantsasmustulceratethethroatandparchupthetongue.Norwashe
betterprovidedinthearticleofdrink,forhecouldprocurenothingtoaccompanytheseirritatingviands
butafewphialsofabominablebrandy,whichhadbeensecretedbythescullionsintheirslippers.
Vathekmadewryfacesatsosavagearepast,andBababaloukansweredthemwithshrugsand
contortions.TheCaliphhoweveratewithtolerableappetite,andfellintoanapthatlastedsixhours.
Thesplendourofthesun,reflectedfromthewhitecliffsofthemountainsinspiteofthecurtainsthat
inclosedhim,atlengthdisturbedhisrepose.Heawoketerrified,andstungtothequickbythose
wormwood-colouredflieswhichemitfromtheirwingsasuffocatingstench.Themiserablemonarch
wasperplexedhowtoact,thoughhiswitswerenotidleinseekingexpedients,whilstBababalouklay
snoringamidstaswarmofthoseinsects,thatbusilythrongedtopaycourttohisnose.Thelittlepages,
famishedwithhunger,haddroppedtheirfansontheground,andexertedtheirdyingvoicesinbitter
reproachesontheCaliph,whonowforthefirsttimeheardthelanguageoftruth.
Thusstimulated,herenewedhisimprecationsagainsttheGiaour,andbestoweduponMahometsome
soothingexpressions.
“WhereamI?”criedhe;“Whatarethesedreadfulrocks;thesevalleysofdarkness?Arewearrivedat
thehorribleKaf?[67a]IstheSimurgh[67b]comingtopluckoutmyeyesasapunishmentfor
undertakingthisimpiousenterprise?”
Havingsaidthis,hebellowedlikeacalf,andturnedhimselftowardsanoutletinthesideofhis
pavilion.Butalas!whatobjectsoccurredtohisview!ononesideaplainofblacksandthatappearedto
beunbounded,andontheotherperpendicularcragsbristledoverwiththoseabominablethistleswhich
hadsoseverelylaceratedhistongue.Hefancied,however,thatheperceivedamongstthebramblesand
briarssomegiganticflowers,butwasmistaken,forthesewereonlythedanglingpalamporesand
variegatedtattersofhisgayretinue.Astherewereseveralcleftsintherockfromwhencewaterseemed
tohaveflowed,Vathekappliedhisearwiththehopeofcatchingthesoundofsomelatentrunnel,but
couldonlydistinguishthelowmurmursofhispeople,whowererepiningattheirjourney,and
complainingforthewantofwater.
“Towhatpurpose,”askedthey,“havewebeenbroughthither?HathourCaliphanothertowertobuild?
orhavetherelentlessAfrits[67c]whomCarathissomuchloves,fixedinthisplacetheirabode?”
AtthenameofCarathis,Vathekrecollectedthetabletshehadreceivedfromhismother,whoassured
himtheywerefraughtwithpreternaturalqualities,andadvisedhimtoconsultthemasemergencies
mightrequire.Whilsthewasengagedinturningthemover,heheardashoutofjoy,andaloudclapping
ofhands.Thecurtainsofhispavilionweresoondrawnback,andhebeheldBababalouk,followedbya
troopofhisfavourites,conductingtwodwarfs,eachacubithigh,whobroughtbetweenthemalarge
basketofmelons,oranges,andpomegranites.Theyweresinginginthesweetesttonesthewordsthat
follow:
“Wedwellonthetopoftheserocks,inacabinofrushesandcanes;theeaglesenvyusournest;asmall
springsuppliesuswithabdest,andwedailyrepeatprayerswhichtheprophetapproves.Weloveyou,
Ocommanderofthefaithful!ourmaster,thegoodemirFakreddin,lovesyoualso;hereveresinyour
personthevicegerentofMahomet.Littleasweare,inusheconfides;heknowsourheartstobegood,
asourbodiesarecontemptible,andhathplacedusheretoaidthosewhoarebewilderedonthesedreary
mountains.Lastnight,whilstwewereoccupiedwithinourcellinreadingtheholykoran,asudden
hurricaneblewoutourlightsandrockedourhabitation.Fortwowholehoursapalpabledarkness
prevailed:butweheardsoundsatadistancewhichweconjecturedtoproceedfromthebellsofacafila,
passingovertherocks.Ourearsweresoonfilledwithdeplorableshrieks,frightfulroarings,andthe
soundoftymbals.Chilledwithterror,weconcludedthattheDeggial[68]withhisexterminatingangels
hadsentforththeirplaguesontheearth.Inthemidstofthesemelancholyreflections,weperceived
flamesofthedeepestredglowinthehorizon,andfoundourselvesinafewmomentscoveredwith
flakesoffire.Amazedatsostrangeanappearance,wetookupthevolumedictatedbytheblessed
intelligence,andkneelingbythelightofthefirethatsurroundedus,werecitedtheversewhichsays:
‘Putnotrustinanythingbutthemercyofheaven;thereisnohelpsaveintheholyprophet;the
mountainofKafitselfmaytremble;itisthepowerofAllaonlythatcannotbemoved.’Afterhaving
pronouncedthesewords,wefeltconsolation,andourmindswerehushedintoasacredrepose.Silence
ensued,andourearsclearlydistinguishedavoiceintheair,saying:‘Servantsofmyfaithfulservant,go
downtothehappyvalleyofFakreddin;tellhimthatanillustriousopportunitynowofferstosatiatethe
thirstofhishospitableheart.Thecommanderoftruebelieversisthisdaybewilderedamongstthese
mountains,andstandsinneedofthyaid.’Weobeyedwithjoytheangelicmission,andourmaster,
filledwithpiouszeal,hathculledwithhisownhandsthesemelons,oranges,andpomegranites.Heis
followinguswithahundreddromedariesladenwiththepurestwatersofhisfountains,andiscomingto
kissthefringeofyourconsecratedrobe,andimploreyoutoenterhishumblehabitation,which,placed
amidstthesebarrenwilds,resemblesanemeraldsetinlead.”
Thedwarfshavingendedtheiraddress,remainedstillstanding,andwithhandscrossedupontheir
bosoms,preservedarespectfulsilence.
Vathek,inthemidstofthiscuriousharangueseizedthebasket,andlongbeforeitwasfinished,the
fruitshaddissolvedinhismouth.Ashecontinuedtoeat,hispietyincreased,andinthesamebreath
whichrecitedhisprayers,hecalledforthekoranandsugar.
Suchwasthestateofhismindwhenthetablets,whichwerethrownbyattheapproachofthedwarfs,
againattractedhiseye.Hetookthemup,butwasreadytodroponthegroundwhenhebeheld,inlarge
redcharacters,thesewordsinscribedbyCarathis,whichwereindeedenoughtomakehimtremble.
“Bewareofthyolddoctors,andtheirpunymessengersofbutonecubithigh;distrusttheirpiousfrauds;
andinsteadofeatingtheirmelons,impaleonaspitthebearersofthem.Shouldstthoubesuchafoolas
tovisitthem,theportalofthesubterraneanpalacewillbeshutinthyface,andwithsuchforceasshall
shaketheeasunder;thybodyshallbespitupon,andbatswillengenderinthybelly.”
“Towhattendsthisominousrhapsody?”criestheCaliph;“andmustIthenperishinthesedesertswith
thirst,whilstImayrefreshmyselfinthevalleyofmelonsandcucumbers?AccursedbetheGiaourwith
hisportalofebony!hehathmademedanceattendancetoolongalready.Besides,whoshallprescribe
lawstome?I,forsooth,mustnotenteranyone’shabitation!Beitso,butwhatonecanIenterthatis
notmyown.”
Bababalouk,wholostnotasyllableofthissoliloquy,applaudeditwithallhisheart;andtheladies,for
thefirsttime,agreedwithhiminopinion.Thedwarfswereentertained,caressed,andseatedwithgreat
ceremonyonlittlecushionsofsatin.Thesymmetryoftheirpersonswasthesubjectofcriticism;notan
inchofthemwassufferedtopassunexamined.Nick-nacksanddaintieswereofferedinprofusion,but
allweredeclinedwithrespectfulgravity.TheyclamberedupthesidesoftheCaliph’sseat,andplacing
themselveseachononeofhisshoulders,begantowhisperprayersinhisears.Theirtonguesquivered
liketheleavesofapoplar,andthepatienceofVathekwasalmostexhausted,whentheacclamationsof
thetroopsannouncedtheapproachofFakreddin,whowascomewithahundredoldgrey-beards,andas
manykoransanddromedaries.Theyinstantlysetabouttheirablutions,andbegantorepeatthe
Bismillah.Vathek,togetridoftheseofficiousmonitors,followedtheirexample,forhishandswere
burning.
ThegoodEmir,whowaspunctiliouslyreligious,andlikewiseagreatdealerincompliments,madean
haranguefivetimesmoreprolixandinsipidthanhisharbingershadalreadydelivered.TheCaliph,
unableanylongertorefrain,exclaimed:
“FortheloveofMahomet,mydearFakreddin,havedone!letusproceedtoyourvalley,andenjoythe
fruitsthatheavenhathvouchsafedyou.”Thehintofproceedingputallintomotion.Thevenerable
attendantsoftheemirsetforwardsomewhatslowly,butVathekhavingorderedhislittlepages,in
private,togoadonthedromedaries,loudfitsoflaughterbrokeforthfromthecages,fortheunwieldy
curvettingofthesepoorbeasts,andtheridiculousdistressoftheirsuperannuatedridersaffordedthe
ladiesnosmallentertainment.
Theydescended,however,unhurtintothevalley,bythelargestepswhichtheemirhadcutintherock;
andalreadythemurmuringofstreamsandtherustlingofleavesbegantocatchtheirattention.The
cavalcadesoonenteredapath,whichwasskirtedbyfloweringshrubs,andextendedtoavastwoodof
palm-treeswhosebranchesoverspreadabuildingofhewnstone.Thisedificewascrownedwithnine
domes,andadornedwithasmanyportalsofbronze,onwhichwasengraventhefollowinginscription:
“Thisistheasylumofpilgrims,therefugeoftravellers,andthedepositoryofsecretsforallpartsofthe
world.”
Ninepagesbeautifulastheday,andclothedinrobesofEgyptianlinen,verylongandverymodest,
werestandingateachdoor.Theyreceivedthewholeretinuewithaneasyandinvitingair.Fourofthe
mostamiableplacedtheCaliphonamagnificenttaktrevan;fourothers,somewhatlessgraceful,took
chargeofBababalouk,whocaperedforjoyatthesnuglittlecabinthatfelltohisshare;thepagesthat
remained,waitedontherestofthetrain.
Wheneverythingmasculinewasgoneoutofsight,thegateofalargeinclosureontherightturnedon
itsharmonioushinges,andayoungfemaleofaslenderformcameforth.Herlightbrownhairfloatedin
thehazybreezeofthetwilight.Atroopofyoungmaidens,likethePleiades,attendedherontip-toe.
Theyhastenedtothepavilionsthatcontainedthesultanas;andtheyoungladygracefullybendingsaid
tothem:
“Charmingprincesses,everythingisready;wehavepreparedbedsforyourrepose,andstrewedyour
apartmentswithjasamine;noinsectswillkeepoffslumberfromvisitingyoureyelids;wewilldispel
themwithathousandplumes.Comethen,amiableladies!refreshyourdelicatefeetandyourivory
limbsinbathsofrosewater,andbythelightofperfumedlampsyourservantswillamuseyouwith
tales.”
Thesultanasacceptedwithpleasuretheseobligingoffers,andfollowedtheyoungladytotheemir’s
harem,wherewemustforamomentleavethemandreturntotheCaliph.
Vathekfoundhimselfbeneathavastdomeilluminatedbyathousandlampsofrockcrystal,asmany
vasesofthesamematerialfilledwithexcellentsherbetsparkledonalargetable,whereaprofusionof
viandswerespread.Amongstothersweresweetbreadsstewedinmilkofalmonds,saffronsoups,and
lambàlacrême,ofallofwhichtheCaliphwasamazinglyfond.Hetookofeachasmuchashewas
able;testifiedhissenseoftheemir’sfriendshipbythegaietyofhisheart;andmadethedwarfsdance
againsttheirwill;fortheselittledevoteesdurstnotrefusethecommanderofthefaithful.Atlasthe
spreadhimselfonthesofaandsleptsounderthanhehadeverbefore.
Beneaththisdomeageneralsilenceprevailed,fortherewasnothingtodisturbitbutthejawsof
Bababalouk,whohaduntrussedhimselftoeatwithgreateradvantage,beinganxioustomakeamends
forhisfastinthemountains.Ashisspiritsweretoohightoadmitofhissleeping,andnotlovingtobe
idle,heproposedwithhimselftovisittheharem,andrepairtohischargeoftheladies,toexamineif
theyhadbeenproperlylubricatedwiththebalmofMecca,iftheireye-browsandtresseswereinorder,
andinaword,toperformallthelittleofficestheymightneed.Hesoughtforalongtimetogether,but
withoutbeingabletofindoutthedoor.HedurstnotspeakaloudforfearofdisturbingtheCaliph,and
notasoulwasstirringintheprecinctsofthepalace.Healmostdespairedofeffectinghispurpose,
whenalowwhisperingjustreachedhisear:itcamefromthedwarfs,whowerereturnedtotheirold
occupation,andfortheninehundredandninety-ninthtimeintheirliveswerereadingoverthekoran.
TheyverypolitelyinvitedBababalouktobeoftheirparty,buthisheadwasfullofotherconcerns.The
dwarfs,thoughscandalizedathisdissolutemorals,directedhimtotheapartmentshewantedtofind.
Hiswaythitherlaythroughahundreddarkcorridors,alongwhichhegropedashewent,andatlast
begantocatch,fromtheextremityofapassage,thecharminggossipingofwomen,whichnotalittle
delightedhisheart.
“Ah,ah!whatnotyetasleep?”criedhe,andtakinglongstridesashespoke,“didyounotsuspectmeof
abjuringmycharge?Istayedbuttofinishwhatmymasterhadleft.”
Twooftheblackeunuchsonhearingavoicesolouddetachedapartyinhaste,sabreinhand,to
discoverthecause,butpresentlywasrepeatedonallsides:
“’TisonlyBababalouk,noonebutBababalouk!”
Thiscircumspectguardianhavinggoneuptoathinveilofcarnationcoloursilkthathungbeforethe
doorway,distinguishedbymeansofasoftenedsplendourthatshonethroughit,anovalbathofdark
porphyrysurroundedbycurtainsfestoonedinlargefolds.Throughtheaperturesbetweenthem,asthey
werenotdrawnclose,groupsofyoungslaveswerevisible,amongstwhomBababaloukperceivedhis
pupilsindulginglyexpandingtheirarms,asiftoembracetheperfumedwater,andrefreshthemselves
aftertheirfatigues.Thelooksoftenderlanguor,theirconfidentialwhispers,andtheenchantingsmiles
withwhichtheywereimparted,theexquisitefragranceoftheroses,allcombinedtoinspirea
voluptuousnesswhichevenBababaloukhimselfwasscarceabletowithstand.
Hesummonedup,however,hisusualsolemnity,andintheperemptorytoneofauthoritycommanded
theladiesinstantlytoleavethebath.Whilsthewasissuingthesemandates,theyoungNouronihar,
daughteroftheemir,whowassprightlyasanantelope,andfullofwantongaiety,beckonedoneofher
slavestoletdownthegreatswing,whichwassuspendedtotheceilingbycordsofsilk,andwhilstthis
wasdoingwinkedtohercompanionsinthebath,whochagrinedtobeforcedfromsosoothingastateof
indolence,begantotwistitroundBababalouk,andteazehimwithathousandvagaries.
WhenNouroniharperceivedthathewasexhaustedwithfatigue,sheaccostedhimwithanarchairof
respectfulconcern,andsaid:
“Mylord,itisnotbyanymeansdecentthatthechiefeunuchoftheCaliphoursovereignshouldthus
continuestanding,deignbuttoreclineyourgracefulpersonuponthissofa,whichwillburstwith
vexationifithavenotthehonourtoreceiveyou.”
Caughtbytheseflatteringaccents,Bababaloukgallantlyreplied:
“Delightoftheappleofmyeye!Iaccepttheinvitationofthyhoniedlips,andtosaytruth,mysenses
aredazzledwiththeradiancethatbeamsfromthycharms.”
