Imagining that a group of spectres ascended from the abyss was
approaching, they all without ceremony took to their heels. Vathek was
at that instant with Nouronihar in the bath, hearing tales, and laughing
at Bababalouk, who related them; but no sooner did the outcry of his
guards reach him, than he flounced from the water like a carp, and as
soon threw himself back at the sight of Carathis, who, advancing with her
negresses upon Alboufaki, broke through the muslin awnings and veils of
the pavilion; at this sudden apparition Nouronihar (for she was not at
all times free from remorse) fancied that the moment of celestial
vengeance was come, and clung about the Caliph in amorous despondence.
Carathis, still seated on her camel, foamed with indignation at the
spectacle which obtruded itself on her chaste view; she thundered forth
without check or mercy: "Thou double-headed and four-legged monster! what
means all this winding and writhing? art thou not ashamed to be seen
grasping this limber sapling, in preference to the sceptre of the pre-
adamite Sultans? is it then for this paltry doxy that thou hast violated
the conditions in the parchment of our Giaour? is it on her thou hast
lavished thy precious moments? is this the fruit of the knowledge I have
taught thee? is this the end of thy journey? tear thyself from the arms
of this little simpleton, drown her in the water before me, and instantly
follow my guidance.
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