ask him at least of what it was compounded, whence he
procured it, and mention the sabres which you seem to have forgotten."

Vathek, to whom the insolent airs of the stranger became every moment
less supportable, intimated to his vizir by a wink of acquiescence that
he would adopt his advice, and at once turning towards the Indian, said:
"Get up and declare in full Divan of what drugs the liquor was compounded
you enjoined me to take, for it is suspected to be poison; add also the
explanation I have so earnestly desired concerning the sabres you sold
me, and thus show your gratitude for the favours heaped on you."

Having pronounced these words in as moderate a tone as a caliph well
could, he waited in silent expectation for an answer. But the Indian,
still keeping his seat, began to renew his loud shouts of laughter, and
exhibit the same horrid grimaces he had shown them before, without
vouchsafing a word in reply. Vathek, no longer able to brook such
insolence, immediately kicked him from the steps; instantly descending,
repeated his blow, and persisted with such assiduity as incited all who
were present to follow his example. Every foot was aimed at the Indian,
and no sooner had any one given him a kick than he felt himself
constrained to reiterate the stroke.

The stranger afforded them no small entertainment; for, being both short
and plump, he collected himself into a ball, and rolled round on all
sides at the blows of his assailants, who pressed after him wherever he
turned with an eagerness beyond conception, whilst their numbers were
every moment increasing. The ball, indeed, in passing from one apartment
to another, drew every person after it that came in its way, insomuch
that the whole palace was thrown into confusion, and resounded with a
tremendous clamour. The women of the harem, amazed at the uproar, flew
to their blinds to discover the cause; but no sooner did they catch a
glimpse of the ball, than feeling themselves unable to refrain, they
broke from the clutches of their eunuchs, who to stop their flight
pinched them till they bled, but in vain; whilst themselves, though
trembling with terror at the escape of their charge, were as incapable of
resisting the attraction.

The Indian, after having traversed the halls, galleries, chambers,
kitchens, gardens, and stables of the palace, at last took his course
through the courts; whilst the Caliph, pursuing him closer than the rest,
bestowed as man