“Repose,then,atyourease,”repliedthebeauty,andplacedhimonthepretendedsofa,which,quicker
thanlightning,gavewayallatonce.Therestofthewomenhavingaptlyconceivedherdesign,sprang
nakedfromthebathandpliedtheswingwithsuchunmercifuljerks,thatitsweptthroughthewhole
compassofaveryloftydome,andtookfromthepoorvictimallpowerofrespiration.Sometimeshis
feetrasedthesurfaceofthewater,andatotherstheskylightalmostflattenedhisnose.Invaindidhe
piercetheairwiththecriesofavoicethatresembledtheringingofacrackedbasin,fortheirpealsof
laughterwerestillmorepredominant.
Nouroniharintheinebrietyofyouthfulspiritsbeingusedonlytoeunuchsofordinaryharems,and
havingneverseenanythingsoroyalanddisgusting,wasfarmoredivertedthanalloftherest.She
begantoparodysomePersianverses,andsungwithanaccentmostdemurelypiquant:
“Ogentlewhitedoveasthousoar’stthroughtheair,
Vouchsafeonekindglanceonthemateofthylove:
MelodiousPhilomelIamthyrose;
Warblesomecouplettoravishmyheart!”
Thesultanasandtheirslavesstimulatedbythesepleasantriesperseveredattheswingwithsuch
unremittedassiduity,thatatlengththecordwhichhadsecureditsnappedsuddenlyasunder,and
Bababaloukfellflounderinglikeaturtletothebottomofthebath.Thisaccidentoccasionedauniversal
shout.Twelvelittledoorstillnowunobservedflewopenatonce,andtheladiesinaninstantmadetheir
escape,afterthrowingallthetowelsonhishead,andputtingoutthelightsthatremained.
Thedeplorableanimal,inwatertothechin,overwhelmedwithdarkness,andunabletoextricatehimself
fromthewarpthatembarrassedhim,wasstilldoomedtohearforhisfurtherconsolation,thefresh
burstsofmerrimenthisdisasteroccasioned.Hebustledbutinvaintogetfromthebath,forthemargin
wasbecomesoslipperywiththeoilspiltinbreakingthelamps,thatateveryeffortheslidbackwitha
plunge,whichresoundedaloudthroughthehollowofthedome.Thesecursedpealsoflaughteratevery
relapsewereredoubled,andhe,whothoughttheplaceinfestedratherbydevilsthanwomen,resolvedto
ceasegroping,andabideinthebath,whereheamusedhimselfwithsoliloquiesinterspersedwith
imprecations,ofwhichhismaliciousneighbours,recliningondown,sufferednotanaccenttoescape.
Inthisdelectableplightthemorningsurprisedhim.TheCaliph,wonderingathisabsence,hadcaused
himtobeeverywheresoughtfor.Atlasthewasdrawnforthalmostsmotheredfromthewhispoflinen,
andweteventothemarrow.Limping,andchatteringhisteeth,heappearedbeforehismaster,who
inquiredwhatwasthematter,andhowhecamesousedinsostrangeapickle.
“Andwhydidyouenterthiscursedlodge?”answeredBababalouk,gruffly.“Oughtamonarchlikeyou
tovisitwithhisharemtheabodeofagreybeardedemirwhoknowsnothingoflife?Andwithwhat
graciousdamselsdoestheplacetooabound!Fancytoyourselfhowtheyhavesoakedmelikeaburnt
crust,andmademedancelikeajack-puddingthelive-longnightthroughontheirdamnableswing.
Whatanexcellentlessonforyoursultanastofollow,intowhomIhaveinstilledsuchreserveand
decorum!”
Vathek,comprehendingnotasyllableofallthisinvective,obligedhimtorelateminutelythe
transaction;butinsteadofsympathisingwiththemiserablesufferer,helaughedimmoderatelyatthe
deviceoftheswing,andthefigureofBababaloukmountinguponit.Thestungeunuchcouldscarcely
preservethesemblanceofrespect.
“Aye,laughmylord!laugh,”saidhe,“butIwishthisNouroniharwouldplaysometrickonyou;sheis
toowickedtospareevenmajestyitself.”
ThesewordsmadeforthepresentbutaslightimpressionontheCaliph,buttheynotlongafterrecurred
tohismind.
ThisconversationwascutshortbyFakreddin,whocametorequestthatVathekwouldjoininthe
prayersandablutionstobesolemnizedonaspaciousmeadow,wateredbyinnumerablestreams.The
Caliphfoundthewatersrefreshing,buttheprayersabominablyirksome.Hedivertedhimselfhowever
withthemultitudeofCalenders,[79a]Santons,[79b]andDervises[79c]whowerecontinuallycomingand
going,butespeciallywiththeBrahmins,[79d]Faquirs,[79e]andotherenthusiasts,whohadtravelled
fromtheheartofIndia,andhaltedontheirwaywiththeemir.Theselatterhadeachofthemsome
mummerypeculiartohimself.Onedraggedahugechainwhereeverhewent,anotheranourangoutang,whilstathirdwasfurnishedwithscourges,andallperformedtoacharm.Someclamberedup
trees,holdingonefootintheair;otherspoisedthemselvesoverafire,andwithoutmercyfillippedtheir
noses.Thereweresomeamongstthemthatcherishedvermin,whichwerenotungratefulinrequiting
theircaresses.TheseramblingfanaticsrevoltedtheheartsoftheDervises,theCalenders,andSantons;
howeverthevehemenceoftheiraversionsoonsubsidedunderthehopethatthepresenceoftheCaliph
wouldcuretheirfolly,andconvertthemtotheMussulmanfaith.Butalas!howgreatwastheir
disappointment!forVathek,insteadofpreachingtothem,treatedthemasbuffoons;badethempresent
hiscomplimentstoVisnowandIxhora,anddiscoveredapredilectionforasquatoldmanfromtheIsle
ofSerendib,whowasmoreridiculousthananyoftherest.
“Come,”saidhe,“fortheloveofyourgods,bestowafewslapsonyourchopstoamuseme.”
Theoldfellowoffendedatsuchanaddressbeganloudlytoweep;butashebetrayedavillainous
drivellinginhistears,theCaliphturnedhisbackandlistenedtoBababalouk,whowhispered,whilsthe
heldtheumbrellaoverhim:
“Yourmajestyshouldbecautiousofthisoddassembly,whichhathbeencollectedIknownotforwhat.
Isitnecessarytoexhibitsuchspectaclestoamightypotentate,withinterludesoftalapoinsmoremangy
thandogs?WereIyou,Iwouldcommandafiretobekindled,andatoncepurgetheearthoftheemir,
hisharem,andallhismenagery.”
“Tush,dolt,”answeredVathek,“andknowthatallthisinfinitelycharmsme.NorshallIleavethe
meadowtillIhavevisitedeveryhiveofthesepiousmendicants.”
WhereevertheCaliphdirectedhiscourse,objectsofpityweresuretoswarmroundhim:theblind,the
purblind,smartswithoutnoses,damselswithoutears,eachtoextolthemunificenceofFakreddin,who,
aswellashisattendantgrey-beards,dealtaboutgratisplastersandcataplasmstoallthatapplied.At
noonasuperbcorpsofcripplesmadeitsappearance;andsoonafteradvancedbyplatoonsontheplain
thecompletestassociationofinvalidsthathadeverbeenembodiedtillthen.Theblindwentgroping
withtheblind;thelamelimpedontogether;andthemaimedmadegesturestoeachotherwiththeonly
armthatremained.Thesidesofaconsiderablewaterfallwerecrowdedbythedeaf,amongstwhom
weresomefromPegu,withearsuncommonlyhandsomeandlarge,butwerestilllessabletohearthan
therest.Norweretherewantingothersinabundancewithhumpbacks,wennynecks,andevenhornsof
anexquisitepolish.
Theemir,toaggrandizethesolemnityofthefestivalinhonourofhisillustriousvisitant,orderedtheturf
tobespreadonallsideswithskinsandtablecloths,uponwhichwereservedupforthegood
mussulmanspilausofeveryhue,withotherorthodoxdishes,andbytheexpressorderofVathek,who
wasshamefullytolerant,smallplatesofabominationsforregalingtherest.Thisprinceonseeingso
manymouthsputinmotionbegantothinkittimeforemployinghisown.Inspite,therefore,ofevery
remonstrancefromthechiefofhiseunuchs,heresolvedtohaveadinnerdressedonthespot.The
complaisantemirimmediatelygaveordersforatabletobeplacedintheshadeofthewillows.Thefirst
serviceconsistedoffish,whichtheydrewfromariverflowingoversandsofgold,atthefootofalofty
hill:thesewerebroiledasfastastaken,andservedupwithasauceofvinegarandsmallherbsthatgrew
onMountSinai;foreverythingwiththeemirwasexcellentandpious.
Thedessertwasnotquitesetonwhenthesoundoflutesfromthehillwasrepeatedbytheechoesofthe
neighbouringmountains.TheCaliphwithanemotionofpleasureandsurprise,hadnosoonerraisedup
hisheadthanahandfulofjasaminedroppedonhisface.Anabundanceoftitteringsucceededthis
frolic,andinstantlyappearedthroughthebushestheelegantformsofseveralyoungfemales,skipping
andboundinglikeroes.ThefragrancediffusedfromtheirhairstruckthesenseofVathek,whoinan
ecstasy,suspendinghisrepast,saidtoBababalouk:
“ArethePeries[82]comedownfromtheirspheres?Noteherinparticularwhoseformissoperfect,
venturouslyrunningonthebrinkoftheprecipice,andturningbackherheadasregardlessofnothing
butthegracefulflowofherrobe.Withwhatcaptivatingimpatiencedothshecontendwiththebushes
forherveil?Coulditbeshewhothrewthejasamineatme?”
“Aye,sheitwas;andyoutoowouldshethrowfromthetopoftherock,”answeredBababalouk,“for
thatismygoodfriendNouronihar,whosokindlylentmeherswing.Mydearlordandmaster,”added
he,twistingatwigthathungbytherindfromawillow,“letmecorrectherforherwantofrespect:the
emirwillhavenoreasontocomplain,since(batingwhatIowetohispiety)heismuchtobecensured
forkeepingatroopofgirlsonthemountains,whosesharpairgivestheirbloodtoobriskacirculation.”
“Peace,blasphemer!”saidtheCaliph:“speaknotthusofherwhooverhermountainsleadsmyhearta
willingcaptive.Contrive,rather,thatmyeyesmaybefixeduponhers—thatImayrespirehersweet
breath,assheboundspantingalongthesedelightfulwilds!”
Onsayingthesewords,Vathekextendedhisarmstowardsthehill,anddirectinghiseyeswithan
anxietyunknowntohimbefore,endeavouredtokeepwithinviewtheobjectthatenthralledhissoul;but
hercoursewasasdifficulttofollowastheflightofoneofthosebeautifulbluebutterfliesofCachmere,
whichareatoncesovolatileandrare.
TheCaliph,notsatisfiedwithseeing,wishedalsotohearNouronihar,andeagerlyturnedtocatchthe
soundofhervoice.Atlasthedistinguishedherwhisperingtooneofhercompanionsbehindthethicket
fromwhenceshehadthrownthejasamine:
“ACaliph,itmustbeowned,isafinethingtosee,butmylittleGulchenrouzismuchmoreamiable;one
lockofhishairisofmorevaluetomethantherichestembroideryoftheIndies.Ihadratherthathis
teethshouldmischievouslypressmyfinger,thantherichestringoftheimperialtreasure.Wherehave
youlefthim,Sutlememe?andwhyishenownothere?”
TheagitatedCaliphstillwishedtohearmore,butsheimmediatelyretiredwithallherattendants.The
fondmonarchpursuedherwithhiseyestillshewasgoneoutofsight,andthencontinuedlikea
bewilderedandbenightedtraveller,fromwhomthecloudshadobscuredtheconstellationthatguided
hisway.Thecurtainofnightseemeddroppedbeforehim—everythingappeareddiscoloured.The
fallingwatersfilledhissoulwithdejection,andhistearstrickleddownthejasamineshehadcaught
fromNouronihar,andplacedinhisinflamedbosom.Hesnatchedupashiningpebbletoremindhimof
thescenewherehefeltthefirsttumultsoflove.Twohourswereelapsed,andeveningdrewonbefore
hecouldresolvetodepartfromtheplace.Heoften,butinvain,attemptedtogo:asoftlanguor
enervatedthepowersofhismind.Extendinghimselfonthebrinkofthestream,heturnedhiseyes
towardsthebluesummitsofthemountain,andexclaimed:
“Whatconcealestthoubehindthee?whatispassinginthysolitudes?Whitherisshegone?Oheaven!
perhapssheisnowwanderinginthegrottoeswithherhappyGulchenrouz!”
Inthemeantimethedampsbegantodescend,andtheemir,solicitousforthehealthoftheCaliph,
orderedtheimperiallittertobebrought.Vathek,absorbedinhisreveries,wasimperceptiblyremoved
andconveyedbacktothesaloonthatreceivedhimtheeveningbefore.
ButletusleavetheCaliphimmersedinhisnewpassion,andattendNouroniharbeyondtherocks,
whereshehadagainjoinedherbelovedGulchenrouz.ThisGulchenrouzwasthesonofAliHassan,
brothertotheemir,andthemostdelicateandlovelycreatureintheworld.AliHassan,whohadbeen
absenttenyearsonavoyagetotheunknownseas,committedathisdeparturethischild,theonly
survivorofmany,tothecareandprotectionofhisbrother.Gulchenrouzcouldwriteinvarious
characterswithprecision,andpaintuponvellumthemostelegantarabesquesthatfancycoulddevise.
Hissweetvoiceaccompaniedtheluteinthemostenchantingmanner;andwhenhesungthelovesof
MegnounandLeileh,orsomeunfortunateloversofancientdays,tearsinsensiblyoverflowedthe
cheeksofhisauditors.Theverseshecomposed(forlikeMegnoun,hetoowasapoet)inspiredthat
unresistinglanguorsofrequentlyfataltothefemaleheart.Thewomenalldoateduponhim,forthough
hehadpassedhisthirteenthyear,theystilldetainedhimintheharem.Hisdancingwaslightasthe
gossamerwavedbythezephyrsofspring;buthisarmswhichtwinedsogracefullywiththoseofthe
younggirlsinthedance,couldneitherdartthelanceinthechase,norcurbthesteedsthatpasturedhis
uncle’sdomains.Thebow,however,hedrewwithacertainaim,andwouldhaveexcelledhis
competitorsintherace,couldhehavebrokenthetiesthatboundhimtoNouronihar.
Thetwobrothershadmutuallyengagedtheirchildrentoeachother;andNouroniharlovedhercousin
morethanhereyes.Bothhadthesametastesandamusements;thesamelonglanguishinglooks;the
sametresses;thesamefaircomplexions;andwhenGulchenrouzappearedinthedressofhiscousin,he
seemedtobemorefemininethanevenherself.IfatanytimehelefttheharemtovisitFakreddin,itwas
withallthebashfulnessofafawnthatconsciouslyventuresfromthelairofitsdam;hewashowever
wantonenoughtomockthesolemnoldgrey-beardstowhomhewassubject,thoughsuretoberated
withoutmercyinreturn.Wheneverthishappened,hewouldplungeintotherecessesoftheharem,and
sobbingtakerefugeinthearmsofNouronihar,wholovedevenhisfaultsbeyondthevirtuesofothers.
ItfelloutthiseveningthatafterleavingtheCaliphinthemeadow,sheranwithGulchenrouzoverthe
greenswardofthemountainthatshelteredthevale,whereFakreddinhadchosentoreside.Thesun
wasdilatedontheedgeofthehorizon;andtheyoungpeople,whosefancieswerelivelyandinventive,
imaginedtheybeheldinthegorgeouscloudsofthewestthedomesofShadukiamandAmbreabad,
wherethePerieshavefixedtheirabode.Nouronihar,sittingontheslopeofthehill,supportedonher
kneestheperfumedheadofGulchenrouz.Theairwascalm,andnosoundstirredbutthevoicesof
otheryounggirlswhoweredrawingcoolwaterfromthestreamsbelow.Theunexpectedarrivalofthe
Caliph,andthesplendourthatmarkedhisappearance,hadalreadyfilledwithemotiontheardentsoulof
Nouronihar.Hervanityirresistiblypromptedhertopiquetheprince’sattention,andthisshebefore
tookgoodcaretoeffectwhilsthepickedupthejasamineshehadthrownuponhim.Butwhen
Gulchenrouzaskedaftertheflowershehadculledforherbosom,Nouroniharwasallinconfusion.She
hastilykissedhisforehead,aroseinaflutter,andwalkedwithunequalstepsontheborderofthe
precipice.Nightadvanced,andthepuregoldofthesettingsunhadyieldedtoasanguinered,theglow
ofwhich,likethereflectionofaburningfurnace,flushedNouronihar’sanimatedcountenance.
