lio there are three dozen pretty faces, which Bababalouk hath not
yet unveiled. I myself have a great desire to watch over thy conduct,
and visit the subterranean palace, which no doubt contains whatever can
interest persons like us; there is nothing so pleasing as retiring to
caverns; my taste for dead bodies and everything like mummy is decided;
and I am confident thou wilt see the most exquisite of their kind.
Forget me not, then, but the moment thou art in possession of the
talismans which are to open to thee the mineral kingdoms and the centre
of the earth itself, fail not to despatch some trusty genius to take me
and my cabinet, for the oil of the serpents I have pinched to death will
be a pretty present to the Giaour, who cannot but be charmed with such
dainties."

Scarcely had Carathis ended this edifying discourse when the sun, setting
behind the mountain of the Four Fountains, gave place to the rising moon;
this planet, being that evening at full, appeared of unusual beauty and
magnitude in the eyes of the women, the eunuchs, and the pages, who were
all impatient to set forward. The city re-echoed with shouts of joy and
flourishing of trumpets; nothing was visible but plumes nodding on
pavilions, and aigrets shining in the mild lustre of the moon; the
spacious square resembled an immense parterre, variegated with the most
stately tulips of the East.

Arrayed in the robes which were only worn it the most distinguished
ceremonials, and supported by his Vizir and Bababalouk, the Caliph
descended the grand staircase of the tower in the sight of all his
people; he could not forbear pausing at intervals to admire the superb
appearance which everywhere courted his view, whilst the whole multitude,
even to the camels with their sumptuous burdens, knelt down before him.
For some time a general stillness prevailed, which nothing happened to
disturb but the shrill screams of some eunuchs in the rear; these
vigilant guards, having remarked certain cages of the ladies swagging
somewhat awry, and discovered that a few adventurous gallants had
contrived to get in, soon dislodged the enraptured culprits. The majesty
of so magnificent a spectacle was not, however, violated by incidents
like these. Vathek meanwhile saluted the moon with an idolatrous air,
that neither pleased Morakanabad nor the Doctors of the Law, any more
than the vizirs and the grandees of his court, who were all assembled to
enjoy the last view of thei