ands without, caused every surrounding scene to reverberate their songs,
which were continually varied in the most delightful succession.

The palace named "The Delight of the Eyes, or the Support of Memory," was
one entire enchantment. Rarities collected from every corner of the
earth were there found in such profusion as to dazzle and confound, but
for the order in which they were arranged. One gallery exhibited the
pictures of the celebrated Mani, and statues that seemed to be alive.
Here a well-managed perspective attracted the sight; there the magic of
optics agreeably deceived it; whilst the naturalist on his part
exhibited, in their several classes, the various gifts that Heaven had
bestowed on our globe. In a word, Vathek omitted nothing in this palace
that might gratify the curiosity of those who resorted to it, although he
was not able to satisfy his own, for he was of all men the most curious.

"The Palace of Perfumes," which was termed likewise "The Incentive to
Pleasure," consisted of various halls, where the different perfumes which
the earth produces were kept perpetually burning in censers of gold.
Flambeaux and aromatic lamps were here lighted in open day. But the too
powerful effects of this agreeable delirium might be avoided by
descending into an immense garden, where an assemblage of every fragrant
flower diffused through the air the purest odours.

The fifth palace, denominated "The Retreat of Joy, or the Dangerous," was
frequented by troops of young females beautiful as the houris, and not
less seducing, who never failed to receive with caresses all whom the
Caliph allowed to approach them; for he was by no means disposed to be
jealous, as his own women were secluded within the palace he inhabited
himself.

Notwithstanding the sensuality in which Vathek indulged, he experienced
no abatement in the love of his people, who thought that a sovereign
immersed in pleasure was not less tolerable to his subjects than one that
employed himself in creating them foes. But the unquiet and impetuous
disposition of the Caliph would not allow him to rest there; he had
studied so much for his amusement in the life-time of his father as to
acquire a great deal of knowledge, though not a sufficiency to satisfy
himself; for he wished to know everything, even sciences that did not
exist. He was fond of engaging in disputes with the learned, but liked
them not to push their opposition with warmth; he stopped t