* * * 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 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 stair-case
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 enameled 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 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 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.
![[Click on image to enlarge]](../../images/romantic/gp6_2.jpg)
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 sunk 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 that
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 this 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 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
>> note 1 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 Istakhar, 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 f low. 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. * * *