is
breast laboured with a convulsive sigh; "let me at least breathe forth my
soul on thy lips!" They spoke no more, and became as dead.

Immediately the most piercing cries were heard through the harem, whilst
Shaban and Sutlememe personated with great adroitness the parts of
persons in despair. The Emir, who was sufficiently mortified to be
forced into such untoward expedients, and had now for the first time made
a trial of his powder, was under no necessity of counterfeiting grief.
The slaves, who had flocked together from all quarters, stood motionless
at the spectacle before them; all lights were extinguished save two
lamps, which shed a wan glimmering over the faces of these lovely
flowers, that seemed to be faded in the spring-time of life; funeral
vestments were prepared, their bodies were washed with rose-water, their
beautiful tresses were braided and incensed, and they were wrapped in
simars whiter than alabaster. At the moment that their attendants were
placing two wreaths of their favourite jasmines on their brows, the
Caliph, who had just heard of the tragical catastrophe, arrived; he
looked not less pale and haggard than the Gouls, that wander at night
among graves; forgetful of himself and every one else, he broke through
the midst of the slaves, fell prostrate at the foot of the sofa, beat his
bosom, called himself "atrocious murderer!" and invoked upon his head a
thousand imprecations; with a trembling hand he raised the veil that
covered the countenance of Nouronihar, and, uttering a loud shriek, fell
lifeless on the floor. The chief of the eunuchs dragged him off with
horrible grimaces, and repeated as he went: "Ay, I foresaw she would play
you some ungracious turn!"

No sooner was the Caliph gone than the Emir commanded biers to be
brought, and forbad that any one should enter the harem. Every window
was fastened, all instruments of music were broken, and the Imams began
to recite their prayers; towards the close of this melancholy day Vathek
sobbed in silence, for they had been forced to compose with anodynes his
convulsions of rage and desperation.

At the dawn of the succeeding morning the wide folding doors of the
palace were set open, and the funeral procession moved forward for the
mountain. The wailful cries of "La Ilah illa Allah!" reached to the
Caliph, who was eager to cicatrise himself and attend the ceremonial; nor
could he have been dissuaded, had not his excessive weakness disab