dose of it,
the effect of which will continue three days, must be administered to
each of these children; the Caliph will believe them to be dead, for they
will have all the appearance of death; we shall go as if to inter them in
the cave of Meimoune, at the entrance of the great desert of sand, and
near the cabin of my dwarfs. When all the spectators shall be withdrawn,
you, Shaban, and four select eunuchs, shall convey them to the lake,
where provisions shall be ready to support them a month; for one day
allotted to the surprise this event will occasion, five to the tears, a
fortnight to reflection, and the rest to prepare for renewing his
progress, will, according to my calculation, fill up the whole time that
Vathek will tarry, and I shall then be freed from his intrusion."

"Your plan," said Sutlememe, "is a good one, if it can but be effected.
I have remarked that Nouronihar is well able to support the glances of
the Caliph, and that he is far from being sparing of them to her; be
assured, therefore, notwithstanding her fondness for Gulchenrouz, she
will never remain quiet while she knows him to be here, unless we can
persuade her that both herself and Gulchenrouz are really dead, and that
they were conveyed to those rocks for a limited season to expiate the
little faults of which their love was the cause; we will add that we
killed ourselves in despair, and that your dwarfs, whom they never yet
saw, will preach to them delectable sermons. I will engage that
everything shall succeed to the bent of your wishes."

"Be it so!" said Fakreddin. "I approve your proposal; let us lose not a
moment to give it effect."

They forthwith hastened to seek for the powder, which, being mixed in a
sherbet, was immediately drank by Gulchenrouz and Nouronihar. Within the
space of an hour both were seized with violent palpitations, and a
general numbness gradually ensued; they arose from the floor, where they
had remained ever since the Caliph's departure, and, ascending to the
sofa, reclined themselves at full length upon it, clasped in each other's
embraces.

"Cherish me, my dear Nouronihar!" said Gulchenrouz; "put thy hand upon my
heart, for it feels as if it were frozen. Alas! thou art as cold as
myself! Hath the Caliph murdered us both with his terrible look?"

"I am dying!" cried she in a faltering voice; "press me closer; I am
ready to expire!"

"Let us die then together," answered the little Gulchenrouz, whilst h