Zadig Part 3

CHAP. XI.

_The Evening's Entertainment._

_Setoc_, who would never stir out without his Bosom-Friend (in whom alone, as he thought, all Wisdom center'd) resolv'd to take him with him to _Balzora_ Fair, whither the richest Merchants round the whole habitable Globe, us'd annually to resort. _Zadig_ was delighted to see such a Concourse of substantial Tradesmen from all Countries, a.s.sembled together in one Place. It appear'd to him, as if the whole Universe was but one large Family, and all happily met together at _Balzora_. On the second Day of the Fair, he sat down to Table with an _Egyptian_, an _Indian_, that liv'd on the Banks of the River _Ganges_, an Inhabitant of _Cathay_, a _Grecian_, a _Celt_, and several other Foreigners, who by their frequent Voyages towards the _Arabian_ Gulf, were so far conversant with the _Arabic_ Language, as to be able to discourse freely, and be mutually understood. The _Egyptian_ began to fly into a Pa.s.sion; what a scandalous Place is this _Balzora_, said he, where they refuse to lend me a thousand Ounces of Gold, upon the best Security that can possibly be offer'd.

Pray, said _Setoc_, what may the Commodity be that you would deposit as a Pledge for the Sum you mention. Why, the Corpse of my deceased Aunt, said he, who was one of the finest Women in all _Egypt_. She was my constant Companion; but unhappily died upon the Road. I have taken so much Care, that no Mummy whatever can equal it: And was I in my own Country, I could be furnish'd with what Sum soever I pleas'd, were I dispos'd to mortgage it. 'Tis a strange Thing that n.o.body here will advance so small a Sum upon so valuable a Commodity. No sooner had he express'd his Resentment, but he was going to cut up a fine boil'd Pullet, in order to make a Meal on't, when an _Indian_ laid hold of his Hand, and with deep Concern, cried out, For G.o.d's Sake what are you about? Why, said the _Egyptian_, I design to make a Wing of this Fowl one Part of my Supper. Pray, good Sir, consider what you are doing, said the _Indian_. 'Tis very possible, that the Soul of the deceas'd Lady may have taken its Residence in that Fowl. And you wouldn't surely run the Risque of eating up your Aunt? To boil a Fowl is, doubtless, a most shameful Outrage done to Nature. Pshaw! What a Pother you make about the boiling of a Fowl, and flying in the Face of Nature, replied the _Egyptian_ in a Pet; tho' we _Egyptians_ pay divine Adoration to the Ox; yet we can make a hearty Meal of a Piece of roast Beef for all that. Is it possible, Sir, that your Country-men should act so absurdly, as to pay an Ox the Tribute of divine Worship, said the _Indian_? Absurd as you think it, said the other, the Ox has been the princ.i.p.al Object of Adoration all over _Egypt_, for these hundred and thirty five thousand Years, and the most abandon'd _Egyptian_ has never been as yet so impious as to gain-say it. Ay, Sir, an hundred thirty five thousand Years, say you, surely you must be out a little in your Calculation. 'Tis but about fourscore thousand Years, since _India_ was first inhabited. Sure I am, we are a more antient People than you are, and our _Brama_ prohibited the eating of Beef long before your Nation ever erected an Altar in Honour of the Ox, or ever put one upon a Spit. What a Racket you make about your _Brama_! Is he able to stand the least in Compet.i.tion with our _Apis_, said the _Egyptian_? Let us hear, pray, what mighty Feats have been done by your boasted _Brama_? Why, replied the _Bramin_, he first taught his Votaries to write and read; and 'tis to him alone, all the World is indebted for the Invention of the n.o.ble Game of Chess. You are quite out, Sir, in your Notion, said a _Chaldean_, who sat within Hearing: All these invaluable Blessings were deriv'd from the Fish _Oannes_; and 'tis that alone to which the Tribute of divine Adoration is justly due.

