Itobad accepted the challenge with the greatest confidence.  He never doubted but what, armed as he was, with a helmet, a cuirass, and brassarts, he would obtain an easy victory over a champion in a cap and nightgown.  Zadig drew his sword, saluting the queen, who looked at him with a mixture of fear and joy.  Itobad drew his without saluting anyone.  He rushed upon Zadig, like a man who had nothing to fear; he was ready to cleave him in two.  Zadig knew how to ward off his blows, by opposing the strongest part of his sword to the weakest of that of his adversary, in such a manner that Itobad’s sword was broken.  Upon which Zadig, seizing his enemy by the waist, threw him on the ground; and fixing the point of his sword at the breastplate, “Suffer thyself to be disarmed,” said he, “or thou art a dead man.”

Itobad, always surprised at the disgraces that happened to such a man as he, was obliged to yield to Zadig, who took from him with great composure his magnificent helmet, his superb cuirass, his fine brassarts, his shining cuishes; clothed himself with them, and in this dress ran to throw himself at the feet of Astarte.  Cador easily proved that the armor belonged to Zadig.  He was acknowledged king by the unanimous consent of the whole nation, and especially by that of Astarte, who, after so many calamities, now tasted the exquisite pleasure of seeing her lover worthy, in the eyes of all the world, to be her husband.  Itobad went home to be called lord in his own house.  Zadig was king, and was happy.  The queen and Zadig adored Providence.  He sent in search of the robber Arbogad, to whom he gave an honorable post in his army, promising to advance him to the first dignities if he behaved like a true warrior, and threatening to hang him if he followed the profession of a robber.

Setoc, with the fair Almona, was called from the heart of Arabia and placed at the head of the commerce of Babylon.  Cador was preferred and distinguished according to his great services.  He was the friend of the king; and the king was then the only monarch on earth that had a friend.  The little mute was not forgotten.

But neither could the beautiful Semira be comforted for having believed that Zadig would be blind of an eye; nor did Azora cease to lament her having attempted to cut off his nose.  Their griefs, however, he softened by his presents.  The envious man died of rage and shame.  The empire enjoyed peace, glory, and plenty.  This was the happiest age of the earth; it was governed by love and justice.  The people blessed Zadig, and Zadig blessed Heaven.

PEDRO DE ALARCON

The Nail

I

The thing which is most ardently desired by a man who steps into a stagecoach, bent upon a long journey, is that his companions may be agreeable, that they may have the same tastes, possibly the same vices, be well educated and know enough not to be too familiar.