applause, as to peacocks and turtles, lost no time in consigning some
dozens to the spit, and as many more to be fricasseed. Whilst they were
feasting, laughing, carousing, and blaspheming at pleasure on the banquet
so liberally furnished, the Moullahs, the Sheiks, the Cadis, and Imans of
Schiraz (who seemed not to have met the Santons) arrived, leading by
bridles of ribband, inscribed from the koran, a train of asses which were
loaded with the choicest fruits the country could boast. Having
presented their offerings to the Caliph, they petitioned him to honour
their city and mosques with his presence.
“Fancy not,” said Vathek, “that you can detain me. Your presents I
condescend to accept, but beg you will let me be quiet, for I am not over
fond of resisting temptation. Retire then. Yet, as it is not decent for
personages so reverend to return on foot, and as you have not the
appearance of expert riders, my eunuchs shall tie you on your asses with
the precaution that your backs be not turned towards me, for they
understand etiquette.”
In this deputation were some high-stomached Sheiks, who taking Vathek for
a fool, scrupled not to speak their opinion. These Bababalouk girded
with double cords; and having well disciplined their asses with nettles
behind, they all started with a preternatural alertness, plunging,
kicking, and running foul of each other in the most ludicrous manner
imaginable.
Nouronihar and the Caliph mutually contended who should most enjoy so
degrading a sight. They burst out in volleys of laughter to see the old
men and their asses fall into the stream. The leg of one was fractured,
the shoulder of another dislocated, the teeth of a third dashed out, and
the rest suffered still worse.
Two days more, undisturbed by fresh embassies, having been devoted to the
pleasures of Rocnabad, the expedition proceeded, leaving Schiraz on the
right, and verging towards a large plain, from whence were discernible on
the edge of the horizon the dark summits of the mountains of Istakar.
At this prospect the Caliph and Nouronihar were unable to repress their
transports. They bounded from their litter to the ground, and broke
forth into such wild exclamations as amazed all within hearing.
Interrogating each other, they shouted,
“Are we not approaching the radiant palace of light, or gardens more
delightful than those of Sheddad?”
Infatuated mortals! they thus indulged delusive conjecture, unable to
fathom the decrees of the Most High!
The good Genii who had not totally relinquished the superintendence of
Vathek, repairing to Mahomet in the seventh heaven, said:
“Merciful Prophet! stretch forth thy propitious arms towards thy
vicegerent, who is ready to fall irretrievably into the snare which his
enemies the Dives have prepared to destroy him. The Giaour is awaiting
his arrival in the abominable palace of fire, where if he once set his
foot his perdition will be inevitable.”
Mahomet answered with an air of indignation:
“He hath too well deserved to be resigned to himself; but I permit you to
try if one effort more will be effectual to divert him from pursuing his
ruin.”
One of these beneficent Genii, assuming without delay the exterior of a
shepherd, more renowned for his piety than all the Dervises and Santons
of the region, took his station near a flock of white sheep on the slope
of a hill, and began to pour forth from his flute such airs of pathetic
melody, as subdued the very soul; and awakening remorse, drove far from
it every frivolous fancy. At these energetic sounds, the sun hid himself
beneath a gloomy cloud; and the waters of two little lakes, that were
naturally clearer than chrystal, became a colour like blood. The whole
of this superb assembly, was involuntarily drawn towards the declivity of
the hill. With downcast eyes, they all stood abashed; each upbraiding
himself with the evil he had done. The heart of Dilara palpitated; and
the chief of the eunuchs, with a sigh of contrition, implored pardon of
the women, whom, for his own satisfaction, he had so often tormented.
Vathek and Nouronihar turned pale in their litter; and, regarding each
other with haggard looks, reproached themselves—the one with a thousand
of the blackest crimes, a thousand projects of impious ambition; the
other, with the desolation of her family, and the perdition of the
amiable Gulchenrouz. Nouronihar persuaded herself that she heard in the
fatal music the groans of her dying father; and Vathek, the sobs of the
fifty children he had sacrificed to the Giaour. Amidst these complicated
pangs of anguish, they perceived themselves impelled towards the
shepherd, whose countenance was so commanding, that Vathek, for the first
time, felt overawed; whilst Nouronihar concealed her face with her hands.
