The dwarfs were entertained, caressed, and seated with great ceremony on
little cushions of satin. The symmetry of their persons was the subject
of criticism; not an inch of them was suffered to pass unexamined; knick-
knacks and dainties were offered in profusion, but all were declined with
respectful gravity. They clambered up the sides of the Caliph's seat,
and, placing themselves each on one of his shoulders, began to whisper
prayers in his ears; their tongues quivered like the leaves of a poplar,
and the patience of Vathek was almost exhausted, when the acclamations of
the troops announced the approach of Fakreddin, who was come with a
hundred old grey-beards and as many Korans and dromedaries; they
instantly set about their ablutions, and began to repeat the Bismillah;
Vathek, to get rid of these officious monitors, followed their example,
for his hands were burning.
The good Emir, who was punctiliously religious, and likewise a great
dealer in compliments, made an harangue five times more prolix and
insipid than his harbingers had already delivered. The Caliph, unable
any longer to refrain, exclaimed--
"For the love of Mahomet, my dear Fakreddin, have done! let us proceed to
your valley, and enjoy the fruits that Heaven hath vouchsafed you.
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