Gulchenrouzalarmedattheagitationofhiscousin,saidtoherwithasupplicatingaccent:
“Letusbegone;theskylooksportentious:thetamariskstremblemorethancommon;andtherawwind
chillsmyveryheart.Come,letusbegone,’tisamelancholynight.”
Thentakingholdofherhandhedrewittowardsthepathhebesoughthertogo.Nouronihar
unconsciouslyfollowedtheattraction,forathousandstrangeimaginationsoccupiedherspirit.She
passedthelargeroundofhoneysuckles,herfavouriteresort,withoutevervouchsafingitaglance,yet
Gulchenrouzcouldnothelpsnatchingoffafewshootsinhisway,thoughheranasifawildbeastwere
behind.
Theyoungfemalesseeinghimapproachinsuchhaste,andaccordingtocustomexpectingadance,
instantlyassembledinacircleandtookeachotherbythehand,butGulchenrouzcomingupoutof
breath,felldownatonceonthegrass.Thisaccidentstruckwithconsternationthewholeofthis
frolicsomeparty,whilstNouronihar,halfdistracted,andovercomebothbytheviolenceofherexercise
andthetumultofherthoughts,sunkfeeblydownathisside,cherishedhiscoldhandsinherbosom,and
chafedhistempleswithafragrantunguent.Atlengthhecametohimself,andwrappinguphisheadin
therobeofhiscousin,entreatedthatshewouldnotreturntotheharem.Hewasafraidofbeingsnapped
atbyShabanhistutor,awrinkledoldeunuchofasurlydisposition,forhavinginterruptedthestated
walkofNouronihar,hedreadedlestthechurlshouldtakeitamiss.Thewholeofthissprightlygroup,
sittingrounduponamossyknole,begantoentertainthemselveswithvariouspastimes,whilsttheir
superintendentstheeunuchsweregravelyconversingatadistance.Thenurseoftheemir’sdaughter
observingherpupilsitruminatingwithhereyesontheground,endeavouredtoamuseherwith
divertingtales,towhichGulchenrouz,whohadalreadyforgottenhisinquietudes,listenedwitha
breathlessattention.Helaughed;heclappedhishands;andpassedahundredlittletricksonthewhole
ofthecompany,withoutomittingtheeunuchs,whomheprovokedtorunafterhim,inspiteoftheirage
anddecrepitude.
Duringtheseoccurrencesthemoonarose,thewindsubsided,andtheeveningbecamesosereneand
invitingthataresolutionwastakentosuponthespot.Sutlememe,whoexcelledindressingasalad,
havingfilledlargebowlsofporcelainwitheggsofsmallbirds,curdsturnedwithcitronjuice,slicesof
cucumber,andtheinmostleavesofdelicateherbs,handeditroundfromonetoanother,andgaveeach
theirsharesinalargespoonofcocknos.GulchenrouznestlingasusualinthebosomofNouronihar,
poutedouthisvermillionlittlelipsagainsttheofferofSutlememe,andwouldtakeitonlyfromthehand
ofhiscousin,onwhosemouthhehunglikeabeeinebriatedwiththequintessenceofflowers.Oneof
theeunuchsrantofetchmelons,whilstotherswereemployedinshoweringdownalmondsfromthe
branchesthatoverhungthisamiableparty.
Inthemidstofthisfestivescenethereappearedalightonthetopofthehighestmountain,which
attractedthenoticeofeveryeye.Thislightwasnotlessbrightthanthemoonwhenatfull,andmight
havebeentakenforherhaditnotbeenthatthemoonwasalreadyrisen.Thephenomenonoccasioneda
generalsurprise,andnoonecouldconjecturethecause.Itcouldnotbeafire,forthelightwasclear
andbluish;norhadmeteorseverbeenseenofthatmagnitudeorsplendour.Thisstrangelightfadedfor
amoment,andimmediatelyreneweditsbrightness.Itfirstappearedmotionlessatthefootoftherock,
whenceitdartedinaninstanttosparkleinathicketofpalmtrees,fromthenceitglidedalongthe
torrent,andatlastfixedinaglenthatwasnarrowanddark.Themomentithadtakenitsdirection,
Gulchenrouz,whoseheartalwaystrembledatanythingsuddenorrare,drewNouroniharbytherobe,
andanxiouslyrequestedhertoreturntotheharem.Thewomenwereimportunateinsecondingthe
entreaty,butthecuriosityoftheemir’sdaughterprevailed.Shenotonlyrefusedtogoback,but
resolvedatallhazardstopursuetheappearance.Whilsttheyweredebatingwhatwasbesttobedone,
thelightshotforthsodazzlingablazethattheyallfledawayshrieking.Nouroniharfollowedthema
fewsteps,butcomingtotheturnofalittlebyepathstopped,andwentbackalone.Assheranwithan
alertnesspeculiartoherself,itwasnotlongbeforeshecametotheplacewheretheyhadjustbeen
supping.Theglobeoffirenowappearedstationaryintheglen,andburnedinmajesticstillness.
Nouroniharcompressingherhandsuponherbosom,hesitatedforsomemomentstoadvance.The
solitudeofhersituationwasnew;thesilenceofthenightawful;andeveryobjectinspiredsensations
whichtillthensheneverhadfelt.TheaffrightofGulchenrouzrecurredtohermind;andsheathousand
timesturnedtogoback,butthisluminousappearancewasalwaysbeforeher.Urgedonbyan
irresistibleimpulse,shecontinuedtoapproachitindefianceofeveryobstaclethatopposedher
progress.
Atlengthshearrivedattheopeningoftheglen,butinsteadofcominguptothelight,shefoundherself
surroundedbydarkness,exceptthatataconsiderabledistanceafaintsparkglimmeredbyfits.She
stoppedasecondtime:thesoundofwaterfallsminglingtheirmurmurs,thehollowrustlingsamongst
thepalmbranches,andthefunerealscreamsofthebirdsfromtheirriftedtrunks,allconspiredtofillher
withterror.Sheimaginedeverymomentthatshetrodonsomevenomousreptile.Allthestoriesof
malignantDives,anddismalGoulesthrongedintohermemory,buthercuriositywasnotwithstanding
morepredominantthanherfears.Shethereforefirmlyenteredawindingtrackthatledtowardsthe
spark,butbeingastrangertothepath,shehadnotgonefartillshebegantorepentofherrashness.
“Alas!”saidshe,“thatIwerebutinthosesecureandilluminatedapartmentswheremyeveningsglided
onwithGulchenrouz!Dearchild,howwouldthyheartflutterwithterrorwertthouwanderinginthese
wildsolitudeslikeme.”
Atthecloseofthisapostrophesheregainedherroad,andcomingtostepshewnoutintherock
ascendedthemundismayed.Thelight,whichwasnowgraduallyenlarging,appearedaboveheronthe
summitofthemountain.Atlengthshedistinguishedaplaintiveandmelodiousunionofvoices
proceedingfromasortofcavern,thatresembledthedirgeswhicharesungovertombs.Asound
likewiselikethatwhicharisesfromthefillingofbaths,atthesametimestruckherear.Shecontinued
ascending,anddiscoveredlargewaxtorchesinfullblazeplantedhereandthereinthefissuresofthe
rock.Thispreparationfilledherwithfear,whilstthesubtleandpotentodourwhichthetorchesexhaled
causedhertosinkalmostlifelessattheentranceofthegrot.
Castinghereyeswithininthiskindoftrance,shebeheldalargecisternofgoldfilledwithawater,
whosevapourdistilledonherfaceadewoftheessenceofroses.Asoftsymphonyresoundedthrough
thegrot.Onthesidesofthecisternshenoticedappendagesofroyalty;diademsandfeathersofthe
heron,allsparklingwithcarbuncles.Whilstherattentionwasfixedonthisdisplayofmagnificence,the
musicceased,andavoiceinstantlydemanded:
“Forwhatmonarchwerethesetorcheskindled,thisbathprepared,andthesehabiliments?whichbelong
notonlytothesovereignsoftheearth,buteventothetalismanicpowers!”
Towhichasecondvoiceanswered:
“TheyareforthecharmingdaughteroftheemirFakreddin.”
“What,”repliedthefirst,“forthattriflerwhoconsumeshertimewithagiddychild,immersedin
softness,andwhoatbestcanmakebutanenervatedhusband?”
“Andcanshe,”rejoinedtheothervoice,“beamusedwithsuchemptytrifles,whilsttheCaliph,the
sovereignoftheworld,hewhoisdestinedtoenjoythetreasuresofthepreadimitesultans,aprincesix
feethigh,andwhoseeyespervadetheinmostsoulofafemale,isinflamedwiththeloveofher?no,she
willbewiseenoughtoanswerthatpassionalonethatcanaggrandizeherglory.Nodoubtshewill,and
despisethepuppetofherfancy;thenalltherichesthisplacecontains,aswellasthecarbuncleof
Giamschidshallbehers.”
“Youjudgeright,”returnedthefirstvoice,“andIhastetoIstakartopreparethepalaceofsubterranean
fireforthereceptionofthebridalpair.”
Thevoicesceased,thetorcheswereextinguished,themostentiredarknesssucceeded,andNouronihar
recoveringwithastart,foundherselfreclinedonasofaintheharemofherfather.Sheclappedher
hands,andimmediatelycametogetherGulchenrouzandherwomen,who,indespairathavinglosther,
haddespatchedeunuchstoseekherineverydirection.Shabanappearedwiththerest,andbeganto
reprimandherwithanairofconsequence:
“Littleimpertinent,”saidhe,“whencegotyoufalsekeys?orareyoubelovedofsomegeniusthathath
givenyouapicklock?Iwilltrytheextentofyourpower;come,toyourchamber!throughthetwoskylights,andexpectnotthecompanyofGulchenrouz.Beexpeditious!Iwillshutyouupinthedouble
tower.”
AtthesemenacesNouroniharindignantlyraisedherhead,openedonShabanherblackeyes,which
sincetheimportantdialogueoftheenchantedgrotwereconsiderablyenlarged,andsaid:
“Go,speakthustoslaves!butlearntoreverenceherwhoisborntogivelaws,andsubjectalltoher
power.”
Shewasproceedinginthesamestyle,butwasinterruptedbyasuddenexclamationof,
“TheCaliph!theCaliph!”
Thecurtainsatoncewerethrownopen,andtheslavesprostrateindoublerows,whilstpoorlittle
Gulchenrouzhidhimselfbeneaththeelevationofasofa.Atfirstappearedafileofblackeunuchs
trailingafterthemlongtrainsofmuslinembroideredwithgold,andholdingintheirhandscensers,
whichdispensedastheypassedthegratefulperfumeofthewoodofaloes.NextmarchedBababalouk
withasolemnstrut,andtossinghisheadasnotoverpleasedatthevisit.Vathekcamecloseafter
superblyrobed;hisgaitwasunembarrassedandnoble,andhispresencewouldhaveengaged
admiration,thoughhehadnotbeenthesovereignoftheworld.HeapproachedNouroniharwitha
throbbingheart,andseemedenrapturedatthefulleffulgenceofherradianteyes,ofwhichhehadbefore
caughtbutafewglimpses;butsheinstantlydepressedthem,andherconfusionaugmentedherbeauty.
Bababalouk,whowasathoroughadeptincoincidencesofthisnature,andknewthattheworstgame
shouldbeplayedwiththebestface,immediatelymadeasignalforalltoretire,andnosoonerdidhe
perceivebeneaththesofathelittleone’sfeet,thanhedrewhimforthwithoutceremony,sethimupon
hisshoulders,andlavishedonhimashewentoffathousandodiouscaresses.Gulchenrouzcriedout,
andresistedtillhischeeksbecamethecolouroftheblossomofthepomegranite,andthetearsthat
startedintohiseyesshotforthagleamofindignation.HecastasignificantglanceatNouronihar,which
theCaliphnoticing,asked:
“IsthatthenyourGulchenrouz?”
“Sovereignoftheworld,”answeredshe,“sparemycousin,whoseinnocenceandgentlenessdeservenot
youranger!”
“Takecomfort,”saidVathekwithasmile,“heisingoodhands.Bababaloukisfondofchildren,and
nevergoeswithoutsweetmeatsandcomfits.”
ThedaughterofFakreddinwasabashed;andsufferedGulchenrouztobeborneawaywithoutaddinga
word.Thetumultofherbosombetrayedherconfusion;andVathekbecomingstillmoreimpassioned,
gavealoosetohisfrenzy,whichhadonlynotsubduedthelastfaintstrugglingsofreluctance,whenthe
emirsuddenlyburstingin,threwhisfaceuponthegroundatthefeetoftheCaliph,andsaid:
“Commanderofthefaithful,abasenotyourselftothemeannessofyourslave.”
“No,emir,”repliedVathek,“Iraisehertoanequalitywithmyself;Ideclarehermywife;andtheglory
ofyourraceshallextendfromonegenerationtoanother.”
“Alas!mylord,”saidFakreddin,ashepluckedoffthehonoursofhisbeard,“cutshortthedaysofyour
faithfulservantratherthanforcehimtodepartfromhisword.Nouronihar,asherhandsevince,is
solemnlypromisedtoGulchenrouz,thesonofmybother,AliHassan;theyareunitedalsoinheart;their
faithismutuallyplighted;andaffiancessosacredcannotbebroken.”
“What,then,”repliedtheCaliphbluntly,“wouldyousurrenderthisdivinebeautytoahusbandmore
womanishthanherself?AndcanyouimaginethatIwillsufferhercharmstodecayinhandsso
inefficientandnerveless?No!sheisdestinedtoliveoutherlifewithinmyembraces:suchismywill:
retire,anddisturbnotthenightIdevotetothehomageofhercharms.”
Theirritatedemirdrewforthhissabre,presentedittoVathek,andstretchingouthisneck,saidinafirm
toneofvoice:
“Strikeyourunhappyhostmylord!hehaslivedlongenough,sincehehathseentheprophet’s
vicegerentviolatetherightsofhospitality.”
Athisutteringthesewords,Nouroniharunabletosupportanylongertheconflictofherpassions,sunk
downinaswoon.Vathek,bothterrifiedforherlife,andfuriousatanoppositiontohiswill,bade
Fakreddinassisthisdaughter,andwithdrew,dartinghisterriblelookattheunfortunateemir,who
suddenlyfellbackwardbathedinasweat,coldasthedampofdeath.
Gulchenrouz,whohadescapedfromthehandsofBababalouk,andwasthatinstantreturned,calledout
forhelpasloudlyashecould,nothavingstrengthtoaffordithimself.Paleandpanting,thepoorchild
attemptedtoreviveNouroniharbycaresses,andithappenedthatthethrillingwarmthofhislips
restoredhertolife.FakreddinbeginningalsotorecoverfromthelookoftheCaliph,withdifficulty
totteredtoaseat,andafterwarilycastingroundhiseyetoseeifthisdangerousprinceweregone,sent
forShabanandSutlememe,andsaidtothemapart—
“Myfriends,violentevilsrequireasviolentremedies;theCaliphhasbroughtdesolationandhorrorinto
myfamily,andhowshallweresisthispower?Anotherofhislookswillsendmetomygrave.Fetch
thenthatnarcoticpowderwhichtheDervisebroughtmefromAracan.Adoseofit,theeffectofwhich
willcontinuethreedays,mustbeadministeredtoeachofthesechildren.TheCaliphwillbelievethem
tobedead,fortheywillhavealltheappearanceofdeath.Weshallgoasiftointertheminthecaveof
Meimoune,attheentranceofthegreatdesertofsand,andnearthecabinofmydwarfs.Whenallthe
spectatorsshallbewithdrawn,you,Shaban,andfourselecteunuchsshallconveythemtothelake,
whereprovisionshallbereadytosupportthemamonth;for,onedayallottedtothesurprisethisevent
willoccasion,fivetothetears,afortnighttoreflection,andtheresttoprepareforrenewinghis
progress,will,accordingtomycalculation,fillupthewholetimethatVathekwilltarry,andIshallthen
befreedfromhisintrusion.”
