The pioneers, who, as well as they could, had marked out a
track, and a part of the advanced guard were devoured before they had
been in the least apprized of their danger. The confusion that prevailed
was extreme; wolves, tigers, and other carnivorous animals, invited by
the howling of their companions, flocked together from every quarter; the
crashing of bones was heard on all sides, and a fearful rush of wings
overhead, for now vultures also began to be of the party.
The terror at length reached the main body of the troops which surrounded
the monarch and his harem, at the distance of two leagues from the scene.
Vathek (voluptuously reposed in his capacious litter upon cushions of
silk, with two little pages beside him of complexions more fair than the
enamel of Franguestan, who were occupied in keeping off flies) was
soundly asleep, and contemplating in his dreams the treasures of Soliman.
The shrieks, however, of his wives awoke him with a start, and, instead
of the Giaour with his key of gold, he beheld Bababalouk full of
consternation.
"Sire," exclaimed this good servant of the most potent of monarchs,
"misfortune is arrived at its height; wild beasts, who entertain no more
reverence for your sacred person than for that of a dead ass, have beset
your camels and their drivers; thirty of the richest laden are already
become their prey, as well as your confectioners, your cooks, and
purveyors; and, unless our holy Prophet should protect us, we shall have
all eaten our last meal.
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