s it was written. We must have an eye for the vein of
caricature that now and then comes to the surface, and invites a laugh
without disturbing the sense of Eastern extravagance bent seriously upon
the elaboration of a tale crowded with incident and action. Taken
altogether seriously, the book has faults of construction. But the
faults turn into beauties when we catch the twinkle in the writer's eye.

H. M.

THE HISTORY OF THE CALIPH VATHEK

Vathek, ninth Caliph of the race of the Abassides, was the son of
Motassem, and the grandson of Haroun Al Raschid. From an early accession
to the throne, and the talents he possessed to adorn it, his subjects
were induced to expect that his reign would be long and happy. His
figure was pleasing and majestic; but when he was angry one of his eyes
became so terrible that no person could bear to behold it, and the wretch
upon whom it was fixed instantly fell backward, and sometimes expired.
For fear, however, of depopulating his dominions and making his palace
desolate he but rarely gave way to his anger.

Being much addicted to women and the pleasures of the table, he sought by
his affability to procure agreeable companions; and he succeeded the
better as his generosity was unbounded, and his indulgences unrestrained,
for he was by no means scrupulous, nor did he think with the Caliph Omar
Ben Abdalaziz that it was necessary to make a hell of this world to enjoy
Paradise in the next.

He surpassed in magnificence all his predecessors. The palace of
Alkoremmi, which his father Motassem had erected on the hill of Pied
Horses, and which commanded the whole city of Samarah, was in his idea
far too scanty; he added therefore five wings, or rather other palaces,
which he destined for the particular gratification of each of his senses.

In the first of these were tables continually covered with the most
exquisite dainties, which were supplied both by night and by day,
according to their constant consumption, whilst the most delicious wines
and the choicest cordials flowed forth from a hundred fountains that were
never exhausted. This palace was called "The Eternal or Unsatiating
Banquet."

The second was styled "The Temple of Melody, or the Nectar of the Soul."
It was inhabited by the most skilful musicians and admired poets of the
time, who not only displayed their talents within, but, dispersing in
b