“Yourplan,”saidSutlememe,“isagoodone,ifitcanbutbeeffected.IhaveremarkedthatNouronihar
iswellabletosupporttheglancesoftheCaliph,andthatheisfarfrombeingsparingofthemtoher;be
assuredtherefore,notwithstandingherfondnessforGulchenrouz,shewillneverremainquietwhileshe
knowshimtobehere,unlesswecanpersuadeherthatbothherselfandGulchenrouzarereallydead,
andthattheywereconveyedtothoserocksforalimitedseasontoexpiatethelittlefaultsofwhichtheir
lovewasthecause.Wewilladdthatwekilledourselvesindespair,andthatyourdwarfswhomthey
neveryetsawwillpreachtothemdelectablesermons.Iwillengagethateverythingshallsucceedto
thebentofyourwishes.”
“Beitso,”saidFakreddin;“Iapproveyourproposal;letuslosenotamomenttogiveiteffect.”They
forthwithhastenedtoseekforthepowder,whichbeingmixedinasherbetwasimmediatelydrunkby
GulchenrouzandNouronihar.Withinthespaceofanhourbothwereseizedwithviolentpalpitations,
andageneralnumbnessgraduallyensued.Theyarosefromthefloor,wheretheyhadremainedever
sincetheCaliph’sdeparture,andascendingtothesofa,reclinedthemselvesatfulllengthuponit,
claspedineachother’sembraces.
“Cherishme,mydearNouronihar,”saidGulchenrouz;“putthyhanduponmyheart,foritfeelsasifit
werefrozen.Alas!thouartascoldasmyself!haththeCaliphmurderedusbothwithhisterriblelook?”
“Iamdying,”criedsheinafalteringvoice;“pressmecloser,Iamreadytoexpire!”
“Letusdiethentogether,”answeredthelittleGulchenrouz,whilsthisbreastlabouredwithaconvulsive
sigh;“letmeatleastbreatheforthmysoulonthylips.”
Theyspokenomore,andbecameasdead.
Immediatelythemostpiercingcrieswereheardthroughtheharem,whilstShabanandSutlememe
personatedwithgreatadroitnessthepartsofpersonsindespair.Theemir,whowassufficiently
mortifiedtobeforcedintosuchuntowardexpedients,andhadnowforthefirsttimemadeatrialofhis
powder,wasundernonecessityofcounterfeitinggrief.Theslaves,whohadflockedtogetherfromall
quarters,stoodmotionlessatthespectaclebeforethem.Alllightswereextinguishedsavetwolamps,
whichshedawanglimmeringoverthefacesoftheselovelyflowers,thatseemedtobefadedinthe
spring-timeoflife.Funeralvestmentswereprepared;theirbodieswerewashedwithrosewater;their
beautifultresseswerebraidedandincensed;andtheywerewrappedinsymarswhiterthanalabaster.At
themomentthattheirattendantswereplacingtwowreathsoftheirfavouritejasaminesontheirbrows,
theCaliph,whohadjustheardthetragicalcatastrophe,arrived.Helookednotlesspaleandhaggard
thanthegoulesthatwanderatnightamonggraves.Forgetfulofhimselfandeveryoneelse,hebroke
throughthemidstoftheslaves,fellprostrateatthefootofthesofa,beathisbosom,calledhimself
“atrociousmurderer,”andinvokeduponhisheadathousandimprecations.Withatremblinghandhe
raisedtheveilthatcoveredthecountenanceofNouronihar,andutteringaloudshriekfelllifelessonthe
floor.Thechiefoftheeunuchsdraggedhimoffwithhorriblegrimaces,andrepeatedashewent:
“Aye,Iforesawshewouldplayyousomeungraciousturn.”
NosoonerwastheCaliphgonethantheemircommandedbierstobebrought,andforbadethatanyone
shouldentertheharem.Everywindowwasfastened;allinstrumentsofmusicwerebroken;andthe
Imamsbegantorecitetheirprayers.TowardsthecloseofthismelancholydayVatheksobbedin
silence,fortheyhadbeenforcedtocomposewithanodyneshisconvulsionsofrageanddesperation.
Atthedawnofthesucceedingmorningthewidefoldingdoorsofthepalaceweresetopen,andthe
funeralprocessionmovedforwardforthemountain.Thewailfulcriesof“LaIlahillaAlla,”reachedto
theCaliph,whowaseagertocicatrizehimselfandattendtheceremonial;norcouldhehavebeen
dissuaded,hadnothisexcessiveweaknessdisabledhimfromwalking.Atthefewfirststepshefellon
theground,andhispeoplewereobligedtolayhimonabed,whereheremainedmanydaysinsucha
stateofinsensibilityasexcitedcompassionintheemirhimself.
WhentheprocessionwasarrivedatthegrotofMeimoune,ShabanandSutlememedismissedthewhole
ofthetrainexceptingthefourconfidentialeunuchswhowereappointedtoremain.Afterrestingsome
momentsnearthebierswhichhadbeenleftintheopenair,theycausedthemtobecarriedtothebrink
ofasmalllakewhosebankswereovergrownwithahoarymoss.Thiswasthegreatresortofherons
andstorks,whichpreyedcontinuallyonlittlebluefishes.Thedwarfs,instructedbytheemir,soon
repairedthither,andwiththehelpoftheeunuchsbegantoconstructcabinsofrushesandreeds,awork
inwhichtheyhadadmirableskill.Amagazinealsowascontrivedforprovisions,withasmalloratory
forthemselves,andapyramidofwoodneatlypiled,tofurnishthenecessaryfuel,fortheairwasbleak
inthehollowsofthemountains.
Ateveningtwofireswerekindledonthebrinkofthelake,andthetwolovelybodiestakenfromtheir
bierswerecarefullydepositeduponabedofdriedleaveswithinthesamecabin.Thedwarfsbeganto
recitethekoranwiththeirclearshrillvoices,andShabanandSutlememestoodatsomedistance
anxiouslywaitingtheeffectsofthepowder.AtlengthNouroniharandGulchenrouzfaintlystretched
outtheirarms,andgraduallyopeningtheireyesbegantosurveywithlooksofincreasingamazement
everyobjectaroundthem.Theyevenattemptedtorise,butforwantofstrengthfellbackagain.
Sutlememeonthisadministeredacordialwhichtheemirhadtakencaretoprovide.
Gulchenrouzthoroughlyarousedsneezedoutaloud,andraisinghimselfwithaneffortthatexpressedhis
surprise,leftthecabin,andinhaledthefreshairwiththegreatestavidity.
“Yes,”saidhe,“Ibreatheagain!againdoIexist!Ihearsounds!Ibeholdafirmamentspangledover
withstars!”
Nouroniharcatchingthesebelovedaccentsextricatedherselffromtheleaves,andrantoclasp
Gulchenrouztoherbosom.Thefirstobjectssheremarkedweretheirlongsymars,theirgarlandsof
flowers,andtheirnakedfeet:shehidherfaceinherhandstoreflect.Thevisionoftheenchantedbath,
thedespairofherfather,andmorevividlythanboth,themajesticfigureofVathekrecurredtoher
memory.Sherecollectedalso,thatherselfandGulchenrouzhadbeensickanddying;butallthese
imagesbewilderedhermind.Notknowingwhereshewas,sheturnedhereyesonallsides,asifto
recognisethesurroundingscene.Thissingularlake,thoseflamesreflectedfromitsglassysurface,the
palehuesofitsbanks,theromanticcabins,thebull-rushesthatsadlywavedtheirdroopingheads,the
storkswhosemelancholycriesblendedwiththeshrillvoicesofthedwarfs,everythingconspiredto
persuadethemthattheangelofdeathhadopenedtheportalofsomeotherworld.
Gulchenrouzonhispart,lostinwonder,clungtotheneckofhiscousin.Hebelievedhimselfinthe
regionofphantoms,andwasterrifiedatthesilenceshepreserved.Atlengthaddressingher:
“Speak,”saidhe;“wherearewe!doyounotseethosespectresthatarestirringtheburningcoals?Are
theytheMonkerandNakir,cometothrowusintothem?Doesthefatalbridgecrossthislake,whose
solemnstillnessperhapsconcealsfromusanabyss,inwhichforwholeagesweshallbedoomed
incessantlytosink?”
“Nomychildren,”saidSutlememegoingtowardsthem;“takecomfort,theexterminatingangelwho
conductedoursoulshitherafteryours,hathassuredusthatthechastisementofyourindolentand
voluptuouslifeshallberestrictedtoacertainseriesofyears,whichyoumustpassinthisdrearyabode,
wherethesunisscarcelyvisible,andwherethesoilyieldsneitherfruitsnorflowers.These,”continued
she,pointingtothedwarfs,“willprovideforourwants;forsoulssomundaneasoursretaintoostronga
tinctureoftheirearthlyextraction.Insteadofmeats,yourfoodwillbenothingbutrice,andyourbread
shallbemoistenedinthefogsthatbroodoverthesurfaceofthelake.”
Atthisdesolatingprospectthepoorchildrenburstintotears,andprostratedthemselvesbeforethe
dwarfs,whoperfectlysupportedtheircharacters,anddeliveredanexcellentdiscourseofacustomary
lengthuponthesacredcamel,whichafterathousandyearswastoconveythemtotheparadiseofthe
faithful.
Thesermonbeingendedandablutionsperformed,theypraisedAllaandtheprophet,suppedvery
indifferently,andretiredtotheirwitheredleaves.Nouroniharandherlittlecousinconsoledthemselves
onfindingthat,thoughdead,theyyetlayinonecabin.Havingsleptwellbefore,theremainderofthe
nightwasspentinconversationonwhathadbefallenthem;andboth,fromadreadofapparitions,
betookthemselvesforprotectiontooneanother’sarms.
Inthemorning,whichwasloweringandrainy,thedwarfsmountedhighpoleslikeminarets,andcalled
themtoprayers.Thewholecongregation,whichconsistedofSutlememe,Shaban,thefoureunuchs,
andsomestorks,werealreadyassembled.Thetwochildrencameforthfromtheircabinwithaslow
anddejectedpace.Astheirmindswereinatenderandmelancholymood,theirdevotionswere
performedwithfervour.NosoonerweretheyfinishedthanGulchenrouzdemandedofSutlememeand
therest,“howtheyhappenedtodiesoopportunelyforhiscousinandhimself.”
“Wekilledourselves,”returnedSutlememe,“indespairatyourdeath.”
Onthis,saidNouronihar,whonotwithstandingwhatwaspast,hadnotyetforgottenhervision:
“AndtheCaliph,ishealsodeadofhisgrief?andwillhelikewisecomehither?”
Thedwarfs,whowerepreparedwithananswer,mostdemurelyreplied:
“Vathekisdamnedbeyondallredemption!”
“Ireadilybelieveso,”saidGulchenrouz;“andamgladfrommyhearttohearit,forIamconvincedit
washishorriblelookthatsentushither,tolistentosermonsandmessuponrice.”
Oneweekpassedawayonthesideofthelakeunmarkedbyanyvariety;Nouroniharruminatingonthe
grandeurofwhichdeathhaddeprivedher,andGulchenrouzapplyingtoprayersandtopanniersalong
withthedwarfs,whoinfinitelypleasedhim.Whilstthissceneofinnocencewasexhibitinginthe
mountains,theCaliphpresentedhimselftotheemirinanewlight.Theinstantherecoveredtheuseof
hissenses,withavoicethatmadeBababaloukquake,hethunderedout:
“PerfidiousGiaour!Irenouncetheeforever!itisthouwhohastslainmybelovedNouronihar!andI
supplicatethepardonofMahomet,whowouldhavepreservedhertomehadIbeenmorewise.Let
waterbebroughttoperformmyablutions,andletthepiousFakreddinbecalledtoofferuphisprayers
withmine,andreconcilemetohim.Afterwardswewillgotogetherandvisitthesepulchreofthe
unfortunateNouronihar.Iamresolvedtobecomeahermit,andconsumetheresidueofmydaysonthis
mountain,inhopeofexpiatingmycrimes.”
Nouroniharwasnotaltogethersocontent,forthoughshefeltafondnessforGulchenrouz,whoto
augmenttheattachment,hadbeenleftatfulllibertywithher,yetshestillregardedhimasbutabauble
thatborenocompetitionwiththecarbuncleofGiamschid.Attimessheindulgeddoubtsonthemodeof
herbeing,andscarcelycouldbelievethatthedeadhadallthewantsandthewhimsoftheliving.To
gainsatisfaction,however,onsoperplexingatopic,shearoseonemorningwhilstallwereasleepwitha
breathlesscautionfromthesideofGulchenrouz,andafterhavinggivenhimasoftkiss,begantofollow
thewindingsofthelaketillitterminatedwitharockwhosetopwasaccessiblethoughlofty.Thisshe
clamberedupwithconsiderabletoil,andhavingreachedthesummit,setforwardinarunlikeadoethat
unwittinglyfollowsherhunter.Thoughsheskippedalongwiththealertnessofanantelope,yetat
intervalsshewasforcedtodesist,andrestbeneaththetamariskstorecoverherbreath.Whilstshe,thus
reclined,wasoccupiedwithherlittlereflectionsontheapprehensionthatshehadsomeknowledgeof
theplace,Vathek,whofindinghimselfthatmorningbutillatease,hadgoneforthbeforethedawn,
presentedhimselfonasuddentoherview.Motionlesswithsurprise,hedurstnotapproachthefigure
beforehim,whichlayshroudedupinasymarextendedontheground,tremblingandpale,butyet
lovelytobehold.AtlengthNouronihar,withamixtureofpleasureandaffliction,raisingherfineeyes
tohim,said:
“Mylord,areyoucomehithertoeatriceandhearsermonswithme?”
“Belovedphantom!”criedVathek,“dostthouspeak?hastthouthesamegracefulform?thesame
radiantfeatures?artthoupalpablelikewise?”andeagerlyembracingherheadded,“herearelimbsanda
bosomanimatedwithagentlewarmth!whatcansuchaprodigymean?”
Nouroniharwithdiffidenceanswered:
“YouknowmylordthatIdiedonthenightyouhonouredmewithyourvisit;mycousinmaintainsit
wasfromoneofyourglances,butIcannotbelievehim,fortometheyseemnotsodreadful.
Gulchenrouzdiedwithme,andwewerebothbroughtintoaregionofdesolation,wherewearefedwith
awretcheddiet.Ifyoubedeadalso,andarecomehithertojoinus,Ipityyourlot,foryouwillbe
stunnedwiththeclangofthedwarfsandthestorks.Besides,itismortifyingintheextremethatyouas
wellasmyselfshouldhavelostthetreasuresofthesubterraneanpalace.”
Atthementionofthesubterraneanpalace,theCaliphsuspendedhiscaresses,whichindeedhad
proceededprettyfar,toseekfromNouroniharanexplanationofhermeaning.Shethenrecapitulated
hervision—whatimmediatelyfollowed—andthehistoryofherpretendeddeath;addingalsoa
descriptionofthepalaceofexpiationfromwhenceshehadfled;andallinamannerthatwouldhave
extortedhislaughter,hadnotthethoughtsofVathekbeentoodeeplyengaged.Nosooner,however,had
sheended,thanheagainclaspedhertohisbosom,andsaid:
“Lightofmyeyes!themysteryisunravelled;webotharealive!Yourfatherisacheat,whoforthesake
ofdividinghathdeludedusboth;andtheGiaour,whosedesign,asfarasIcandiscover,isthatweshall
proceedtogether,seemsscarceawhitbetter.Itshallbesometimeatleastbeforehefindusinhis
palaceoffire.Yourlovelylittlepersoninmyestimationisfarmorepreciousthanallthetreasuresof
thepreadimitesultans,andIwishtopossessitatpleasure,andinopendayformanyamoon,beforeI
gotoburrowundergroundlikeamole.”
“ForgetthislittletriflerGulchenrouz,and”—
“Ah,mylord,”interposedNouronihar,“letmeentreatthatyoudohimnoevil.”