All the World will tell you, that 'twas a divine Being whose Tail was pure Gold, whose Head resembled that of a Man, tho' indeed the Features were much more beautiful; and that he condescended to visit the Earth three Hours every Day, for the Instruction of Mankind. He had a numerous Issue, as is very well known, and all of them were powerful Monarchs. I have a Picture of it at Home, to which, as in Duty I ought, I Say my Prayers at Night before I go to Bed, and every Morning that I rise. There is no Harm, Sir, as I can conceive, in partaking of a Piece of roast Beef; but, doubtless, 'tis a mortal Sin, a Crime of the blackest Dye, to touch a Piece of Fish. Besides, you cannot justly boast of so ill.u.s.trious an Origin, and you are both of you mere Moderns, in Comparison to us _Chaldeans_, You _Egyptians_ lay claim to no more than 135,000 Years, and you _Indians_, but of 80,000. Whereas we have Almanacks that are dated 4000 Centuries backwards. Take my Word for it; I speak nothing but Truth; renounce your Errors, and I'll make each of you a Present of a fine Portrait of our _Oannes_.

A Native of _Cambalu_, entring into the Debate, said, I have a very great Veneration, not only for the _Egyptians_, _Chaldeans_, _Greeks_, and _Celtae_; but for _Brama_, _Apis_, and the _Oannes_, but in my humble Opinion, the *_Li_, or as 'tis by some call'd, the *_Tien_, is an Object more deserving of divine Adoration than any Ox, or Fish, how much soever you may boast of their respective Perfections. All I shall say, in regard to my native Country, 'tis of much greater Extent, than all _Egypt_, _Chaldea_, and the _Indies_ put together. I shall lay no Stress on the Antiquity of my Country; for I imagine 'tis of much greater Importance to be the happiest People, than the most antient under the Sun. However, since you were talking of the Almanacks, I must beg the Liberty to tell you, that ours are look'd upon to be the best all over _Asia_; and that we had several very correct ones before the Art of Arithmetick was ever heard of in _Chaldea_.

* _The_ Chinese _Term_, Li, _signifies, properly speaking, natural Light, or Reason; and_ Tien, _the Heavens, or the supreme Being._

You are all of you a Parcel of illiterate, ignorant Bigots, cry'd a _Grecian_: 'Tis plain, you know nothing of the Chaos, and that the World, as it now stands, is owing wholly to _Matter_ and _Form_. The _Greek_ ran on for a considerable Time; but was at last interrupted by a _Celt_, who having drank deep, during the whole Time of this Debate, thought himself ten Times wiser than any of his Antagonists; and wrapping out a great Oath, insisted, that all their G.o.ds were nothing, if set in Compet.i.tion with the _Teutath_ or the Misletoe on the Oak. As for my part, said he, I carry some of it always in my Pocket: As to my Ancestors, they were _Scythians_, and the only Men worth talking of in the whole World: 'Tis true, indeed, they would now and then make a Meal of their Country-men, but that ought not to be urg'd as any Objection to his Country; and, in short, if any one of you, or all of you, shall dare to say any thing disrespectful of _Teutath_, I'll defend its Cause to the last Drop of my Blood. The Quarrel grew warmer and warmer, and _Setoc_ expected that the Table would be overset, and that Blood-shed would ensue. _Zadig_, who hadn't once open'd his Lips during the whole Controversy, at last rose up, and address'd himself to the _Celt_, in the first Place, as being the most noisy and outrageous. Sir, said he, Your Notions in this Affair are very just: Good Sir, oblige me with a Bit of your Misletoe. Then turning about, he expatiated on the Eloquence of the _Grecian_, and in a Word, soften'd in the most artful Manner all the contending Parties. He said but little indeed to the _Cathayian_; because he was more cool, and sedate than any of the others. To conclude, he address'd them all in general Terms, to this or the like Effect: My dear Friends, You have been contesting all this while about an important Topick, in which 'tis evident, you are all unanimously agreed. Agreed, quotha! they all cried, in an angry Tone, How so, pray? Why said he to the hot, testy _Celt_, is it not true, that you do not in effect adore this Misletoe, but that Being who created that Misletoe and the Oak, to which it is so closely united? Doubtless, Sir, reply'd the _Celt_. And you, Sir, said he, to the _Egyptian_, You revere, thro' your venerable _Apis_, the great Author of every Ox's Being. We do so, said the _Egyptian_. The mighty _Oannes_, tho' the Sovereign of the Sea, continued he, must give Precedence to that Power, who made both the Sea, and every Fish that dwells therein. We allow it, said the _Chaldean_. The _Indian_, adds he, and the _Cathayan_, acknowledge one supreme Being, or first Cause, as well as you. As to what that profound worthy Gentleman the _Grecian_ has advanc'd, is, I must own, a little above my weak Comprehension, but I am fully persuaded, that he will allow there is a supreme Being on whom his favourite Matter and Form are entirely dependent. The _Grecian_, who was look'd upon as a Sage amongst them, said, with Abundance of Gravity, that _Zadig_, had made a very just Construction of his Meaning. Now, Gentlemen, I appeal to you all, said _Zadig_, whether you are not unanimous to a Man, in the Debate upon the Carpet, and whether there are any just Grounds for the least Divisions or Animosities amongst you. The whole Company, cool at once, caress'd him; and _Setoc_, after he had sold off all his Goods and Merchandize at a round Price, took his Friend _Zadig_ Home with him to the Land of _h.o.r.eb_. _Zadig_, upon his first Arrival was inform'd, that a Prosecution had been carried on against him during his Absence, and that the Sentence p.r.o.nounc'd against him was, that he should be burnt alive before a slow Fire.

