by sublunary things; I listened to the counsels of Aherman and the daughter of Pharaoh, and adored fire and the hosts of heaven; I forsook the holy city, and commanded the Genii to rear the stupendous palace of Istakhar, and the terrace of the watch-towers, each of which was consecrated to a star.  There for a while I enjoyed myself in the zenith of glory and pleasure; not only men, but supernatural existences were subject also to my will.  I began to think, as these unhappy monarchs around had already thought, that the vengeance of Heaven was asleep, when at once the thunder burst my structures asunder and precipitated me hither; where however I do not remain, like the other inhabitants, totally destitute of hope, for an angel of light hath revealed that, in consideration of the piety of my early youth, my woes shall come to an end when this cataract shall for ever cease to flow.  Till then I am in torments, ineffable torments! an unrelenting fire preys on my heart.”

Having uttered this exclamation, Soliman raised his hands towards Heaven in token of supplication, and the Caliph discerned through his bosom, which was transparent as crystal, his heart enveloped in flames.  At a sight so full of horror, Nouronihar fell back like one petrified into the arms of Vathek, who cried out with a convulsive sob:—­

“O Giaour! whither hast thou brought us?  Allow us to depart, and I will relinquish all thou hast promised.  O Mahomet! remains there no more mercy?”

“None! none!” replied the malicious Dive, “Know, miserable prince! thou art now in the abode of vengeance and despair; thy heart also will be kindled, like those of the other votaries of Eblis.  A few days are allotted thee previous to this fatal period.  Employ them as thou wilt:  recline on these heaps of gold; command the Infernal Potentates; range at thy pleasure through these immense subterranean domains; no barrier shall be shut against thee.  As for me, I have fulfilled my mission; I now leave thee to thyself.”  At these words he vanished.

The Caliph and Nouronihar remained in the most abject affliction; their tears unable to flow, scarcely could they support themselves.  At length, taking each other despondingly by the hand, they went faltering from this fatal hall, indifferent which way they turned their steps.  Every portal opened at their approach; the Dives fell prostrate before them; every reservoir of riches was disclosed to their view:  but they no longer felt the incentives of curiosity, pride, or avarice.  With like apathy they heard the chorus of Genii, and saw the stately banquets prepared to regale them.  They went wandering on from chamber to chamber, hall to hall, and gallery to gallery, all without bounds or limit, all distinguishable by the same lowering gloom, all adorned with the same awful grandeur, all traversed by persons in search of repose and consolation, but who sought them in vain; for every one carried within him a heart tormented in flames.  Shunned by these various sufferers, who seemed by their looks to be upbraiding the partners of their guilt, they withdrew from them, to wait in direful suspense the moment which should render them to each other the like objects of terror.