“No,no,”repliedVathek,“Ihavealreadybidyouforbeartoalarmyourselfforhim.Hehasbeen
broughtuptoomuchonmilkandsugartostimulatemyjealousy.Wewillleavehimwiththedwarfs,
whobythebyearemyoldacquaintances;theircompanywillsuithimfarbetterthanyours.Astoother
matters,Iwillreturnnomoretoyourfather’s.Iwantnottohavemyearsdinnedbyhimandhis
dotardswiththeviolationoftherightsofhospitality;asifitwerelessanhonourforyoutoespousethe
sovereignoftheworld,thanagirldresseduplikeaboy.”
Nouroniharcouldfindnothingtoopposeinadiscoursesoeloquent.Sheonlywishedtheamorous
monarchhaddiscoveredmoreardourforthecarbuncleofGiamschid;butflatteredherselfitwould
graduallyincrease,andthereforeyieldedtohiswillwiththemostbewitchingsubmission.
WhentheCaliphjudgeditproperhecalledforBababalouk,whowasasleepinthecaveofMeimoune,
anddreamingthatthephantomofNouroniharhavingmountedhimoncemoreonherswing,hadjust
givenhimsuchajerkthatheonemomentsoaredabovethemountains,andthenextsunkintothe
abyss.Startingfromhissleepatthevoiceofhismaster,herangaspingforbreath,andhadnearlyfallen
backwardatthesight,ashebelieved,ofthespectre,bywhomhehadsolatelybeenhauntedinhis
dream.
“Ahmylord,”criedhe,recoilingtensteps,andcoveringhiseyeswithbothhands,“doyouthen
performtheofficeofagoule?’Tistrueyouhavedugupthedead,yethopenottomakeheryourprey;
forafterallshehathcausedmetosuffer,sheisevenwickedenoughtopreyuponyou.”
“Ceasethyfolly,”saidVathek,“andthoushaltsoonbeconvincedthatitisNouroniharherself,aliveand
well,whomIclasptomybreast.Goonly,andpitchmytentsintheneighbouringvalley.TherewillI
fixmyabodewiththisbeautifultulip,whosecoloursIsoonshallrestore.Thereexertthybest
endeavourstoprocurewhatevercanaugmenttheenjoymentsoflife,tillIshalldisclosetotheemoreof
mywill.”
Thenewsofsounluckyaneventsoonreachedtheearsoftheemir,whoabandonedhimselftogriefand
despair,andbegan,asdidallhisoldgreybeards,tobegrimehisvisagewithashes.Atotalsupineness
ensued;travellerswerenolongerentertained,nomoreplasterswerespread,andinsteadofthe
charitableactivitythathaddistinguishedthisasylum,thewholeofitsinhabitantsexhibitedonlyfacesof
ahalfcubitlong,andutteredgroansthataccordedwiththeirforlornsituation.
ThoughFakreddinbewailedhisdaughteraslosttohimforever,yetGulchenrouzwasnotforgotten.He
despatchedimmediateinstructiontoSutlememe,Shaban,andthedwarfs,enjoiningthemnotto
undeceivethechildinrespecttohisstate,butundersomepretencetoconveyhimfarfromthelofty
rockattheextremityofthelake,toaplacewhichheshouldappoint,assaferfromdanger;forhe
suspectedthatVathekintendedhimevil.
Gulchenrouzinthemeanwhilewasfilledwithamazementatnotfindinghiscousin;norwerethe
dwarfsatalllesssurprised;butSutlememe,whohadmorepenetration,immediatelyguessedwhathad
happened.GulchenrouzwasamusedwiththedelusivehopeofoncemoreembracingNouroniharinthe
interiorrecessesofthemountains,wheretheground,strewedoverwithorangeblossomsandjasamines,
offeredbedsmuchmoreinvitingthanthewitheredleavesintheircabin,wheretheymightaccompany
withtheirvoicesthesoundsoftheirlutes,andchasebutterfliesinconcert.Sutlememewasfargonein
thissortofdescriptionwhenoneofthefoureunuchsbeckonedherasidetoappriseherofthearrivalof
amessengerfromtheirfraternity,whohadexplainedthesecretoftheflightofNouronihar,andbrought
thecommandsoftheemir.AcouncilwithShabanandthedwarfswasimmediatelyheld.Their
baggagebeingstowedinconsequenceofit,theyembarkedinashallopandquietlysailedwiththelittle
one,whoacquiescedinalltheirproposals.Theirvoyageproceededinthesamemanner,tilltheycame
totheplacewherethelakesinksbeneaththehollowoftherock,butassoonasthebarkhadenteredit,
andGulchenrouzfoundhimselfsurroundedwithdarkness,hewasseizedwithadreadfulconsternation,
andincessantlyutteredthemostpiercingoutcries;forhenowwaspersuadedheshouldactuallybe
damnedforhavingtakentoomanylittlefreedomsinhislife-timewithhiscousin.
ButletusreturntotheCaliph,andherwhoruledoverhisheart.Bababaloukhadpitchedthetents,and
closeduptheextremitiesofthevalleywithmagnificentscreensofIndiacloth,whichwereguardedby
Ethiopianslaveswiththeirdrawnsabres.Topreservetheverdureofthisbeautifulenclosureinits
naturalfreshness,thewhiteeunuchswentcontinuallyrounditwiththeirredwatervessels.Thewaving
offanswasheardneartheimperialpavilion,wherebythevoluptuouslightthatglowedthroughthe
muslins,theCaliphenjoyedatfullviewalltheattractionsofNouronihar.Inebriatedwithdelight,he
wasalleartohercharmingvoicewhichaccompaniedthelute;whileshewasnotlesscaptivatedwith
hisdescriptionsofSamarahandthetowerfullofwonders,butespeciallywithhisrelationofthe
adventureoftheball,andthechasmoftheGiaourwithitsebonyportal.
Inthismannertheyconversedforadayandanight;theybathedtogetherinabasinofblackmarble,
whichadmirablyrelievedthefairnessofNouronihar.Bababalouk,whosegoodgracesthisbeautyhad
regained,sparednoattentionthattheirrepastsmightbeservedupwiththeminutestexactness:some
exquisiterarietywaseverplacedbeforethem;andhesenteventoSchirazforthatfragrantanddelicious
winewhichhadbeenhoardedupinbottlespriortothebirthofMahomet.Hehadexcavatedlittleovens
intherocktobakethenicemanchetswhichwerepreparedbythehandsofNouronihar,fromwhence
theyhadderivedaflavoursogratefultoVathek,thatheregardedtheragoutsofhisotherwivesas
entirelymaukish;whilsttheywouldhavediedattheemir’sofchagrinatfindingthemselvesso
neglected,ifFakreddin,notwithstandinghisresentment,hadnottakenpityuponthem.
ThesultanaDilara,whotillthenhadbeenthefavourite,tookthisderelictionoftheCaliphtoheartwith
avehemencenaturaltohercharacter;forduringhercontinuanceinfavourshehadimbibedfromVathek
manyofhisextravagantfancies,andwasfiredwithimpatiencetobeholdthesuperbtombsofIstakar,
andthepalaceoffortycolumns;besides,havingbeenbroughtupamongstthemagi,shehadfondly
cherishedtheideaoftheCaliph’sdevotinghimselftotheworshipoffire;thushisvoluptuousand
desultorylifewithherrivalwastoheradoublesourceofaffliction.ThetransientpietyofVathekhad
occasionedhersomeseriousalarms,butthepresentwasaneviloffargreatermagnitude.Sheresolved
thereforewithouthesitationtowritetoCarathis,andacquaintherthatallthingswentill;thattheyhad
eaten,slept,andrevelledatanoldemir’s,whosesanctitywasveryformidable,andthatafterallthe
prospectofpossessingthetreasuresofthepreadimitesultanswasnolessremotethanbefore.This
letterwasentrustedtothecareoftwowoodmenwhowereatworkononeofthegreatforestsofthe
mountains,andbeingacquaintedwiththeshortestcuts,arrivedintendaysatSamarah.
TheprincessCarathiswasengagedatchesswithMorakanabad,whenthearrivalofthesewood-fellers
wasannounced.She,aftersomeweeksofVathek’sabsence,hadforsakentheupperregionsofher
tower,becauseeverythingappearedinconfusionamongthestars,whomsheconsultedrelativetothe
fateofherson.Invaindidsherenewherfumigations,andextendherselfontherooftoobtainmystic
visions,nothingmorecouldsheseeinherdreamsthanpiecesofbrocade,nosegaysofflowers,and
otherunmeaninggewgaws.Thesedisappointmentshadthrownherintoastateofdejectionwhichno
druginherpowerwassufficienttoremove.HeronlyresourcewasinMorakanabad,whowasagood
man,andendowedwithadecentshareofconfidence,yetwhilstinhercompanyheneverthought
himselfonroses.
NopersonknewaughtofVathek,andathousandridiculousstorieswerepropagatedathisexpense.The
eagernessofCarathismaybeeasilyguessedatreceivingtheletter,aswellasherrageatreadingthe
dissoluteconductofherson.
“Isitso,”saidshe;“eitherIwillperish,orVathekshallenterthepalaceoffire.Letmeexpireinflames,
providedhemayreignonthethroneofSoliman!”
Havingsaidthis,andwhirledherselfroundinamagicalmanner,whichstruckMorakanabadwithsuch
terrorascausedhimtorecoil,sheorderedhergreatcamelAlboufakitobebrought,andthehideous
NerkeswiththeunrelentingCafourtoattend.
“Irequirenootherretinue,”saidshetoMorakanabad:“Iamgoingonaffairsofemergency,atruce
thereforetoparade!Takeyoucareofthepeople,fleecethemwellinmyabsence,forweshallexpend
largesums,andoneknowsnotwhatmaybetide.”
Thenightwasuncommonlydark,andapestilentialblastravagedtheplainofCatoulthatwouldhave
deterredanyothertravellerhoweverurgentthecall;butCarathisenjoyedmostwhateverfilledothers
withdread.Nerkesconcurredinopinionwithher,andCafourhadaparticularpredilectionfora
pestilence.Inthemorningthisaccomplishedcaravan,withthewood-fellerswhodirectedtheirroute,
haltedontheedgeofanextensivemarsh,fromwhencesonoxiousavapouraroseaswouldhave
destroyedanyanimalbutAlboufaki,whonaturallyinhaledthesemalignantfogs.Thepeasants
entreatedtheirconvoynottosleepinthisplace.
“Tosleep,”criedCarathis,“whatanexcellentthought!Ineversleepbutforvisions;andastomy
attendants,theiroccupationsaretoomanytoclosetheonlyeyetheyeachhave.”
Thepoorpeasants,whowerenotoverpleasedwiththeirparty,remainedopen-mouthedwithsurprise.
Carathisalightedaswellashernegresses,andseverallystrippingofftheiroutergarments,theyallran
intheirdrawerstocullfromthosespotswherethesunshonefiercest,thevenomousplantsthatgrewon
themarsh.Thisprovisionwasmadeforthefamilyoftheemir,andwhoevermightretardtheexpedition
toIstakar.Thewoodmenwereovercomewithfearwhentheybeheldthesethreehorriblephantomsrun,
andnotmuchrelishingthecompanyofAlboufaki,stoodaghastatthecommandofCarathistoset
forward,notwithstandingitwasnoon,andtheheatfierceenoughtocalcineevenrocks.Inspite,
however,ofeveryremonstrance,theywereforcedimplicitlytosubmit.
Alboufaki,whodelightedinsolitude,constantlysnortedwheneverheperceivedhimselfneara
habitation,andCarathis,whowasapttospoilhimwithindulgence,asconstantlyturnedhimaside;so
thatthepeasantswereprecludedfromprocuringsubsistence;forthemilchgoatsandeweswhich
Providencehadsenttowardsthedistricttheytraversed,torefreshtravellerswiththeirmilk,allfledat
thesightofthehideousanimalandhisstrangeriders.AstoCarathis,sheneedednocommonaliment;
forherinventionhadpreviouslyfurnishedherwithanopiatetostayherstomach,someofwhichshe
impartedtohermutes.
AtthefallofnightAlboufakimakingasuddenstop,stampedwithhisfoot,whichtoCarathis,who
understoodhispaces,wasacertainindicationthatshewasneartheconfinesofsomecemetery.The
moonshedabrightlightonthespot,whichservedtodiscoveralongwallwithalargedoorinit
standinga-jar,andsohighthatAlboufakimighteasilyenter.Themiserableguides,whoperceivedtheir
endapproaching,humblyimploredCarathis,asshehadnowsogoodanopportunity,tointerthem,and
immediatelygaveuptheghost.NerkesandCafour,whosewitwasofastylepeculiartothemselves,
werebynomeansparsimoniousofitonthefollyofthesepoorpeople,norcouldanythinghavebeen
foundmoresuitedtotheirtastethanthesiteoftheburyingground,andthesepulchreswhichits
precinctscontained.Therewereatleasttwothousandofthemonthedeclivityofahill;someinthe
formofpyramids,otherslikecolumns,andinshortthevarietyoftheirshapeswasendless.Carathis
wastoomuchimmersedinhersublimecontemplationstostopattheview,charmingasitappearedin
hereyes.Ponderingtheadvantagesthatmightaccruefromherpresentsituation,shecouldnotforbear
toexclaim:
“SobeautifulacemeterymustbehauntedbyGouls,andtheywantnotforintelligence!having
heedlesslysufferedmyguidestoexpire,Iwillapplyfordirectionstothem,andasaninducement,will
invitethemtoregaleonthesefreshcorpses.”
Afterthisshortsoliloquy,shebeckonedtoNerkesandCafour,andmadesignswithherfingers,asmuch
astosay:
“Go,knockagainstthesidesofthetombs,andstrikeupyourdelightfulwarblings,thataresoliketo
thoseoftheguestswhosecompanyIwishtoobtain.”
Thenegresses,fullofjoyatthebehestsoftheirmistress,andpromisingthemselvesmuchpleasurefrom
thesocietyoftheGouls,wentwithanairofconquest,andbegantheirknockingsatthetombs.Astheir
strokeswererepeated,ahollownoisewasheardintheearth,thesurfacehoveupintoheaps,andthe
Goulsonallsidesprotrudedtheirnosestoinhaletheeffluviawhichthecarcassesofthewoodmen
begantoemit.
Theyassembledbeforeasarcophagusofwhitemarble,whereCarathiswasseatedbetweenthebodies
ofhermiserableguides.Theprincessreceivedhervisitantswithdistinguishedpoliteness,andwhen
supperwasended,proceededwiththemtobusiness.Havingsoonlearntfromthemeverythingshe
wishedtodiscover,itwasherintentiontosetforwardforthwithonherjourney,buthernegresses,who
wereformingtenderconnectionswiththeGouls,importunedherwithalltheirfingerstowait,atleast
tillthedawn.Carathis,however,beingchastityintheabstract,andanimplacableenemytoloveand
repose,atoncerejectedtheirprayer,mountedAlboufaki,andcommandedthemtotaketheirseatsina
moment.Fourdaysandfournightsshecontinuedherroute,withoutturningtotherighthandorleft;on
thefifthshetraversedthemountainsandhalf-burntforests,andarrivedonthesixthbeforethebeautiful
screenswhichconcealedfromalleyesthevoluptuouswanderingsofherson.
Itwasday-break,andtheguardsweresnoringontheirpostsincarelesssecurity,whentheroughtrotof
Alboufakiawoketheminconsternation.Imaginingthatagroupofspectresascendedfromtheabyss
wasapproaching,theyallwithoutceremonytooktotheirheels.Vathekwasatthatinstantwith
Nouroniharinthebath,hearingtalesandlaughingatBababaloukwhorelatedthem;butnosoonerdid
theoutcryofhisguardsreachhim,thanheflouncedfromthewaterlikeacarp,andassoonthrew
himselfbackatthesightofCarathis,whoadvancingwithhernegressesuponAlboufaki,brokethrough
themuslinawningsandveilsofthepavilion.AtthissuddenapparitionNouronihar(forshewasnotat
alltimesfreefromremorse)fanciedthatthemomentofcelestialvengeancewascome,andclungabout
theCaliphinamorousdespondence.
Carathis,stillseatedonhercamel,foamedwithindignationatthespectaclewhichobtrudeditselfonher
chasteview.Shethunderedforthwithoutcheckormercy:
“Thoudouble-headedandfourleggedmonster!whatmeansallthiswindingandwrithing?artthounot
ashamedtobeseengraspingthislimbersapling,inpreferencetothesceptreofthepreadimitesultans?
