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 death-like 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 numbers 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 recognised; 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 dependants. 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 familiar 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 subtle 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 crystal. A throng of Genii and other
fantastic spirits of each sex danced 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 anything around them; they had all the livid paleness of
death; their eyes, deep sunk 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, 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 pre-adamite 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 pre-adamite 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 depositories,” 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 life-time I filled a magnificent throne, having on my right hand
twelve thousand seats of gold, where the patriarchs and the 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 sublunary things; I listened to the counsels of Aherman
and the daughter of Pharaoh, and adored fire and the hosts 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.
After issuing these orders, the Caliph and Nouronihar continued walking
amidst the silent crowd, till they heard voices at the end of the
gallery; presuming them to proceed from some unhappy beings, who, like
themselves, were awaiting their final doom, they followed the sound, and
found it to come from a small square chamber, where they discovered
sitting on sofas five young men of goodly figure, and a lovely female,
who were all holding a melancholy conversation by the glimmering of a
lonely lamp; each had a gloomy and forlorn air, and two of them were
embracing each other with great tenderness. On seeing the Caliph and the
daughter of Fakreddin enter, they arose, saluted, and gave them place;
then he who appeared the most considerable of the group addressed himself
thus to Vathek:
“Strangers! who doubtless are in the same state of suspense with
ourselves, as you do not yet bear your hands on your hearts, if you are
come hither to pass the interval allotted previous to the infliction of
our common punishment, condescend to relate the adventures that have
brought you to this fatal place, and we in return will acquaint you with
ours, which deserve but too well to be heard; we will trace back our
crimes to their source, though we are not permitted to repent; this is
the only employment suited to wretches like us!”
The Caliph and Nouronihar assented to the proposal, and Vathek began, not
without tears and lamentations, a sincere recital of every circumstance
that had passed. When the afflicting narrative was closed, the young man
entered on his own. Each person proceeded in order, and when the fourth
prince had reached the midst of his adventures, a sudden noise
interrupted him, which caused the vault to tremble and to open.
Immediately a cloud descended, which gradually dissipating, discovered
Carathis on the back of an Afrit, who grievously complained of his
burden. She, instantly springing to the ground, advanced towards her
son, and said:
“What dost thou here in this little square chamber? As the Dives are
become subject to thy beck, I expected to have found thee on the throne
of the pre-adamite kings.”
“Execrable woman!” answered the Caliph; “cursed be the day thou gavest me
birth! go, follow this Afrit; let him conduct thee to the hall of the
Prophet Soliman, there thou wilt learn to what these palaces are
destined, and how much I ought to abhor the impious knowledge thou hast
taught me.”
“The height of power to which thou art arrived has certainly turned thy
brain,” answered Carathis; “but I ask no more than permission to show my
respect for the Prophet. It is, however, proper thou shouldest know,
that (as the Afrit has informed me neither of us shall return to Samarah)
I requested his permission to arrange my affairs, and he politely
consented; availing myself, therefore, of the few moments allowed me, I
set fire to the tower, and consumed in it the mutes, negresses, and
serpents which have rendered me so much good service; nor should I have
been less kind to Morakanabad, had he not prevented me by deserting at
last to thy brother. As for Bababalouk, who had the folly to return to
Samarah, and all the good brotherhood to provide husbands for thy wives,
I undoubtedly would have put them to the torture, could I but have
allowed them the time; being, however, in a hurry, I only hung him after
having caught him in a snare with thy wives, whilst them I buried alive
by the help of my negresses, who thus spent their last moments greatly to
their satisfaction. With respect to Dilara, who ever stood high in my
favour, she hath evinced the greatness of her mind by fixing herself near
in the service of one of the Magi, and I think will soon be our own.”
Vathek, too much cast down to express the indignation excited by such a
discourse, ordered the Afrit to remove Carathis from his presence, and
continued immersed in thought, which his companion durst not disturb.
Carathis, however, eagerly entered the dome of Soliman, and, without
regarding in the least the groans of the Prophet, undauntedly removed the
covers of the vases, and violently seized on the talismans; then, with a
voice more loud than had hitherto been heard within these mansions, she
compelled the Dives to disclose to her the most secret treasures, the
most profound stores, which the Afrit himself had not seen; she passed by
rapid descents, known only to Eblis and his most favoured potentates, and
thus penetrated the very entrails of the earth, where breathes the
Sansar, or icy wind of death; nothing appalled her dauntless soul; she
perceived, however, in all the inmates who bore their hands on their
hearts a little singularity, not much to her taste. As she was emerging
from one of the abysses, Eblis stood forth to her view; but,
notwithstanding he displayed the full effulgence of his infernal majesty,
she preserved her countenance unaltered, and even paid her compliments
with considerable firmness.
This superb monarch thus answered: “Princess, whose knowledge and whose
crimes have merited a conspicuous rank in my empire, thou dost well to
employ the leisure that remains; for the flames and torments, which are
ready to seize on thy heart, will not fail to provide thee with full
employment.” He said this, and was lost in the curtains of his
tabernacle.
Carathis paused for a moment with surprise; but, resolved to follow the
advice of Eblis, she assembled all the choirs of Genii, and all the
Dives, to pay her homage; thus marched she in triumph through a vapour of
perfumes, amidst the acclamations of all the malignant spirits, with most
of whom she had formed a previous acquaintance; she even attempted to
dethrone one of the Solimans for the purpose of usurping his place, when
a voice, proceeding from the abyss of Death, proclaimed, “All is
accomplished!” Instantaneously the haughty forehead of the intrepid
princess was corrugated with agony; she uttered a tremendous yell, and
fixed, no more to be withdrawn, her right hand upon her heart, which was
become a receptacle of eternal fire.
In this delirium, forgetting all ambitious projects and her thirst for
that knowledge which should ever be hidden from mortals, she overturned
the offerings of the Genii, and, having execrated the hour she was
begotten and the womb that had borne her, glanced off in a whirl that
rendered her invisible, and continued to revolve without intermission.
At almost the same instant the same voice announced to the Caliph,
Nouronihar, the five princes, and the princess, the awful and irrevocable
decree. Their hearts immediately took fire, and they at once lost the
most precious of the gifts of Heaven—Hope. These unhappy beings recoiled
with looks of the most furious distraction; Vathek beheld in the eyes of
Nouronihar nothing but rage and vengeance, nor could she discern aught in
his but aversion and despair. The two princes who were friends, and till
that moment had preserved their attachment, shrank back, gnashing their
teeth with mutual and unchangeable hatred. Kalilah and his sister made
reciprocal gestures of imprecation, whilst the two other princes
testified their horror for each other by the most ghastly convulsions,
and screams that could not be smothered. All severally plunged
themselves into the accursed multitude, there to wander in an eternity of
unabating anguish.
Such was, and such should be, the punishment of unrestrained passions and
atrocious actions! Such is, and such should be, the chastisement of
blind ambition, that would transgress those bounds which the Creator hath
prescribed to human knowledge; and, by aiming at discoveries reserved for
pure Intelligence, acquire that infatuated pride, which perceives not
that the condition appointed to man is to be ignorant and humble.
Thus the Caliph Vathek, who, for the sake of empty pomp and forbidden
power, had sullied himself with a thousand crimes, became a prey to grief
without end, and remorse without mitigation; whilst the humble and
despised Gulchenrouz passed whole ages in undisturbed tranquillity, and
the pure happiness of childhood.