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Beckford, William, 1759-1844

"The History of Caliph Vathek"

Nouronihar, however, though greatly
dismayed, could not help admiring the person of Eblis; for she expected
to have seen some stupendous giant. Eblis, with a voice more mild than
might be imagined, but such as transfused through the soul the deepest
melancholy, said:
"Creatures of clay, I receive you into mine empire; ye are numbered
amongst my adorers; enjoy whatever this palace affords; the treasures of
the pre-adamite Sultans, their bickering sabres, and those talismans that
compel the Dives to open the subterranean expanses of the mountain of
Kaf, which communicate with these; there, insatiable as your curiosity
may be, shall you find sufficient to gratify it; you shall possess the
exclusive privilege of entering the fortress of Aherman, and the halls of
Argenk, where are portrayed all creatures endowed with intelligence, and
the various animals that inhabited the earth prior to the creation of
that contemptible being whom ye denominate the Father of Mankind."
Vathek and Nouronihar, feeling themselves revived and encouraged by this
harangue, eagerly said to the Giaour:
"Bring us instantly to the place which contains these precious
talismans.


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