IsitthenforthispaltrydoxythatthouhastviolatedtheconditionsintheparchmentofourGiaour?Isit
onherthouhastlavishedthypreciousmoments?IsthisthefruitoftheknowledgeIhavetaughtthee?
Isthistheendofthyjourney?Tearthyselffromthearmsofthislittlesimpleton;drownherinthewater
beforeme,andinstantlyfollowmyguidance.”
Inthefirstebullitionofhisfury,VathekresolvedtomakeaskeletonofAlboufaki,andtostufftheskins
ofCarathisandherblacks;buttheideasoftheGiaour,thepalaceofIstakar,thesabres,andthe
talismans,flashingbeforehisimaginationwiththesimultaneousnessoflightning,hebecamemore
moderate,andsaidtohismotherinacivilbutdecisivetone:
“Dreadlady,youshallbeobeyed;butIwillnotdrownNouronihar;sheissweetertomethana
Myrabolancomfit,andisenamouredofcarbuncles,especiallythatofGiamschid,whichhathalsobeen
promisedtobeconferreduponher;shethereforeshallgoalongwithus,forIintendtoreposewithher
beneaththecanopiesofSoliman;Icansleepnomorewithouther.”
“Beitso,”repliedCarathisalighting,andatthesametimecommittingAlboufakitothechargeofher
women.
Nouronihar,whohadnotyetquittedherhold,begantotakecourage,andsaidwithanaccentof
fondnesstotheCaliph:
“Dearsovereignofmysoul!Iwillfollowthee,ifitbethywillbeyondtheKaf,inthelandofthe
Afrits.IwillnothesitatetoclimbfortheethenestoftheSimurgh,who,thisladyexcepted,isthemost
awfulofcreatedexistences.”
“Wehaveherethen,”subjoinedCarathis,“agirlbothofcourageandscience.”
Nouroniharhadcertainlyboth;butnotwithstandingallherfirmness,shecouldnothelpcastingbacka
lookofregretuponthegracesofherlittleGulchenrouz,andthedaysoftendernessshehadparticipated
withhim.Sheevendroppedafewtears,whichCarathisobserved,andinadvertentlybreathedoutwith
asigh:
“Alas!mygentlecousin,whatwillbecomeofhim!”
Vathekatthisapostropheknitteduphisbrows,andCarathisenquiredwhatitcouldmean.
“Sheispreposterouslysighingafterastriplingwithlanguishingeyesandsofthairwholovesher,”said
theCaliph.
“Whereishe?”askedCarathis.“Imustbeacquaintedwiththisprettychild;for,”addedshe,lowering
hervoice,“IdesignbeforeIdeparttoregainthefavouroftheGiaour.Thereisnothingsodeliciousin
hisestimationastheheartofadelicateboy,palpitatingwiththefirsttumultsoflove.”
VathekashecamefromthebathcommandedBababalouktocollectthewomenandothermoveablesof
hisharem,embodyhistroops,andholdhimselfinreadinesstomarchinthreedays;whilstCarathis
retiredalonetoatent,wheretheGiaoursolacedherwithencouragingvisions;butatlengthwaking,she
foundatherfeetNerkesandCafour,whoinformedherbytheirsigns,thathavingledAlboufakitothe
bordersofalake,tobrowseonsomemossthatlookedtolerablyvenomous,theyhaddiscoveredcertain
bluefishesofthesamekindwiththoseinthereservoironthetopofthetower.
“Ah,ah,”saidshe,“Iwillgothithertothem.Thesefisharepastdoubtofaspeciesthatbyasmall
operationIcanrenderoracular.TheymaytellmewherethislittleGulchenrouzis,whomIambent
uponsacrificing.”
Havingthusspoken,sheimmediatelysetoutwithherswarthyretinue.
Itbeingbutseldomthattimeislostintheaccomplishmentofawickedenterprise,Carathisandher
negressessoonarrivedatthelake,where,afterburningthemagicaldrugswithwhichtheywerealways
provided,they,strippingthemselvesnaked,wadedtotheirchins,NerkesandCafourwavingtorches
aroundthem,andCarathispronouncingherbarbarousincantations.Thefisheswithoneaccordthrust
forththeirheadsfromthewater,whichwasviolentlyrippledbytheflutteroftheirfins,andatlength
findingthemselvesconstrainedbythepotencyofthecharm,theyopenedtheirpiteousmouths,said:
“Fromgillstotailweareyours;whatseekyetoknow?”
“Fishes,”answeredshe,“Iconjureyoubyyourglitteringscales,tellmewherenowisGulchenrouz?”
“Beyondtherock,”repliedtheshoalinfullchorus:“willthiscontentyou?forwedonotdelightin
expandingourmouths.”
“Itwill,”returnedtheprincess:“Iamnottolearnthatyoulikenotlongconversations;Iwillleaveyou
thereforetorepose,thoughIhadotherquestionstopropound.”
Theinstantshehadspokenthewaterbecamesmooth,andthefishesatoncedisappeared.
Carathis,inflatedwiththevenomofherprojects,strodehastilyovertherock,andfoundtheamiable
Gulchenrouzasleepinanarbour,whilstthetwodwarfswerewatchingathisside,andruminatingtheir
accustomedprayers.Thesediminutivepersonagespossessedthegiftofdiviningwheneveranenemyto
goodMussulmansapproached;thustheyanticipatedthearrivalofCarathis,whostoppingshort,saidto
herself:
“Howplacidlydothhereclinehislovelylittlehead!howpaleandlanguishingarehislooks!itisjustthe
verychildofmywishes!”
Thedwarfsinterruptedthisdelectablesoliloquybyleapinginstantlyuponher,andscratchingherface
withtheirutmostzeal.ButNerkesandCafourbetakingthemselvestothesuccouroftheirmistress,
pinchedthedwarfssoseverelyinreturn,thattheybothgaveuptheghost,imploringMahomettoinflict
hissorestvengeanceuponthiswickedwomanandallherhousehold.
Atthenoisewhichthisstrangeconflictoccasionedinthevalley,Gulchenrouzawoke,andbewildered
withterrorsprungimpetuouslyuponanoldfig-treethatroseagainsttheacclivityoftherocks,from
thencegainedtheirsummits,andranfortwohourswithoutoncelookingback.Atlast,exhaustedwith
fatigue,hefellasifdeadintothearmsofagoodoldGenius,whosefondnessforthecompanyof
childrenhadmadeithissoleoccupationtoprotectthem,andwho,whilstperforminghiswontedrounds
throughtheair,happeningonthecruelGiaourattheinstantofhisgrowlinginthehorriblechasm,
rescuedthefiftylittlevictimswhichtheimpietyofVathekhaddevotedtohismaw.ThesetheGenius
broughtupinnestsstillhigherthantheclouds,andhimselffixedhisabodeinanestmorecapacious
thantherest,fromwhichhehadexpelledthepossessorsthathadbuiltit.
TheseinviolableasylumsweredefendedagainsttheDivesandtheAfritsbywavingstreamers,on
whichwereinscribedincharactersofgoldthatflashedlikelightning,thenamesofAllaandthe
prophet.ItwastherethatGulchenrouz,whoasyetremainedundeceivedwithrespecttohispretended
death,thoughthimselfinthemansionsofeternalpeace.Headmittedwithoutfearthecongratulations
ofhislittlefriends,whowereallassembledinthenestofthevenerableGenius,andviedwitheach
otherinkissinghissereneforeheadandbeautifuleye-lids.Thishefoundtobethestatecongenialtohis
soul—remotefromtheinquietudesofearth—theimpertinenceofharems—thebrutalityofeunuchs—
andthelubricityofwomen.Inthispeaceablesocietyhisdays,months,andyearsglidedon,norwashe
lesshappythantherestofhiscompanions,fortheGenius,insteadofburdeninghispupilswith
perishableriches,andthevainsciencesoftheworld,conferreduponthemtheboonofperpetual
childhood.
Carathis,unaccustomedtothelossofherprey,ventedathousandexecrationsonhernegressesfornot
seizingthechild,insteadofamusingthemselveswithpinchingtodeaththedwarfs,fromwhichthey
couldgainnoadvantage.Shereturnedintothevalleymurmuring,andfindingthathersonwasnot
risenfromthearmsofNouronihar,dischargedherill-humouruponboth.Theidea,however,of
departingnextdayforIstakar,andcultivating,throughthegoodofficesoftheGiaour,anintimacywith
Eblishimself,atlengthconsoledherchagrin:butfatehadordaineditotherwise.
Intheevening,asCarathiswasconversingwithDilara,whothroughhercontrivancehadbecomeofthe
party,andwhosetasteresembledherown,Bababaloukcametoacquainther“thattheskytowards
Samarahlookedofafieryred,andseemedtoportendsomealarmingdisaster.”Immediatelyrecurring
toherastrolabesandinstrumentsofmagic,shetookthealtitudeoftheplanets,anddiscoveredbyher
calculations,tohergreatmortification,thataformidablerevolthadtakenplaceatSamarah;that
Motavakel,availinghimselfofthedisgustwhichwasinveterateagainsthisbrotherhadincited
commotionsamongstthepopulace,madehimselfmasterofthepalace,andactuallyinvestedthegreat
tower,towhichMorakanabadhadretiredwithahandfulofthefewthatstillremainedfaithfultoVathek.
“What,”exclaimedshe,“mustIlosethenmytower,mymutes,mynegresses,mymummies,andworse
thanall,thelaboratory,inwhichIhavespentsomanyanight,withoutknowing,atleast,ifmyhairbrainedsonwillcompletehisadventure?No!Iwillnotbethedupe!ImmediatelywillIspeedto
supportMorakanabad.Bymyformidableartthecloudsshallsleethail-stonesinthefacesofthe
assailants,andshaftsofred-hotironontheirheads.Iwillspringminesofserpentsandtorpedoesfrom
beneaththem,andweshallsoonseethestandtheywillmakeagainstsuchanexplosion!”
Havingthusspoken,Carathishastedtoherson,whowastranquillybanquetingwithNouroniharinhis
superbcarnationcolouredtent.
“Gluttonthatthouart,”criedshe,“wereitnotforme,thouwouldstsoonfindthyselfthecommander
onlyofpies.Thyfaithfulsubjectshaveabjuredthefaiththeysworetothee.Motavakelthybrother
nowreignsonthehillofpiedhorses;andhadInotsomeslightresourcesinthetower,wouldnotbe
easilypersuadedtoabdicate.Butthattimemaynotbelost,Ishallonlyaddfourwords:striketenttonight;setforward;andbewarehowthouloiterestagainbytheway.Thoughthouhastforfeitedthe
conditionsoftheparchment,Iamnotyetwithouthope;foritcannotbedeniedthatthouhastviolatedto
admirationthelawsofhospitalitybyseducingthedaughteroftheemir,afterhavingpartakenofhis
breadandhissalt.SuchaconductcannotbutbedelightfultotheGiaour;andifonthymarchthou
canstsignalizethyselfbyanadditionalcrime,allwillstillgowell,andthoushaltenterthepalaceof
Solimanintriumph.Adieu!Alboufakiandmynegressesarewaiting.”
TheCaliphhadnothingtoofferinreply:hewishedhismotheraprosperousjourney,andeatontillhe
hadfinishedhissupper.Atmidnightthecampbrokeup,amidsttheflourishingoftrumpetsandother
martialinstruments;butloudindeedmusthavebeenthesoundofthetymbals,tooverpowerthe
blubberingoftheemirandhislong-beards,whobyanexcessiveprofusionoftearshadsofarexhausted
theradicalmoisture,thattheireyesshrivelledupintheirsockets,andtheirhairsdroppedoffbythe
roots.Nouronihar,towhomsuchasymphonywaspainful,didnotgrievetogetoutofhearing.She
accompaniedtheCaliphintheimperiallitter,wheretheyamusedthemselveswithimaginingthe
splendourwhichwassoontosurroundthem.Theotherwomen,overcomewithdejection,were
dolefullyrockedintheircages,whilstDilaraconsoledherselfwithanticipatingthejoyofcelebrating
theritesoffireonthestatelyterracesofIstakar.
InfourdaystheyreachedthespaciousvalleyofRocnabad.Theseasonofspringwasinallitsvigour,
andthegrotesquebranchesofthealmondtreesinfullblossomfantasticallychequeredtheclearblue
sky.Theearth,variegatedwithhyacinthsandjonquils,breathedforthafragrancewhichdiffused
throughthesouladivinerepose.Myriadsofbees,andscarcefewerofSantonshadtheretakenuptheir
abode.Onthebanksofthestreamhivesandoratorieswerealternatelyranged,andtheirneatnessand
whitenessweresetoffbythedeepgreenofthecypressesthatspiredupamongstthem.Thesepious
personagesamusedthemselveswithcultivatinglittlegardensthataboundedwithflowersandfruits,
especiallymusk-melonsofthebestflavourthatPersiacouldboast.Sometimesdispersedoverthe
meadowtheyentertainedthemselveswithfeedingpeacockswhiterthansnow,andturtlesmoreblue
thanthesapphire.Inthismannerweretheyoccupiedwhentheharbingersoftheimperialprocession
begantoproclaim:
“InhabitantsofRocnabad,prostrateyourselvesonthebrinkofyourpurewaters,andtenderyour
thanksgivingstoheaventhatvouchsafethtoshewyouarayofitsglory;forlo!thecommanderofthe
faithfuldrawsnear.”
ThepoorSantons,filledwithholyenergy,havingbustledtolightupwaxtorchesintheiroratories,and
expandthekoranontheirebonydesks,wentforthtomeettheCaliphwithbasketsofhoneycomb,dates,
andmelons.Butwhilsttheywereadvancinginsolemnprocessionandwithmeasuredsteps,thehorses,
camels,andguardswantonedovertheirtulipsandotherflowers,andmadeaterriblehavocamongst
them.TheSantonscouldnothelpcastingfromoneeyealookofpityontheravagescommitting
aroundthem,whilsttheotherwasfixedupontheCaliphandheaven.Nouronihar,enrapturedwiththe
sceneryofaplacewhichbroughtbacktoherremembrancethepleasingsolitudeswhereherinfancyhad
passed,entreatedVathektostop,buthe,suspectingthateachoratorymightbedeemedbytheGiaoura
distincthabitation,commandedhispioneerstolevelthemall.TheSantonsstoodmotionlesswith
horroratthebarbarousmandate,andatlastbrokeoutintolamentations,butthesewereutteredwithso
illagrace,thatVathekbadehiseunuchstokickthemfromhispresence.Hethendescendedfromthe
litterwithNouronihar.Theysaunteredtogetherinthemeadow,andamusedthemselveswithculling
flowers,andpassingathousandpleasantriesoneachother.Butthebees,whowerestaunch
Mussulmans,thinkingittheirdutytorevengetheinsultontheirdearmasterstheSantons,assembledso
zealouslytodoitwitheffect,thattheCaliphandNouroniharweregladtofindtheirtentspreparedto
receivethem.
Bababalouk,whoincapacityofpurveyor,hadacquittedhimselfwithapplause,astopeacocksand
turtles,lostnotimeinconsigningsomedozenstothespit,andasmanymoretobefricasseed.Whilst
theywerefeasting,laughing,carousing,andblasphemingatpleasureonthebanquetsoliberally
furnished,theMoullahs,theSheiks,theCadis,andImansofSchiraz(whoseemednottohavemetthe
Santons)arrived,leadingbybridlesofribband,inscribedfromthekoran,atrainofasseswhichwere
loadedwiththechoicestfruitsthecountrycouldboast.HavingpresentedtheirofferingstotheCaliph,
theypetitionedhimtohonourtheircityandmosqueswithhispresence.
“Fancynot,”saidVathek,“thatyoucandetainme.YourpresentsIcondescendtoaccept,butbegyou
willletmebequiet,forIamnotoverfondofresistingtemptation.Retirethen.Yet,asitisnotdecent
forpersonagessoreverendtoreturnonfoot,andasyouhavenottheappearanceofexpertriders,my
eunuchsshalltieyouonyourasseswiththeprecautionthatyourbacksbenotturnedtowardsme,for
theyunderstandetiquette.”
Inthisdeputationweresomehigh-stomachedSheiks,whotakingVathekforafool,scruplednotto
speaktheiropinion.TheseBababaloukgirdedwithdoublecords;andhavingwelldisciplinedtheir
asseswithnettlesbehind,theyallstartedwithapreternaturalalertness,plunging,kicking,andrunning
foulofeachotherinthemostludicrousmannerimaginable.
