leep. He probably thought that it
would fit him better than the green. I am now ready to prove in your
presence, with my gown and sword, against all that beautiful white
armor which he took from me, that it is I who have had the honor of
conquering the brave Otamus."

Itobad accepted the challenge with the greatest confidence. He never
doubted but what, armed as he was, with a helmet, a cuirass, and
brassarts, he would obtain an easy victory over a champion in a cap and
nightgown. Zadig drew his sword, saluting the queen, who looked at him
with a mixture of fear and joy. Itobad drew his without saluting
anyone. He rushed upon Zadig, like a man who had nothing to fear; he
was ready to cleave him in two. Zadig knew how to ward off his blows,
by opposing the strongest part of his sword to the weakest of that of
his adversary, in such a manner that Itobad's sword was broken. Upon
which Zadig, seizing his enemy by the waist, threw him on the ground;
and fixing the point of his sword at the breastplate, "Suffer thyself
to be disarmed," said he, "or thou art a dead man."

Itobad, always surprised at the disgraces that happened to such a man
as he, was obliged to yield to Zadig, who took from him with great
composure his magnificent helmet, his superb cuirass, his fine
brassarts, his shining cuishes; clothed himself with them, and in this
dress ran to throw himself at the feet of Astarte. Cador easily proved
that the armor belonged to Zadig. He was acknowledged king by the
unanimous consent of the whole nation, and especially by that of
Astarte, who, after so many calamities, now tasted the exquisite
pleasure of seeing her lover worthy, in the eyes of all the world, to
be her husband. Itobad went home to be called lord in his own house.
Zadig was king, and was happy. The queen and Zadig adored Providence.
He sent in search of the robber Arbogad, to whom he gave an honorable
post in his army, promising to advance him to the first dignities if he
behaved like a true warrior, and threatening to hang him if he followed
the profession of a robber.

Setoc, with the fair Almona, was called from the heart of Arabia and
placed at the head of the commerce of Babylon. Cador was preferred and
distinguished according to his great services. He was the friend of the
king; and the king was then the only monarch on earth that had a
friend. The little mute was not forgotten.

But neither could the beautiful Semira be comforted for having bel