to obtained, I have not desired
for itself; and of that, for which I desired it, I am not possessed: I
am, therefore, still wretched, because I am weak. With the soul of
ALMORAN, I should have the form of HAMET: then my wishes would indeed be
filled; then would ALMEIDA bless me with consenting beauty, and the
splendor of my power should distinguish only the intervals of my love;
my enjoyments would then be certain and permanent, neither blasted by
disappointment, nor withered by satiety.' When he had uttered these
reflections with the utmost vehemence and agitation, his face was again
obscured by gloom and despair; his posture was again fixed; and he was
falling back into his former state of silent abstraction, when he was
suddenly roused by the appearance of the Genius, the sincerity of whose
friendship he began to distrust.

'ALMORAN,' said the Genius, 'if thou art not yet happy, know that my
powers are not yet exhausted: fear me not, but let thine ear be
attentive to my voice.' The Genius then stretched out his hand towards
him, in which there was an emerald of great lustre, cut into a figure
that had four and twenty sides, on each of which was engraven a
different letter. 'Thou seest,' said he, 'this talisman: on each side of
it is engraven one of those mysterious characters, of which are formed
all the words of all the languages that are spoken by angels, genii, and
men. This shall enable thee to change thy figure: and what, under the
form of ALMORAN, thou canst not accomplish; thou shalt still be able to
effect, if it can be effected by thee, in the form of any other. Point
only to the letters that compose the name of him whose appearance thou
wouldst assume, and it is done. Remember only, that upon him, whose
appearance thou shalt assume, thine shall be imprest, till thou
restorest his own. Hide the charm in thy bosom, and avail thyself of
its power.' ALMORAN received the talisman in a transport of gratitude
and joy, and the Genius immediately disappeared.

The use of this talisman was so obvious, that it was impossible to
overlook it. ALMORAN instantly conceived the design with which it was
given, and determined instantly to put it in execution: 'I will now,'
said he, 'assume the figure of HAMET; and my love, in all its ardour,
shall be returned by ALMEIDA.' As his fancy kindled at the anticipation
of his happiness, he stood musing in a pleasing suspense, and indulged
himself in the contemplation of the several