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.
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