" said Vathek, "that you can detain me; your presents I
condescend to accept, but beg you will let me be quiet, for I am not
over-fond of resisting temptation; retire, then; yet, as it is not decent
for personages so reverend to return on foot, and as you have not the
appearance of expert riders, my eunuchs shall tie you on your asses, with
the precaution that your backs be not turned towards me, for they
understand etiquette."

In this deputation were some high-stomached Sheiks, who, taking Vathek
for a fool, scrupled not to speak their opinion. These Bababalouk girded
with double cords, and, having well disciplined their asses with nettles
behind, they all started with a preternatural alertness, plunging,
kicking, and running foul of each other in the most ludicrous manner
imaginable.

Nouronihar and the Caliph mutually contended who should most enjoy so
degrading a sight; they burst out in volleys of laughter to see the old
men and their asses fall into the stream; the leg of one was fractured,
the shoulder of another dislocated, the teeth of a third dashed out, and
the rest suffered still worse.

Two days more, undisturbed by fresh embassies, having been devoted to the
pleasures of Rocnabad, the expedition proceeded, leaving Shiraz on the
right, and verging towards a large plain, from whence were discernible on
the edge of the horizon the dark summits of the mountains of Istakar.

At this prospect the Caliph and Nouronihar were unable to repress their
transports; they bounded from their litter to the ground, and broke forth
into such wild exclamations, as amazed all within hearing. Interrogating
each other, they shouted, "Are we not approaching the radiant palace of
light? or gardens more delightful than those of Sheddad?" Infatuated
mortals! they thus indulged delusive conjecture, unable to fathom the
decrees of the Most High!

The good Genii, who had not totally relinquished the superintendence of
Vathek, repairing to Mahomet in the seventh heaven, said: "Merciful
Prophet! stretch forth thy propitious arms towards thy Vicegerent, who is
ready to fall irretrievably into the snare which his enemies, the Dives,
have prepared to destroy him; the Giaour is awaiting his arrival in the
abominable palace of fire, where, if he once set his foot, his perdition
will be inevitable."

Mahomet answered with an air of indignation: "He hath too well deserved
to be resigned to himself, but I permit you to try if one effor