The music paused, and the Genius, addressing the Caliph, said:
“Deluded Prince! to whom Providence hath confided the care of innumerable
subjects, is it thus that thou fulfillest thy mission? Thy crimes are
already completed; and, art thou now hastening towards thy punishment?
Thou knowest, that beyond these mountains, Eblis and his accursed Dives
hold their infernal empire; and seduced by a malignant phantom, thou art
proceeding to surrender thyself to them! This moment is the last of
grace allowed thee! Abandon thy atrocious purpose. Return. Give back
Nouronihar to her father, who still retains a few sparks of life.
Destroy thy tower, with all its abominations. Drive Carathis from thy
councils. Be just to thy subjects. Respect the ministers of the
Prophet. Compensate for thy impieties by an exemplary life; and, instead
of squandering thy days in voluptuous indulgence, lament thy crimes on
the sepulchres of thy ancestors. Thou beholdest the clouds that obscure
the sun; at the instant he recovers his splendour, if thy heart be not
changed, the time of mercy assigned thee will be past for ever.”
Vathek, depressed with fear, was on the point of prostrating himself at
the feet of the shepherd, whom he perceived to be of a nature superior to
man, but his pride prevailing, he audaciously lifted his head, and
glancing at him one of his terrible looks, said:
“Whoever thou art, withhold thy useless admonitions. Thou wouldst either
delude me, or art thyself deceived. If what I have done be so criminal
as thou pretendest, there remains not for me a moment of grace. I have
traversed a sea of blood, to acquire a power which will make thy equals
tremble; deem not that I shall retire when in view of the port; or that I
will relinquish her who is dearer to me than either my life or thy mercy.
Let the sun appear! Let him illumine my career! It matters not where it
may end.”
On uttering these words, which made even the Genius shudder, Vathek threw
himself into the arms of Nouronihar, and commanded that his horses should
be forced back to the road.
There was no difficulty in obeying these orders, for the attraction had
ceased, the sun shone forth in all his glory, and the shepherd vanished
with a lamentable scream.
The fatal impression of the music of the Genius remained,
notwithstanding, in the hearts of Vathek’s attendants. They viewed each
other with looks of consternation. At the approach of night, almost all
of them escaped; and, of this numerous assemblage, there only remained
the chief of the eunuchs, some idolatrous slaves, Dilara, and a few other
women, who, like herself, were votaries of the religion of the Magi.
The Caliph, fired with the ambition of prescribing laws to the
Intelligences of Darkness, was but little embarrassed at this
dereliction. The impetuosity of his blood prevented him from sleeping;
nor did he encamp any more as before. Nouronihar, whose impatience, if
possible, exceeded his own, importuned him to hasten his march, and
lavished on him a thousand caresses, to beguile all reflection. She
fancied herself already more potent than Balkis; {134} and pictured to
her imagination the Genii falling prostrate at the foot of her throne.
In this manner they advanced by moonlight, till they came within view of
the two towering rocks, that form a kind of portal to the valley, at
whose extremity rose the vast ruins of Istakar. Aloft on the mountain,
glimmered the fronts of various royal mausoleums, the horror of which was
deepened by the shadows of night. They passed through two villages,
almost deserted; the only inhabitants remaining being a few feeble old
men, who at the sight of horses and litters fell upon their knees, and
cried out:
“O heaven! is it then by these phantoms that we have been for six months
tormented! Alas! it was from the terror of these spectres, and the noise
beneath the mountains, that our people have fled, and left us at the
mercy of maleficent spirits!”
The Caliph, to whom these complaints were but unpromising auguries, drove
over the bodies of these wretched old men, and at length arrived at the
foot of the terrace of black marble. There he descended from his litter,
handing down Nouronihar; both, with beating hearts, stared wildly around
them, and expected, with an apprehensive shudder, the approach of the
Giaour. But nothing as yet announced his appearance.
A deathlike stillness reigned over the mountain, and through the air.
The moon dilated, on a vast platform, the shades of the lofty columns,
which reached from the terrace almost to the clouds. The gloomy
watch-towers, whose number could not be counted, were veiled by no roof:
and their capitals, of an architecture unknown in the records of the
earth, served as an asylum for the birds of darkness, which, alarmed at
the approach of such visitants, fled away croaking.
