eyes but as so
many little sparks, while the earth, which in reality is only an
imperceptible point in nature, appears to our fond imaginations as
something so grand and noble.

He then represented to himself the human species as it really is, as a
parcel of insects devouring one another on a little atom of clay. This
true image seemed to annihilate his misfortunes, by making him sensible
of the nothingness of his own being, and of that of Babylon. His soul
launched out into infinity, and, detached from the senses, contemplated
the immutable order of the universe. But when afterwards, returning to
himself, and entering into his own heart, he considered that Astarte
had perhaps died for him, the universe vanished from his sight, and he
beheld nothing in the whole compass of nature but Astarte expiring and
Zadig unhappy. While he thus alternately gave up his mind to this flux
and reflux of sublime philosophy and intolerable grief, he advanced
toward the frontiers of Egypt; and his faithful domestic was already in
the first village, in search of a lodging.

Upon reaching the village Zadig generously took the part of a woman
attacked by her jealous lover. The combat grew so fierce that Zadig
slew the lover. The Egyptians were then just and humane. The people
conducted Zadig to the town house. They first of all ordered his wound
to be dressed, and then examined him and his servant apart, in order to
discover the truth. They found that Zadig was not an assassin; but as
he was guilty of having killed a man, the law condemned him to be a
slave. His two camels were sold for the benefit of the town; all the
gold he had brought with him was distributed among the inhabitants; and
his person, as well as that of the companion of his journey, was
exposed to sale in the marketplace.

An Arabian merchant, named Setoc, made the purchase; but as the servant
was fitter for labor than the master, he was sold at a higher price.
There was no comparison between the two men. Thus Zadig became a slave
subordinate to his own servant. They were linked together by a chain
fastened to their feet, and in this condition they followed the Arabian
merchant to his house.

By the way Zadig comforted his servant, and exhorted him to patience;
but he could not help making, according to his usual custom, some
reflections on human life. "I see," said he, "that the unhappiness of
my fate hath an influence on thine. Hitherto everything has turned out
to m