a place where long curtains, brocaded with crimson
and gold, fell from all parts in striking confusion; here the choirs and
dances were heard no longer; the light which glimmered came from afar.

After some time Vathek and Nouronihar perceived a gleam brightening
through the drapery, and entered a vast tabernacle carpeted with the
skins of leopards; an infinity of elders with streaming beards, and
Afrits in complete armour, had prostrated themselves before the ascent of
a lofty eminence, on the top of which, upon a globe of fire, sat the
formidable Eblis. His person was that of a young man, whose noble and
regular features seemed to have been tarnished by malignant vapours; in
his large eyes appeared both pride and despair; his flowing hair retained
some resemblance to that of an angel of light; in his hand, which thunder
had blasted, he swayed the iron sceptre that causes the monster
Ouranabad, the Afrits, and all the powers of the abyss to tremble; at his
presence the heart of the Caliph sank within him, and for the first time
he fell prostrate on his face. Nouronihar, however, though greatly
dismayed, could not help admiring the person of Eblis; for she expected
to have seen some stupendous giant. Eblis, with a voice more mild than
might be imagined, but such as transfused through the soul the deepest
melancholy, said:

"Creatures of clay, I receive you into mine empire; ye are numbered
amongst my adorers; enjoy whatever this palace affords; the treasures of
the pre-adamite Sultans, their bickering sabres, and those talismans that
compel the Dives to open the subterranean expanses of the mountain of
Kaf, which communicate with these; there, insatiable as your curiosity
may be, shall you find sufficient to gratify it; you shall possess the
exclusive privilege of entering the fortress of Aherman, and the halls of
Argenk, where are portrayed all creatures endowed with intelligence, and
the various animals that inhabited the earth prior to the creation of
that contemptible being whom ye denominate the Father of Mankind."

Vathek and Nouronihar, feeling themselves revived and encouraged by this
harangue, eagerly said to the Giaour:

"Bring us instantly to the place which contains these precious
talismans."

"Come!" answered this wicked Dive, with his malignant grin, "come! and
possess all that my sovereign hath promised, and more."

He then conducted them into a long aisle adjoining the tabernacle,
preceding the