ions. Whilst I thus
administered justice to innumerable multitudes, the birds of the air
librating over me served as a canopy from the rays of the sun; my people
flourished, and my palace rose to the clouds; I erected a temple to the
Most High, which was the wonder of the universe; but I basely suffered
myself to be seduced by the love of women, and a curiosity that could not
be restrained by sublunary things; I listened to the counsels of Aherman
and the daughter of Pharaoh, and adored fire and the hosts of heaven; I
forsook the holy city, and commanded the Genii to rear the stupendous
palace of Istakar, and the terrace of the watch-towers, each of which was
consecrated to a star; there for a while I enjoyed myself in the zenith
of glory and pleasure; not only men, but supernatural existences were
subject also to my will. I began to think, as these unhappy monarchs
around had already thought, that the vengeance of Heaven was asleep; when
at once the thunder burst my structures asunder and precipitated me
hither; where, however, I do not remain, like the other inhabitants,
totally destitute of hope, for an angel of light hath revealed that, in
consideration of the piety of my early youth, my woes shall come to an
end when this cataract shall for ever cease to flow; till then I am in
torments, ineffable torments! an unrelenting fire preys on my heart."

Having uttered this exclamation, Soliman raised his hands towards heaven,
in token of supplication, and the Caliph discerned through his bosom,
which was transparent as crystal, his heart enveloped in flames. At a
sight so full of horror Nouronihar fell back, like one petrified, into
the arms of Vathek, who cried out with a convulsive sob:

"O Giaour! whither hast thou brought us? Allow us to depart, and I will
relinquish all thou hast promised. O Mahomet! remains there no more
mercy?"

"None! none!" replied the malicious Dive. "Know, miserable prince! thou
art now in the abode of vengeance and despair; thy heart also will be
kindled, like those of the other votaries of Eblis. A few days are
allotted thee previous to this fatal period; employ them as thou wilt;
recline on these heaps of gold; command the Infernal Potentates; range at
thy pleasure through these immense subterranean domains; no barrier shall
be shut against thee; as for me, I have fulfilled my mission; I now leave
thee to thyself." At these words he vanished.

The Caliph and Nouronihar remained i