suckle, as many clumps of orange trees, cedar, and citron, whose
branches, interwoven with the palm, the pomegranate, and the vine,
presented every luxury that could regale the eye or the taste. The
ground was strewed with violets, hare-bells, and pansies, in the midst of
which sprang forth tufts of jonquils, hyacinths, and carnations, with
every other perfume that impregnates the air. Four fountains, not less
clear than deep, and so abundant as to slake the thirst of ten armies,
seemed profusely placed here to make the scene more resemble the garden
of Eden, which was watered by the four sacred rivers. Here the
nightingale sang the birth of the rose, her well-beloved, and at the same
time lamented its short-lived beauty; whilst the turtle deplored the loss
of more substantial pleasures, and the wakeful lark hailed the rising
light that re-animates the whole creation. Here more than anywhere the
mingled melodies of birds expressed the various passions they inspired,
as if the exquisite fruits which they pecked at pleasure had given them a
double energy.

To this mountain Vathek was sometimes brought for the sake of breathing a
purer air, and especially to drink at will of the four fountains, which
were reputed in the highest degree salubrious and sacred to himself. His
attendants were his mother, his wives, and some eunuchs, who assiduously
employed themselves in filling capacious bowls of rock crystal, and
emulously presenting them to him; but it frequently happened that his
avidity exceeded their zeal, insomuch that he would prostrate himself
upon the ground to lap up the water, of which he could never have enough.

One day, when this unhappy prince had been long lying in so debasing a
posture, a voice, hoarse but strong, thus addressed him: "Why assumest
thou the function of a dog, O Caliph, so proud of thy dignity and power?"

At this apostrophe he raised his head, and beheld the stranger that had
caused him so much affliction. Inflamed with anger at the sight, he
exclaimed--

"Accursed Giaour! what comest thou hither to do? Is it not enough to
have transformed a prince remarkable for his agility into one of those
leather barrels which the Bedouin Arabs carry on their camels when they
traverse the deserts? Perceivest thou not that I may perish by drinking
to excess no less than by a total abstinence?"

"Drink then this draught," said the stranger, as he presented to him a
phial of a red and yellow mixtur