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Beckford, William, 1759-1844

"The History of Caliph Vathek"

The two children came forth from their cabin
with a slow and dejected pace; as their minds were in a tender and
melancholy mood, their devotions were performed with fervour. No sooner
were they finished, than Gulchenrouz demanded of Sutlememe and the rest,
"how they happened to die so opportunely for his cousin and himself."
"We killed ourselves," returned Sutlememe, "in despair at your death."
On this, said Nouronihar, who, notwithstanding what was past, had not yet
forgotten her vision: "And the Caliph! is he also dead of his grief? and
will he likewise come hither?"
The dwarfs, who were prepared with an answer, most demurely replied:
"Vathek is damned beyond all redemption!"
"I readily believe so," said Gulchenrouz, "and I am glad from my heart to
hear it; for I am convinced it was his horrible look that sent us hither
to listen to sermons and mess upon rice."
One week passed away on the side of the lake unmarked by any variety;
Nouronihar ruminating on the grandeur of which death had deprived her,
and Gulchenrouz applying to prayers and to panniers, along with the
dwarfs, who infinitely pleased him.


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