The chief of the eunuchs, trembling with fear, besought Vathek that a
fire might be kindled.
“No!” replied he, “there is no time left to think of such trifles; abide
where thou art, and expect my commands.”
Having thus spoken, he presented his hand to Nouronihar, and ascending
the steps of a vast staircase, reached the terrace, which was flagged
with squares of marble, and resembled a smooth expanse of water, upon
whose surface not a leaf ever dared to vegetate. On the right rose the
watch-towers, ranged before the ruins of an immense palace, whose walls
were embossed with various figures. In front stood forth the colossal
forms of four creatures, composed of the leopard and the griffin; and
though but of stone, inspired emotions of terror. Near these were
distinguished by the splendour of the moon, which streamed full on the
place, characters like those on the sabres of the Giaour, that possessed
the same virtue of changing every moment. These, after vacillating for
some time, at last fixed in Arabic letters, and prescribed to the Caliph
the following words:
“Vathek! thou hast violated the conditions of my parchment, and deservest
to be sent back; but in favour to thy companion, and as the meed for what
thou hast done to obtain it, Eblis permitteth that the portal of his
palace shall be opened, and the subterranean fire will receive thee into
the number of its adorers.”
He scarcely had read these words before the mountain, against which the
terrace was reared, trembled; and the watch-towers were ready to topple
headlong upon them. The rock yawned, and disclosed within it a staircase
of polished marble, that seemed to approach the abyss. Upon each stair
were planted two large torches, like those Nouronihar had seen in her
vision, the camphorated vapour ascending from which gathered into a cloud
under the hollow of the vault.
This appearance, instead of terrifying, gave new courage to the daughter
of Fakreddin. Scarcely deigning to bid adieu to the moon and the
firmament, she abandoned without hesitation the pure atmosphere, to
plunge into these infernal exhalations. The gait of those impious
personages was haughty and determined. As they descended, by the
effulgence of the torches, they gazed on each other with mutual
admiration, and both appeared so resplendent, that they already esteemed
themselves spiritual intelligences. The only circumstance that perplexed
them, was their not arriving at the bottom of the stairs. On hastening
their descent, with an ardent impetuosity, they felt their steps
accelerated to such a degree, that they seemed not walking, but falling
from a precipice. Their progress, however, was at length impeded by a
vast portal of ebony, which the Caliph without difficulty recognized.
Here the Giaour awaited them, with the key in his hand,
“Ye are welcome!” said he to them, with a ghastly smile, “in spite of
Mahomet, and all his dependents. I will now admit you into that palace,
where you have so highly merited a place.”
Whilst he was uttering these words, he touched the enamelled lock with
his key, and the doors at once expanded with a noise still louder than
the thunder of mountains, and as suddenly recoiled the moment they had
entered.
The Caliph and Nouronihar beheld each other with amazement, at finding
themselves in a place which, though roofed with a vaulted ceiling, was so
spacious and lofty, that at first they took it for an immeasurable plain.
But their eyes at length growing to the grandeur of the objects at hand,
they extended their view to those at a distance, and discovered rows of
columns and arcades, which gradually diminished, till they terminated in
a point, radiant as the sun, when he darts his last beams athwart the
ocean. The pavement, strewed over with gold dust and saffron, exhaled so
subtile an odour, as almost overpowered them. They, however, went on,
and observed an infinity of censers, in which ambergris and the wood of
aloes were continually burning. Between the several columns were placed
tables, each spread with a profusion of viands, and wines of every
species, sparkling in vases of chrystal. A throng of Genii, and other
phantastic spirits, of each sex, danced lasciviously in troops, at the
sound of music which issued from beneath.
In the midst of this immense hall, a vast multitude was incessantly
passing, who severally kept their right hands on their hearts, without
once regarding any thing around them. They had all the livid paleness of
death. Their eyes, deep sank in their sockets, resembled those
phosphoric meteors, that glimmer by night in places of interment. Some
stalked slowly on, absorbed in profound reverie; some shrieking with
agony, ran furiously about, like tigers wounded with poisoned arrows;
whilst others, grinding their teeth in rage, foamed along, more frantic
than the wildest maniac. They all avoided each other, and though
surrounded by a multitude that no one could number, each wandered at
random unheedful of the rest, as if alone on a desert which no foot had
trodden.
