the most considerable of the group addressed himself
thus to Vathek:

"Strangers! who doubtless are in the same state of suspense with
ourselves, as you do not yet bear your hands on your hearts, if you are
come hither to pass the interval allotted previous to the infliction of
our common punishment, condescend to relate the adventures that have
brought you to this fatal place, and we in return will acquaint you with
ours, which deserve but too well to be heard; we will trace back our
crimes to their source, though we are not permitted to repent; this is
the only employment suited to wretches like us!"

The Caliph and Nouronihar assented to the proposal, and Vathek began, not
without tears and lamentations, a sincere recital of every circumstance
that had passed. When the afflicting narrative was closed, the young man
entered on his own. Each person proceeded in order, and when the fourth
prince had reached the midst of his adventures, a sudden noise
interrupted him, which caused the vault to tremble and to open.

Immediately a cloud descended, which gradually dissipating, discovered
Carathis on the back of an Afrit, who grievously complained of his
burden. She, instantly springing to the ground, advanced towards her
son, and said:

"What dost thou here in this little square chamber? As the Dives are
become subject to thy beck, I expected to have found thee on the throne
of the pre-adamite kings."

"Execrable woman!" answered the Caliph; "cursed be the day thou gavest me
birth! go, follow this Afrit; let him conduct thee to the hall of the
Prophet Soliman, there thou wilt learn to what these palaces are
destined, and how much I ought to abhor the impious knowledge thou hast
taught me."

"The height of power to which thou art arrived has certainly turned thy
brain," answered Carathis; "but I ask no more than permission to show my
respect for the Prophet. It is, however, proper thou shouldest know,
that (as the Afrit has informed me neither of us shall return to Samarah)
I requested his permission to arrange my affairs, and he politely
consented; availing myself, therefore, of the few moments allowed me, I
set fire to the tower, and consumed in it the mutes, negresses, and
serpents which have rendered me so much good service; nor should I have
been less kind to Morakanabad, had he not prevented me by deserting at
last to thy brother. As for Bababalouk, who had the folly to return to
Samarah, and all the good