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
seraglio there are three dozen pretty faces, which Bababalouk hath not
yet unveiled.
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