Vathek and Nouronihar, frozen with terror at a sight so baleful, demanded
of the Giaour what these appearances might mean, and why these ambulating
spectres never withdrew their hands from their hearts.
“Perplex not yourselves,” replied he bluntly, “with so much at once, you
will soon be acquainted with all; let us haste and present you to Eblis.”
They continued their way through the multitude, but notwithstanding their
confidence at first, they were not sufficiently composed to examine with
attention the various perspectives of halls, and of galleries, that
opened on the right hand and left, which were all illuminated by torches
and braziers, whose flames rose in pyramids, to the centre of the vault.
At length they came to a place where long curtains, brocaded with crimson
and gold, fell from all parts, in striking confusion. Here the choirs
and dances were heard no longer. The light which glimmered came from
afar.
After some time Vathek and Nouronihar perceived a gleam brightening
through the drapery, and entered a vast tabernacle, carpeted with the
skins of leopards. An infinity of elders, with streaming beards, and
afrits, in complete armour, had prostrated themselves before the ascent
of a lofty eminence, on the top of which, upon a globe of fire, sat the
formidable Eblis. His person was that of a young man, whose noble and
regular features seemed to have been tarnished by malignant vapours. In
his large eyes appeared both pride and despair; his flowing hair retained
some resemblance to that of an angel of light. In his hand, which
thunder had blasted, he swayed the iron sceptre, that causes the monster
Ouranabad, {140} the afrits, and all the powers of the abyss to tremble.
At his presence the heart of the Caliph sank within him, and, for the
first time, he fell prostrate on his face. Nouronihar, however, though
greatly dismayed, could not help admiring the person of Eblis, for she
expected to have seen some stupendous giant. Eblis, with a voice more
mild than might be imagined, but such as transfused through the soul the
deepest melancholy, said:
“CREATURES OF CLAY, I receive you into mine empire. Ye are numbered
amongst my adorers. Enjoy whatever this palace affords—the treasures of
the preadimite sultans, their bickering sabres, and those talismans that
compel the Dives to open the subterranean expanses of the mountain of
Kaf, which communicate with these. There, insatiable as your curiosity
may be, shall you find sufficient to gratify it. You shall possess the
exclusive privilege of entering the fortress of Aherman, and the halls of
Argenk, where are portrayed all creatures endowed with intelligence, and
the various animals that inhabited the earth prior to the creation of
that contemptible being, whom ye denominate the Father of Mankind.”
Vathek and Nouronihar feeling themselves revived and encouraged by this
harangue, eagerly said to the Giaour:
“Bring us instantly to the place which contains these precious
talismans.”
“Come,” answered this wicked Dive, with his malignant grin, “come, and
possess all that my sovereign hath promised, and more.”
He then conducted them into a long aisle adjoining the tabernacle,
preceding them with hasty steps, and followed by his disciples with the
utmost alacrity. They reached at length a hall of great extent, and
covered with a lofty dome, around which appeared fifty portals of bronze,
secured with as many fastenings of iron. A funereal gloom prevailed over
the whole scene. Here, upon two beds of incorruptible cedar, lay
recumbent the fleshless forms of the preadimite kings, who had been
monarchs of the whole earth. They still possessed enough of life to be
conscious of their deplorable condition. Their eyes retained a
melancholy motion; they regarded each other with looks of the deepest
dejection, each holding his right hand motionless on his heart. At their
feet were inscribed the events of their several reigns, their power,
their pride, and their crimes. Soliman Raad, Soliman Daki, and Soliman
Di Gian Ben Gian, who, after having chained up the Dives in the dark
caverns of Kaf, became so presumptuous, as to doubt of the Supreme Power.
All these maintained great state, though not to be compared with the
eminence of Soliman Ben Daoud.
This king, so renowned for his wisdom, was on the loftiest elevation, and
placed immediately under the dome. He appeared to possess more animation
than the rest, though, from time to time, he laboured with profound
sighs, and, like his companions, kept his right hand on his heart; yet
his countenance was more composed, and he seemed to be listening to the
sullen roar of a vast cataract, visible in part through the grated
portals. This was the only sound that intruded on the silence of these
doleful mansions. A range of brazen vases surrounded the elevation.
