Vathek and Nouronihar turned pale in their litter, and, regarding each
other with haggard looks, reproached themselves--the one with a thousand
of the blackest crimes, a thousand projects of impious ambition--the
other with the desolation of her family, and the perdition of the amiable
Gulchenrouz. Nouronihar persuaded herself that she heard in the fatal
music the groans of her dying father, and Vathek the sobs of the fifty
children he had sacrificed to the Giaour. Amidst these complicated pangs
of anguish they perceived themselves impelled towards the shepherd, whose
countenance was so commanding, that Vathek for the first time felt
overawed, whilst Nouronihar concealed her face with her hands.
The music paused, and the Genius, addressing the Caliph, said: "Deluded
Prince! to whom Providence hath confided the care of innumerable
subjects, is it thus that thou fulfillest thy mission? Thy crimes are
already completed, and art thou now hastening towards thy punishment?
Thou knowest that beyond these mountains Eblis and his accursed Dives
hold their infernal empire; and, seduced by a malignant phantom, thou art
proceeding to surrender thyself to them! This moment is the last of
grace allowed thee; abandon thy atrocious purpose; return; give back
Nouronihar to her father, who still retains a few sparks of life; destroy
thy tower with all its abominations; drive Carathis from thy councils; be
just to thy subjects; respect the ministers of the Prophet; compensate
for thy impieties by an exemplary life; and, instead of squandering thy
days in voluptuous indulgence, lament thy crimes on the sepulchres of thy
ancestors.
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