NouroniharandtheCaliphmutuallycontendedwhoshouldmostenjoysodegradingasight.Theyburst
outinvolleysoflaughtertoseetheoldmenandtheirassesfallintothestream.Thelegofonewas
fractured,theshoulderofanotherdislocated,theteethofathirddashedout,andtherestsufferedstill
worse.
Twodaysmore,undisturbedbyfreshembassies,havingbeendevotedtothepleasuresofRocnabad,the
expeditionproceeded,leavingSchirazontheright,andvergingtowardsalargeplain,fromwhence
werediscernibleontheedgeofthehorizonthedarksummitsofthemountainsofIstakar.
AtthisprospecttheCaliphandNouroniharwereunabletorepresstheirtransports.Theyboundedfrom
theirlittertotheground,andbrokeforthintosuchwildexclamationsasamazedallwithinhearing.
Interrogatingeachother,theyshouted,
“Arewenotapproachingtheradiantpalaceoflight,orgardensmoredelightfulthanthoseofSheddad?”
Infatuatedmortals!theythusindulgeddelusiveconjecture,unabletofathomthedecreesoftheMost
High!
ThegoodGeniiwhohadnottotallyrelinquishedthesuperintendenceofVathek,repairingtoMahomet
intheseventhheaven,said:
“MercifulProphet!stretchforththypropitiousarmstowardsthyvicegerent,whoisreadytofall
irretrievablyintothesnarewhichhisenemiestheDiveshavepreparedtodestroyhim.TheGiaouris
awaitinghisarrivalintheabominablepalaceoffire,whereifheoncesethisfoothisperditionwillbe
inevitable.”
Mahometansweredwithanairofindignation:
“Hehathtoowelldeservedtoberesignedtohimself;butIpermityoutotryifoneeffortmorewillbe
effectualtodiverthimfrompursuinghisruin.”
OneofthesebeneficentGenii,assumingwithoutdelaytheexteriorofashepherd,morerenownedfor
hispietythanalltheDervisesandSantonsoftheregion,tookhisstationnearaflockofwhitesheepon
theslopeofahill,andbegantopourforthfromhisflutesuchairsofpatheticmelody,assubduedthe
verysoul;andawakeningremorse,drovefarfromiteveryfrivolousfancy.Attheseenergeticsounds,
thesunhidhimselfbeneathagloomycloud;andthewatersoftwolittlelakes,thatwerenaturally
clearerthanchrystal,becameacolourlikeblood.Thewholeofthissuperbassembly,wasinvoluntarily
drawntowardsthedeclivityofthehill.Withdowncasteyes,theyallstoodabashed;eachupbraiding
himselfwiththeevilhehaddone.TheheartofDilarapalpitated;andthechiefoftheeunuchs,witha
sighofcontrition,imploredpardonofthewomen,whom,forhisownsatisfaction,hehadsooften
tormented.
VathekandNouroniharturnedpaleintheirlitter;and,regardingeachotherwithhaggardlooks,
reproachedthemselves—theonewithathousandoftheblackestcrimes,athousandprojectsofimpious
ambition;theother,withthedesolationofherfamily,andtheperditionoftheamiableGulchenrouz.
Nouroniharpersuadedherselfthatsheheardinthefatalmusicthegroansofherdyingfather;and
Vathek,thesobsofthefiftychildrenhehadsacrificedtotheGiaour.Amidstthesecomplicatedpangs
ofanguish,theyperceivedthemselvesimpelledtowardstheshepherd,whosecountenancewasso
commanding,thatVathek,forthefirsttime,feltoverawed;whilstNouroniharconcealedherfacewith
herhands.Themusicpaused,andtheGenius,addressingtheCaliph,said:
“DeludedPrince!towhomProvidencehathconfidedthecareofinnumerablesubjects,isitthusthat
thoufulfillestthymission?Thycrimesarealreadycompleted;and,artthounowhasteningtowardsthy
punishment?Thouknowest,thatbeyondthesemountains,EblisandhisaccursedDivesholdtheir
infernalempire;andseducedbyamalignantphantom,thouartproceedingtosurrenderthyselftothem!
Thismomentisthelastofgraceallowedthee!Abandonthyatrociouspurpose.Return.Giveback
Nouronihartoherfather,whostillretainsafewsparksoflife.Destroythytower,withallits
abominations.DriveCarathisfromthycouncils.Bejusttothysubjects.Respecttheministersofthe
Prophet.Compensateforthyimpietiesbyanexemplarylife;and,insteadofsquanderingthydaysin
voluptuousindulgence,lamentthycrimesonthesepulchresofthyancestors.Thoubeholdesttheclouds
thatobscurethesun;attheinstantherecovershissplendour,ifthyheartbenotchanged,thetimeof
mercyassignedtheewillbepastforever.”
Vathek,depressedwithfear,wasonthepointofprostratinghimselfatthefeetoftheshepherd,whomhe
perceivedtobeofanaturesuperiortoman,buthisprideprevailing,heaudaciouslyliftedhishead,and
glancingathimoneofhisterriblelooks,said:
“Whoeverthouart,withholdthyuselessadmonitions.Thouwouldsteitherdeludeme,orartthyself
deceived.IfwhatIhavedonebesocriminalasthoupretendest,thereremainsnotformeamomentof
grace.Ihavetraversedaseaofblood,toacquireapowerwhichwillmakethyequalstremble;deem
notthatIshallretirewheninviewoftheport;orthatIwillrelinquishherwhoisdearertomethan
eithermylifeorthymercy.Letthesunappear!Lethimilluminemycareer!Itmattersnotwhereit
mayend.”
Onutteringthesewords,whichmadeeventheGeniusshudder,Vathekthrewhimselfintothearmsof
Nouronihar,andcommandedthathishorsesshouldbeforcedbacktotheroad.
Therewasnodifficultyinobeyingtheseorders,fortheattractionhadceased,thesunshoneforthinall
hisglory,andtheshepherdvanishedwithalamentablescream.
ThefatalimpressionofthemusicoftheGeniusremained,notwithstanding,intheheartsofVathek’s
attendants.Theyviewedeachotherwithlooksofconsternation.Attheapproachofnight,almostallof
themescaped;and,ofthisnumerousassemblage,thereonlyremainedthechiefoftheeunuchs,some
idolatrousslaves,Dilara,andafewotherwomen,who,likeherself,werevotariesofthereligionofthe
Magi.
TheCaliph,firedwiththeambitionofprescribinglawstotheIntelligencesofDarkness,wasbutlittle
embarrassedatthisdereliction.Theimpetuosityofhisbloodpreventedhimfromsleeping;nordidhe
encampanymoreasbefore.Nouronihar,whoseimpatience,ifpossible,exceededhisown,importuned
himtohastenhismarch,andlavishedonhimathousandcaresses,tobeguileallreflection.Shefancied
herselfalreadymorepotentthanBalkis;[134]andpicturedtoherimaginationtheGeniifallingprostrate
atthefootofherthrone.Inthismannertheyadvancedbymoonlight,tilltheycamewithinviewofthe
twotoweringrocks,thatformakindofportaltothevalley,atwhoseextremityrosethevastruinsof
Istakar.Aloftonthemountain,glimmeredthefrontsofvariousroyalmausoleums,thehorrorofwhich
wasdeepenedbytheshadowsofnight.Theypassedthroughtwovillages,almostdeserted;theonly
inhabitantsremainingbeingafewfeebleoldmen,whoatthesightofhorsesandlittersfellupontheir
knees,andcriedout:
“Oheaven!isitthenbythesephantomsthatwehavebeenforsixmonthstormented!Alas!itwasfrom
theterrorofthesespectres,andthenoisebeneaththemountains,thatourpeoplehavefled,andleftusat
themercyofmaleficentspirits!”
TheCaliph,towhomthesecomplaintswerebutunpromisingauguries,droveoverthebodiesofthese
wretchedoldmen,andatlengtharrivedatthefootoftheterraceofblackmarble.Therehedescended
fromhislitter,handingdownNouronihar;both,withbeatinghearts,staredwildlyaroundthem,and
expected,withanapprehensiveshudder,theapproachoftheGiaour.Butnothingasyetannouncedhis
appearance.
Adeathlikestillnessreignedoverthemountain,andthroughtheair.Themoondilated,onavast
platform,theshadesoftheloftycolumns,whichreachedfromtheterracealmosttotheclouds.The
gloomywatch-towers,whosenumbercouldnotbecounted,wereveiledbynoroof:andtheircapitals,
ofanarchitectureunknownintherecordsoftheearth,servedasanasylumforthebirdsofdarkness,
which,alarmedattheapproachofsuchvisitants,fledawaycroaking.
Thechiefoftheeunuchs,tremblingwithfear,besoughtVathekthatafiremightbekindled.
“No!”repliedhe,“thereisnotimelefttothinkofsuchtrifles;abidewherethouart,andexpectmy
commands.”
Havingthusspoken,hepresentedhishandtoNouronihar,andascendingthestepsofavaststaircase,
reachedtheterrace,whichwasflaggedwithsquaresofmarble,andresembledasmoothexpanseof
water,uponwhosesurfacenotaleafeverdaredtovegetate.Ontherightrosethewatch-towers,ranged
beforetheruinsofanimmensepalace,whosewallswereembossedwithvariousfigures.Infrontstood
forththecolossalformsoffourcreatures,composedoftheleopardandthegriffin;andthoughbutof
stone,inspiredemotionsofterror.Neartheseweredistinguishedbythesplendourofthemoon,which
streamedfullontheplace,characterslikethoseonthesabresoftheGiaour,thatpossessedthesame
virtueofchangingeverymoment.These,aftervacillatingforsometime,atlastfixedinArabicletters,
andprescribedtotheCaliphthefollowingwords:
“Vathek!thouhastviolatedtheconditionsofmyparchment,anddeservesttobesentback;butinfavour
tothycompanion,andasthemeedforwhatthouhastdonetoobtainit,Eblispermitteththattheportal
ofhispalaceshallbeopened,andthesubterraneanfirewillreceivetheeintothenumberofitsadorers.”
Hescarcelyhadreadthesewordsbeforethemountain,againstwhichtheterracewasreared,trembled;
andthewatch-towerswerereadytotoppleheadlonguponthem.Therockyawned,anddisclosed
withinitastaircaseofpolishedmarble,thatseemedtoapproachtheabyss.Uponeachstairwere
plantedtwolargetorches,likethoseNouroniharhadseeninhervision,thecamphoratedvapour
ascendingfromwhichgatheredintoacloudunderthehollowofthevault.
Thisappearance,insteadofterrifying,gavenewcouragetothedaughterofFakreddin.Scarcely
deigningtobidadieutothemoonandthefirmament,sheabandonedwithouthesitationthepure
atmosphere,toplungeintotheseinfernalexhalations.Thegaitofthoseimpiouspersonageswas
haughtyanddetermined.Astheydescended,bytheeffulgenceofthetorches,theygazedoneachother
withmutualadmiration,andbothappearedsoresplendent,thattheyalreadyesteemedthemselves
spiritualintelligences.Theonlycircumstancethatperplexedthem,wastheirnotarrivingatthebottom
ofthestairs.Onhasteningtheirdescent,withanardentimpetuosity,theyfelttheirstepsacceleratedto
suchadegree,thattheyseemednotwalking,butfallingfromaprecipice.Theirprogress,however,was
atlengthimpededbyavastportalofebony,whichtheCaliphwithoutdifficultyrecognized.Herethe
Giaourawaitedthem,withthekeyinhishand,
“Yearewelcome!”saidhetothem,withaghastlysmile,“inspiteofMahomet,andallhisdependents.
Iwillnowadmityouintothatpalace,whereyouhavesohighlymeritedaplace.”
Whilsthewasutteringthesewords,hetouchedtheenamelledlockwithhiskey,andthedoorsatonce
expandedwithanoisestilllouderthanthethunderofmountains,andassuddenlyrecoiledthemoment
theyhadentered.
TheCaliphandNouroniharbeheldeachotherwithamazement,atfindingthemselvesinaplacewhich,
thoughroofedwithavaultedceiling,wassospaciousandlofty,thatatfirsttheytookitforan
immeasurableplain.Buttheireyesatlengthgrowingtothegrandeuroftheobjectsathand,they
extendedtheirviewtothoseatadistance,anddiscoveredrowsofcolumnsandarcades,which
graduallydiminished,tilltheyterminatedinapoint,radiantasthesun,whenhedartshislastbeams
athwarttheocean.Thepavement,strewedoverwithgolddustandsaffron,exhaledsosubtileanodour,
asalmostoverpoweredthem.They,however,wenton,andobservedaninfinityofcensers,inwhich
ambergrisandthewoodofaloeswerecontinuallyburning.Betweentheseveralcolumnswereplaced
tables,eachspreadwithaprofusionofviands,andwinesofeveryspecies,sparklinginvasesof
chrystal.AthrongofGenii,andotherphantasticspirits,ofeachsex,dancedlasciviouslyintroops,at
thesoundofmusicwhichissuedfrombeneath.
Inthemidstofthisimmensehall,avastmultitudewasincessantlypassing,whoseverallykepttheir
righthandsontheirhearts,withoutonceregardinganythingaroundthem.Theyhadallthelivid
palenessofdeath.Theireyes,deepsankintheirsockets,resembledthosephosphoricmeteors,that
glimmerbynightinplacesofinterment.Somestalkedslowlyon,absorbedinprofoundreverie;some
shriekingwithagony,ranfuriouslyabout,liketigerswoundedwithpoisonedarrows;whilstothers,
grindingtheirteethinrage,foamedalong,morefranticthanthewildestmaniac.Theyallavoidedeach
other,andthoughsurroundedbyamultitudethatnoonecouldnumber,eachwanderedatrandom
unheedfuloftherest,asifaloneonadesertwhichnofoothadtrodden.
VathekandNouronihar,frozenwithterroratasightsobaleful,demandedoftheGiaourwhatthese
appearancesmightmean,andwhytheseambulatingspectresneverwithdrewtheirhandsfromtheir
hearts.
“Perplexnotyourselves,”repliedhebluntly,“withsomuchatonce,youwillsoonbeacquaintedwith
all;letushasteandpresentyoutoEblis.”
Theycontinuedtheirwaythroughthemultitude,butnotwithstandingtheirconfidenceatfirst,theywere
notsufficientlycomposedtoexaminewithattentionthevariousperspectivesofhalls,andofgalleries,
thatopenedontherighthandandleft,whichwereallilluminatedbytorchesandbraziers,whoseflames
roseinpyramids,tothecentreofthevault.Atlengththeycametoaplacewherelongcurtains,
brocadedwithcrimsonandgold,fellfromallparts,instrikingconfusion.Herethechoirsanddances
wereheardnolonger.Thelightwhichglimmeredcamefromafar.
AftersometimeVathekandNouroniharperceivedagleambrighteningthroughthedrapery,andentered
avasttabernacle,carpetedwiththeskinsofleopards.Aninfinityofelders,withstreamingbeards,and
afrits,incompletearmour,hadprostratedthemselvesbeforetheascentofaloftyeminence,onthetop
ofwhich,uponaglobeoffire,sattheformidableEblis.Hispersonwasthatofayoungman,whose
nobleandregularfeaturesseemedtohavebeentarnishedbymalignantvapours.Inhislargeeyes
appearedbothprideanddespair;hisflowinghairretainedsomeresemblancetothatofanangelof
light.Inhishand,whichthunderhadblasted,heswayedtheironsceptre,thatcausesthemonster
Ouranabad,[140]theafrits,andallthepowersoftheabysstotremble.Athispresencetheheartofthe
Caliphsankwithinhim,and,forthefirsttime,hefellprostrateonhisface.Nouronihar,however,
thoughgreatlydismayed,couldnothelpadmiringthepersonofEblis,forsheexpectedtohaveseen
somestupendousgiant.Eblis,withavoicemoremildthanmightbeimagined,butsuchastransfused
throughthesoulthedeepestmelancholy,said:
“CREATURESOFCLAY,Ireceiveyouintomineempire.Yearenumberedamongstmyadorers.Enjoy
whateverthispalaceaffords—thetreasuresofthepreadimitesultans,theirbickeringsabres,andthose
talismansthatcompeltheDivestoopenthesubterraneanexpansesofthemountainofKaf,which
communicatewiththese.There,insatiableasyourcuriositymaybe,shallyoufindsufficienttogratify
it.YoushallpossesstheexclusiveprivilegeofenteringthefortressofAherman,andthehallsof
Argenk,whereareportrayedallcreaturesendowedwithintelligence,andthevariousanimalsthat
inhabitedtheearthpriortothecreationofthatcontemptiblebeing,whomyedenominatetheFatherof
Mankind.”
