Fetch then that
narcotic powder which the Dervish brought me from Aracan; a dose of it,
the effect of which will continue three days, must be administered to
each of these children; the Caliph will believe them to be dead, for they
will have all the appearance of death; we shall go as if to inter them in
the cave of Meimoune, at the entrance of the great desert of sand, and
near the cabin of my dwarfs. When all the spectators shall be withdrawn,
you, Shaban, and four select eunuchs, shall convey them to the lake,
where provisions shall be ready to support them a month; for one day
allotted to the surprise this event will occasion, five to the tears, a
fortnight to reflection, and the rest to prepare for renewing his
progress, will, according to my calculation, fill up the whole time that
Vathek will tarry, and I shall then be freed from his intrusion."
"Your plan," said Sutlememe, "is a good one, if it can but be effected. I
have remarked that Nouronihar is well able to support the glances of the
Caliph, and that he is far from being sparing of them to her; be assured,
therefore, notwithstanding her fondness for Gulchenrouz, she will never
remain quiet while she knows him to be here, unless we can persuade her
that both herself and Gulchenrouz are really dead, and that they were
conveyed to those rocks for a limited season to expiate the little faults
of which their love was the cause; we will add that we killed ourselves
in despair, and that your dwarfs, whom they never yet saw, will preach to
them delectable sermons.
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