in conversation on what had befallen
them, and both, from a dread of apparitions, betook themselves for
protection to one another's arms.

In the morning, which was lowering and rainy, the dwarfs mounted high
poles like minarets, and called them to prayers; the whole congregation,
which consisted of Sutlememe, Shaban, the four eunuchs, and some storks,
were already assembled. The two children came forth from their cabin
with a slow and dejected pace; as their minds were in a tender and
melancholy mood, their devotions were performed with fervour. No sooner
were they finished, than Gulchenrouz demanded of Sutlememe and the rest,
"how they happened to die so opportunely for his cousin and himself."

"We killed ourselves," returned Sutlememe, "in despair at your death."

On this, said Nouronihar, who, notwithstanding what was past, had not yet
forgotten her vision: "And the Caliph! is he also dead of his grief? and
will he likewise come hither?"

The dwarfs, who were prepared with an answer, most demurely replied:
"Vathek is damned beyond all redemption!"

"I readily believe so," said Gulchenrouz, "and I am glad from my heart to
hear it; for I am convinced it was his horrible look that sent us hither
to listen to sermons and mess upon rice."

One week passed away on the side of the lake unmarked by any variety;
Nouronihar ruminating on the grandeur of which death had deprived her,
and Gulchenrouz applying to prayers and to panniers, along with the
dwarfs, who infinitely pleased him.

Whilst this scene of innocence was exhibiting in the mountains, the
Caliph presented himself to the Emir in a new light; the instant he
recovered the use of his senses, with a voice that made Bababalouk quake,
he thundered out: "Perfidious Giaour! I renounce thee for ever! it is
thou who hast slain my beloved Nouronihar! and I supplicate the pardon of
Mahomet, who would have preserved her to me had I been more wise; let
water be brought to perform my ablutions, and let the pious Fakreddin be
called to offer up his prayers with mine, and reconcile me to him;
afterwards we will go together and visit the sepulchre of the unfortunate
Nouronihar; I am resolved to become a hermit, and consume the residue of
my days on this mountain, in hope of expiating my crimes."

Nouronihar was not altogether so content, for though she felt a fondness
for Gulchenrouz, who, to augment the attachment, had been left at full
liberty with her, yet she stil