VathekandNouroniharfeelingthemselvesrevivedandencouragedbythisharangue,eagerlysaidtothe
Giaour:
“Bringusinstantlytotheplacewhichcontainstheseprecioustalismans.”
“Come,”answeredthiswickedDive,withhismalignantgrin,“come,andpossessallthatmysovereign
hathpromised,andmore.”
Hethenconductedthemintoalongaisleadjoiningthetabernacle,precedingthemwithhastysteps,and
followedbyhisdiscipleswiththeutmostalacrity.Theyreachedatlengthahallofgreatextent,and
coveredwithaloftydome,aroundwhichappearedfiftyportalsofbronze,securedwithasmany
fasteningsofiron.Afunerealgloomprevailedoverthewholescene.Here,upontwobedsof
incorruptiblecedar,layrecumbentthefleshlessformsofthepreadimitekings,whohadbeenmonarchs
ofthewholeearth.Theystillpossessedenoughoflifetobeconsciousoftheirdeplorablecondition.
Theireyesretainedamelancholymotion;theyregardedeachotherwithlooksofthedeepestdejection,
eachholdinghisrighthandmotionlessonhisheart.Attheirfeetwereinscribedtheeventsoftheir
severalreigns,theirpower,theirpride,andtheircrimes.SolimanRaad,SolimanDaki,andSolimanDi
GianBenGian,who,afterhavingchaineduptheDivesinthedarkcavernsofKaf,becameso
presumptuous,astodoubtoftheSupremePower.Allthesemaintainedgreatstate,thoughnottobe
comparedwiththeeminenceofSolimanBenDaoud.
Thisking,sorenownedforhiswisdom,wasontheloftiestelevation,andplacedimmediatelyunderthe
dome.Heappearedtopossessmoreanimationthantherest,though,fromtimetotime,helaboured
withprofoundsighs,and,likehiscompanions,kepthisrighthandonhisheart;yethiscountenancewas
morecomposed,andheseemedtobelisteningtothesullenroarofavastcataract,visibleinpart
throughthegratedportals.Thiswastheonlysoundthatintrudedonthesilenceofthesedoleful
mansions.Arangeofbrazenvasessurroundedtheelevation.
“Removethecoversfromthesecabalisticdepositaries,”saidtheGiaourtoVathek,“andavailthyselfof
thetalismans,whichwillbreakasunderallthesegatesofbronze,andnotonlyrendertheemasterofthe
treasurescontainedwithinthem,butalsoofthespiritsbywhichtheyareguarded.”
TheCaliph,whomthisominouspreliminaryhadentirelydisconcerted,approachedthevaseswith
falteringfootsteps,andwasreadytosinkwithterror,whenheheardthegroansofSoliman.Ashe
proceeded,avoicefromthelividlipsoftheprophetarticulatedthesewords:
“Inmylifetime,Ifilledamagnificentthrone,havingonmyrighthandtwelvethousandseatsofgold,
wherethepatriarchsandprophetsheardmydoctrines;onmyleftthesagesanddoctors,uponasmany
thronesofsilver,werepresentatallmydecisions.WhilstIthusadministeredjusticetoinnumerable
multitudes,thebirdsoftheairlibratingoverme,servedasacanopyfromtheraysofthesun.My
peopleflourished,andmypalacerosetotheclouds.IerectedatempletotheMostHigh,whichwasthe
wonderoftheuniverse;butIbaselysufferedmyselftobeseducedbytheloveofwomen,anda
curiositythatcouldnotberestrainedbysub-lunarythings.IlistenedtothecounselsofAherman,and
thedaughterofPharaoh;andadoredfire,andthehostofheaven.Iforsooktheholycity,and
commandedtheGeniitorearthestupendouspalaceofIstakar,andtheterraceofthewatch-towers,each
ofwhichwasconsecratedtoastar.ThereforawhileIenjoyedmyselfinthezenithofgloryand
pleasure.Notonlymen,butsupernaturalexistencesweresubjectalsotomywill.Ibegantothink,as
theseunhappymonarchsaroundhadalreadythought,thatthevengeanceofheavenwasasleep,whenat
oncethethunderburstmystructuresasunder,andprecipitatedmehither;where,however,Idonot
remainliketheotherinhabitantstotallydestituteofhope,foranangeloflighthathrevealed,thatin
considerationofthepietyofmyearlyyouth,mywoesshallcometoanendwhenthiscataractshallfor
everceasetoflow.TillthenIamintorments,ineffabletorments,anunrelentingfirepreysonmy
heart.”
Havingutteredthisexclamation,Solimanraisedhishandstowardsheaven,intokenofsupplication,and
theCaliphdiscernedthroughhisbosom,whichwastransparentascrystal,hisheartenvelopedin
flames.Atasightsofullofhorror,Nouroniharfellbacklikeonepetrified,intothearmsofVathek,
whocriedoutwithaconvulsivesob:
“OGiaour!whitherhastthoubroughtus!Allowustodepart,andIwillrelinquishallthouhast
promised.OMahomet!remainstherenomoremercy!”
“None!none!”repliedthemaliciousDive.“Know,miserableprince,thouartnowintheabodeof
vengeance,anddespair.Thyheart,also,willbekindled,likethoseoftheothervotariesofEblis.Afew
daysareallottedtheeprevioustothisfatalperiod:employthemasthouwilt.Reclineontheseheapsof
gold:commandtheInfernalPotentates:rangeatthypleasurethroughtheseimmensesubterranean
domains.Nobarriershallbeshutagainstthee.Asforme,Ihavefulfilledmymission.Inowleave
theetothyself.”
Atthesewordshevanished.
TheCaliphandNouroniharremainedinthemostabjectaffliction.Theirtearsunabletoflow,scarcely
couldtheysupportthemselves.Atlength,takingeachotherdespondinglybythehand,theywent
falteringfromthisfatalhall,indifferentwhichwaytheyturnedtheirsteps.Everyportalopenedattheir
approach.TheDivesfellprostratebeforethem.Everyreservoirofricheswasdisclosedtotheirview,
buttheynolongerfelttheincentivesofcuriosity,pride,oravarice.Withlikeapathytheyheardthe
chorusofGenii,andsawthestatelybanquetspreparedtoregalethem.Theywentwanderingonfrom
chambertochamber,halltohall,andgallerytogallery;allwithoutboundsorlimit;alldistinguishable
bythesameloweringgloom;alladornedwiththesameawfulgrandeur;alltraversedbypersonsin
searchofreposeandconsolation,butwhosoughttheminvain,foreveryonecarriedwithinhimaheart
tormentedinflames.Shunnedbythesevarioussufferers,whoseemedbytheirlookstobeupbraiding
thepartnersoftheirguilt,theywithdrewfromthem,towaitindirefulsuspensethemomentwhich
shouldrenderthemtoeachotherthelikeobjectsofterror.
“What,”exclaimedNouronihar,“willthetimecome,whenIshallsnatchmyhandfromthine!”
“Ah!”saidVathek,“andshallmyeyeseverceasetodrinkfromthinelongdraughtsofenjoyment!Shall
themomentsofourreciprocalecstasiesbereflectedonwithhorror!Itwasnotthouthatbroughtestme
hither;theprinciplesbywhichCarathispervertedmyyouthhavebeenthesolecauseofmyperdition!”
Havinggivenventtothesepainfulexpressions,hecalledtoanAfrit,whowasstirringuponeofthe
braziers,andbadehimfetchthePrincessCarathisfromthepalaceofSamarah.
Afterissuingtheseorders,theCaliphandNouroniharcontinuedwalkingamidstthesilentcrowd,till
theyheardvoicesattheendofthegallery.Presumingthemtoproceedfromsomeunhappybeings,who
likethemselveswereawaitingtheirfinaldoom,theyfollowedthesound,andfoundittocomefroma
smallsquarechamber,wheretheydiscoveredsittingonsofas,fiveyoungmenofgoodlyfigure,anda
lovelyfemale,whowereallholdingamelancholyconversation,bytheglimmeringofalonelylamp.
Eachhadagloomyandforlornair,andtwoofthemwereembracingeachotherwithgreattenderness.
OnseeingtheCaliphandthedaughterofFakreddinentertheyarose,saluted,andgavethemplace.
Thenhewhohadappearedthemostconsiderableofthegroup,addressedhimselfthustoVathek:
“Strangers!whodoubtlessareinthesamestateofsuspenseasourselves,asyoudonotyetbearyour
handonyourheart,ifyouarecomehithertopasstheintervalallottedprevioustotheinflictionofour
commonpunishment,condescendtorelatetheadventuresthathavebroughtyoutothisfatalplace;and
weinreturnwillacquaintyouwithours;whichdeservesbuttoowelltobeheard.Wewilltraceback
ourcrimestotheirsource,thoughwearenotpermittedtorepent.Thisistheonlyemploymentsuitedto
wretcheslikeus.”
TheCaliphandNouroniharassentedtotheproposal,andVathekbegan,notwithouttearsand
lamentations,asincererecitalofeverycircumstancethathadpassed.Whentheafflictingnarrativewas
closed,theyoungmanenteredonhisown.Eachpersonproceededinorder,andwhenthefourthprince
hadreachedthemidstofhisadventures,asuddennoiseinterruptedhim,whichcausedthevaultto
tremble,andtoopen.
Immediatelyaclouddescended,whichgraduallydissipating,discoveredCarathis,onthebackofan
Afrit,whogrievouslycomplainedofhisburden.She,instantlyspringingtotheground,advanced
towardsherson,andsaid:
“Whatdostthouhere,inthislittlesquarechamber?AstheDivesarebecomesubjecttothybeck,I
expectedtohavefoundtheeonthethroneofthepreadimitekings.”
“Execrablewoman!”answeredtheCaliph;“cursedbethedaythougavestmebirth!Go!followthis
Afrit;lethimconducttheetothehalloftheProphetSoliman;therethouwiltlearntowhatthesepalaces
aredestined,andhowmuchIoughttoabhortheimpiousknowledgethouhasttaughtme.”
“Theheightofpowertowhichthouartarrived,hascertainlyturnedthybrain,”answeredCarathis;“but
Iasknomore,thanpermissiontoshowmyrespectfortheprophet.Itis,however,properthoushouldst
know,that,astheAfrithasinformedmeneitherofusshallreturntoSamarah,Irequestedhis
permissiontoarrangemyaffairs,andhepolitelyconsented.Availingmyself,therefore,ofthefew
momentsallowedme,Isetfiretothetower,andconsumedinitthemutes,negresses,andserpents,
whichhaverenderedmesomuchgoodservice;norshouldIhavebeenlesskindtoMorakanabad,had
henotpreventedme,bydesertingatlasttothybrother.AsforBababalouk,whohadthefollytoreturn
toSamarah,andallthegoodbrotherhoodtoprovidehusbandsforthywives,Iundoubtedlywouldhave
putthemtothetorture,couldIbuthaveallowedthemthetime.Being,however,inahurry,Ionlyhung
him,afterhavingcaughthiminasnarewiththywives;whilstthemIburiedalivebythehelpofmy
negresses,whothusspenttheirlastmoments,greatlytotheirsatisfaction.WithrespecttoDilara,who
everstoodhighinmyfavour,shehathevincedthegreatnessofhermind,byfixingherselfnear,inthe
serviceofoneoftheMagi,and,Ithink,willsoonbeourown.”
Vathek,toomuchcastdowntoexpresstheindignationexcitedbysuchadiscourse,orderedtheAfritto
removeCarathisfromhispresence,andcontinuedimmersedinthought,whichhiscompanionsdurst
notdisturb.
Carathis,however,eagerlyenteredthedomeofSoliman,and,withoutregardingintheleastthegroans
oftheProphet,undauntedlyremovedthecoversofthevases,andviolentlyseizedonthetalismans.
Then,withavoicemoreloudthanhadhithertobeenheardinthesemansions,shecompelledtheDives
todisclosetoherthemostsecrettreasures,themostprofoundstores,whichtheAfrithimselfhadnot
seen.ShepassedbyrapiddescentsknownonlytoEblisandhismostfavouredPotentates,andthus
penetratedtheveryentrailsoftheearth,wherebreathestheSansar,oricywindofdeath.Nothing
appalledherdauntlesssoul.Sheperceived,however,inalltheinmateswhoboretheirhandsontheir
heart,alittlesingularitynotmuchtohertaste.Asshewasemergingfromoneoftheabysses,Eblis
stoodforthtoherview,but,notwithstandinghedisplayedthefulleffulgenceofhisinfernalmajesty,she
preservedhercountenanceunaltered,andevenpaidhercomplimentswithconsiderablefirmness.
Thissuperbmonarchthusanswered:
“PRINCESS,whoseknowledgeandwhosecrimeshavemeritedaconspicuousrankinmyempire,thou
doestwelltoemploytheleisurethatremains,fortheflamesandtormentswhicharereadytoseizeon
thyheart,willnotfailtoprovidetheewithfullemployment.”
Hesaidthis,andwaslostinthecurtainsofhistabernacle.
Carathispausedforamomentwithsurprise,but,resolvedtofollowtheadviceofEblis,sheassembled
allthechoirsofGenii,andalltheDives,topayherhomage.Thusmarchedsheintriumphthrougha
vapourofperfumes,amidsttheacclamationsofallthemalignantspirits;withmostofwhomshehad
formedapreviousacquaintance.SheevenattemptedtodethroneoneoftheSolimans,forthepurpose
ofusurpinghisplace,whenavoice,proceedingfromtheAbyssofDeath,proclaimed:
“ALLISACCOMPLISHED!”
Instantaneously,thehaughtyforeheadoftheintrepidprincessbecamecorrugatedwithagony;she
utteredatremendousyell,andfixed—nomoretobewithdrawn—herrighthanduponherheart,which
wasbecomeareceptacleofeternalfire.
Inthisdelirium,forgettingallambitiousprojects,andherthirstforthatknowledgewhichshouldeverbe
hiddenfrommortals,sheoverturnedtheofferingsoftheGenii;and,havingexecratedthehourshewas
begotten,andthewombthathadborneher,glancedoffinawhirlthatrenderedherinvisible,and
continuedtorevolvewithoutintermission.
Atalmostthesameinstant,thesamevoiceannouncedtotheCaliph,Nouronihar,thefiveprinces,and
theprincess,theawfulandirrevocabledecree.Theirheartsimmediatelytookfire,andtheyatoncelost
themostpreciousofthegiftsofheaven—HOPE.Theseunhappybeingsrecoiled,withlooksofthemost
furiousdistraction.VathekbeheldintheeyesofNouroniharnothingbutrageandvengeance;norcould
shediscernoughtinhisbutaversionanddespair.Thetwoprinceswhowerefriends,andtillthat
momenthadpreservedtheirattachment,shrunkback,gnashingtheirteethwithmutualand
unchangeablehatred.Kalilahandhissistermadereciprocalgesturesofimprecation;whilstthetwo
otherprincestestifiedtheirhorrorforeachotherbythemostghastlyconvulsions,andscreamsthat
couldnotbesmothered.Allseverallyplungedthemselvesintotheaccursedmultitude,theretowander
inaneternityofunabatinganguish.
Suchwas,andsuchshouldbe,thepunishmentofunrestrainedpassions,andatrociousactions.Suchis,
andsuchshouldbe,thechastisementofblindambition,thatwouldtransgressthoseboundswhichthe
Creatorhathprescribedtohumanknowledge,andbyaimingatdiscoveriesreservedforpure
intelligence,acquirethatinfatuatedpride,whichperceivesnottheconditionappointedtomanis,TOBE
IGNORANTANDHUMBLE.
ThustheCALIPHVATHEKwho,forthesakeofemptypompandforbiddenpower,hathsulliedhimselfwith
athousandcrimes,becameapreytogriefwithoutend,andremorsewithoutmitigation;whilstthe
humbleanddespisedGULCHENROUZpassedwholeagesinundisturbedtranquillity,andthepurehappiness
ofchildhood.