ground; for, as Vathek had
carelessly left the tapestry between them half drawn, they were witnesses
to the whole transaction; their tears gushed forth on the marble; Al
Mouhadethin swooned through mortification and fatigue; whilst the Caliph,
throwing himself backward on his seat, shouted and clapped his hands
without mercy. At last, addressing himself to Bababalouk: "My dear
black," said he, "go, regale these pious poor souls with my good wine
from Shiraz; and, as they can boast of having seen more of my palace than
any one besides, let them also visit my office courts, and lead them out
by the back steps that go to my stables." Having said this, he threw the
besom in their face, and went to enjoy the laugh with Carathis.
Bababalouk did all in his power to console the ambassadors, but the two
most infirm expired on the spot; the rest were carried to their beds,
from whence, being heart-broken with sorrow and shame, they never arose.

The succeeding night Vathek, attended by his mother, ascended the tower
to see if everything were ready for his journey; for he had great faith
in the influence of the stars. The planets appeared in their most
favourable aspects. The Caliph, to enjoy so flattering a sight, supped
gaily on the roof, and fancied that he heard during his repast loud
shouts of laughter resound through the sky, in a manner that inspired the
fullest assurance.

All was in motion at the palace; lights were kept burning through the
whole of the night; the sound of implements and of artisans finishing
their work, the voices of women and their guardians who sung at their
embroidery, all conspired to interrupt the stillness of nature and
infinitely delight the heart of Vathek, who imagined himself going in
triumph to sit upon the throne of Soliman.

The people were not less satisfied than himself; all assisted to
accelerate the moment which should rescue them from the wayward caprices
of so extravagant a master.

The day preceding the departure of this infatuated prince was employed by
Carathis in repeating to him the decrees of the mysterious parchment,
which she had thoroughly gotten by heart, and in recommending him not to
enter the habitation of any one by the way; "for well thou knowest,"
added she, "how liquorish thy taste is after good dishes and young
damsels; let me, therefore, enjoin thee to be content with thy old cooks,
who are the best in the world, and not to forget that in thy ambulatory
serag