of the spectators the
suppleness and grace of their delicate limbs; their eyes sparkled with a
joy which those of their fond parents reflected. Every one offered
wishes for the little candidate nearest his heart, and doubted not of his
being victorious; a breathless suspense awaited the contest of these
amiable and innocent victims.

The Caliph, awaiting himself of the first moment to retire from the
crowd, advanced towards the chasm, and there heard, yet not without
shuddering, the voice of the Indian, who, gnashing his teeth, eagerly
demanded: "Where are they? where are they? perceivest thou not how my
mouth waters?"

"Relentless Giaour!" answered Vathek, with emotion, "can nothing content
thee but the massacre of these lovely victims! Ah! wert thou to behold
their beauty it must certainly move thy compassion."

"Perdition on thy compassion, babbler!" cried the Indian. "Give them me,
instantly give them, or my portal shall be closed against thee for ever!"

"Not so loudly," replied the Caliph, blushing.

"I understand thee," returned the Giaour, with the grin of an ogre; "thou
wantest to summon up more presence of mind; I will for a moment forbear."

During this exquisite dialogue the games went forward with all alacrity,
and at length concluded just as the twilight began to overcast the
mountains. Vathek, who was still standing on the edge of the chasm,
called out, with all his might: "Let my fifty little favourites approach
me separately, and let them come in the order of their success. To the
first I will give my diamond bracelet, to the second my collar of
emeralds, to the third my aigret of rubies, to the fourth my girdle of
topazes, and to the rest each a part of my dress, even down to my
slippers."

This declaration was received with reiterated acclamations, and all
extolled the liberality of a prince who would thus strip himself for the
amusement of his subjects and the encouragement of the rising generation.

The Caliph in the meantime undressed himself by degrees, and, raising his
arm as high as he was able, made each of the prizes glitter in the air;
but whilst he delivered it with one hand to the child, who sprang forward
to receive it, he with the other pushed the poor innocent into the gulf,
where the Giaour, with a sullen muttering, incessantly repeated, "More!
more!"

This dreadful device was executed with so much dexterity that the boy who
was approaching him remained unconscious of th