“Remove the covers from these cabalistic depositaries,” said the Giaour
to Vathek, “and avail thyself of the talismans, which will break asunder
all these gates of bronze, and not only render thee master of the
treasures contained within them, but also of the spirits by which they
are guarded.”
The Caliph, whom this ominous preliminary had entirely disconcerted,
approached the vases with faltering footsteps, and was ready to sink with
terror, when he heard the groans of Soliman. As he proceeded, a voice
from the livid lips of the prophet articulated these words:
“In my lifetime, I filled a magnificent throne, having on my right hand
twelve thousand seats of gold, where the patriarchs and prophets heard my
doctrines; on my left the sages and doctors, upon as many thrones of
silver, were present at all my decisions. Whilst I thus administered
justice to innumerable multitudes, the birds of the air librating over
me, served as a canopy from the rays of the sun. My people flourished,
and my palace rose to the clouds. I erected a temple to the Most High,
which was the wonder of the universe; but I basely suffered myself to be
seduced by the love of women, and a curiosity that could not be
restrained by sub-lunary things. I listened to the counsels of Aherman,
and the daughter of Pharaoh; and adored fire, and the host of heaven. I
forsook the holy city, and commanded the Genii to rear the stupendous
palace of Istakar, and the terrace of the watch-towers, each of which was
consecrated to a star. There for a while I enjoyed myself in the zenith
of glory and pleasure. Not only men, but supernatural existences were
subject also to my will. I began to think, as these unhappy monarchs
around had already thought, that the vengeance of heaven was asleep, when
at once the thunder burst my structures asunder, and precipitated me
hither; where, however, I do not remain like the other inhabitants
totally destitute of hope, for an angel of light hath revealed, that in
consideration of the piety of my early youth, my woes shall come to an
end when this cataract shall for ever cease to flow. Till then I am in
torments, ineffable torments, an unrelenting fire preys on my heart.”
Having uttered this exclamation, Soliman raised his hands towards heaven,
in token of supplication, and the Caliph discerned through his bosom,
which was transparent as crystal, his heart enveloped in flames. At a
sight so full of horror, Nouronihar fell back like one petrified, into
the arms of Vathek, who cried out with a convulsive sob:
“O Giaour! whither hast thou brought us! Allow us to depart, and I will
relinquish all thou hast promised. O Mahomet! remains there no more
mercy!”
“None! none!” replied the malicious Dive. “Know, miserable prince, thou
art now in the abode of vengeance, and despair. Thy heart, also, will be
kindled, like those of the other votaries of Eblis. A few days are
allotted thee previous to this fatal period: employ them as thou wilt.
Recline on these heaps of gold: command the Infernal Potentates: range at
thy pleasure through these immense subterranean domains. No barrier
shall be shut against thee. As for me, I have fulfilled my mission. I
now leave thee to thyself.”
At these words he vanished.
The Caliph and Nouronihar remained in the most abject affliction. Their
tears unable to flow, scarcely could they support themselves. At length,
taking each other despondingly by the hand, they went faltering from this
fatal hall, indifferent which way they turned their steps. Every portal
opened at their approach. The Dives fell prostrate before them. Every
reservoir of riches was disclosed to their view, but they no longer felt
the incentives of curiosity, pride, or avarice. With like apathy they
heard the chorus of Genii, and saw the stately banquets prepared to
regale them. They went wandering on from chamber to chamber, hall to
hall, and gallery to gallery; all without bounds or limit; all
distinguishable by the same lowering gloom; all adorned with the same
awful grandeur; all traversed by persons in search of repose and
consolation, but who sought them in vain, for every one carried within
him a heart tormented in flames. Shunned by these various sufferers, who
seemed by their looks to be upbraiding the partners of their guilt, they
withdrew from them, to wait in direful suspense the moment which should
render them to each other the like objects of terror.
“What,” exclaimed Nouronihar, “will the time come, when I shall snatch my
hand from thine!”
“Ah!” said Vathek, “and shall my eyes ever cease to drink from thine long
draughts of enjoyment! Shall the moments of our reciprocal ecstasies be
reflected on with horror! It was not thou that broughtest me hither; the
principles by which Carathis perverted my youth have been the sole cause
of my perdition!”
Having given vent to these painful expressions, he called to an Afrit,
who was stirring up one of the braziers, and bade him fetch the Princess
Carathis from the palace of Samarah.