t more
will be effectual to divert him from pursuing his ruin."

One of these beneficent Genii, assuming without delay the exterior of a
shepherd, more renowned for his piety than all the Dervises and Santons
of the region, took his station near a flock of white sheep on the slope
of a hill, and began to pour forth from his flute such airs of pathetic
melody as subdued the very soul, and, awakening remorse, drove far from
it every frivolous fancy. At these energetic sounds the sun hid himself
beneath a gloomy cloud, and the waters of two little lakes, that were
naturally clearer than crystal, became of a colour like blood. The whole
of this superb assembly was involuntarily drawn towards the declivity of
the hill; with downcast eyes they all stood abashed, each upbraiding
himself with the evil he had done; the heart of Dilara palpitated, and
the chief of the eunuchs with a sigh of contrition implored pardon of the
women, whom for his own satisfaction he had so often tormented.

Vathek and Nouronihar turned pale in their litter, and, regarding each
other with haggard looks, reproached themselves--the one with a thousand
of the blackest crimes, a thousand projects of impious ambition--the
other with the desolation of her family, and the perdition of the amiable
Gulchenrouz. Nouronihar persuaded herself that she heard in the fatal
music the groans of her dying father, and Vathek the sobs of the fifty
children he had sacrificed to the Giaour. Amidst these complicated pangs
of anguish they perceived themselves impelled towards the shepherd, whose
countenance was so commanding, that Vathek for the first time felt
overawed, whilst Nouronihar concealed her face with her hands.

The music paused, and the Genius, addressing the Caliph, said: "Deluded
Prince! to whom Providence hath confided the care of innumerable
subjects, is it thus that thou fulfillest thy mission? Thy crimes are
already completed, and art thou now hastening towards thy punishment?
Thou knowest that beyond these mountains Eblis and his accursed Dives
hold their infernal empire; and, seduced by a malignant phantom, thou art
proceeding to surrender thyself to them! This moment is the last of
grace allowed thee; abandon thy atrocious purpose; return; give back
Nouronihar to her father, who still retains a few sparks of life; destroy
thy tower with all its abominations; drive Carathis from thy councils; be
just to thy subjects; respect the ministers of the