CHAP. XII.

_The_ RENDEZVOUS.

Whilst _Zadig_ attended his Friend _Setoc_ to _Balzora_, the Priests of the Stars were determin'd to punish him. As all the costly Jewels, and other valuable Decorations, in which every young Widow that sacrificed her self on her Husband's Funeral-pile, were their customary Fees, 'tis no great Wonder, indeed, that they were inclin'd to burn poor _Zadig_, for playing them such a scurvy Trick.

_Zadig_ therefore, was accus'd of holding heretical and d.a.m.nable Tenets, in regard to the Celestial Host: They depos'd, and swore point-blank, that he had been heard to aver, that the Stars never sat in the Sea. This horrid blasphemous Declaration thunder-struck all the Judges, and they were ready to rend their Mantles at the Sound of such an impious a.s.sertion; and they would have made _Zadig_, had he been a Man of Substance, paid very severely for his heretical Notions. But in the Height of their Pity and Compa.s.sion for even such an Infidel, they would lay no Fine upon him; but content themselves with seeing him roasted alive before a slow Fire.

_Setoc_, tho' without Hopes of Success, us'd all the Interest he had to save his bosom Friend from so shocking a Death; but they turn'd a deaf Ear to all his Remonstrances, and oblig'd him to hold his Tongue. The young Widow _Almona_, who by this Time was not only reconcil'd to living a little longer, but had some Taste for the Pleasures of Life, and knew that she was entirely indebted to _Zadig_ for it, resolv'd, if possible, to free her Benefactor from being burnt, as he had before convinc'd her of the Folly of it in her Case. She ponder'd upon this weighty Affair very seriously; but said nothing to any one whomsoever. _Zadig_ was to be executed the next Day; and she had only a few Hours left to carry her Project into Execution. Now the Reader shall hear with how much Benevolence and Discretion this amiable Widow behav'd on this emergent Occasion.

In the first Place, she made use of the most costly Perfumes; and drest herself to the utmost Advantage to render her Charms as conspicuous as possible; And thus gaily attir'd, demanded a private Audience of the High Priest of the Stars. Upon her first Admittance into his august and venerable Presence, she address'd herself in the following Terms. O thou first-born and well-beloved Son of the Great Bear, Brother of the Bull, and first Cousin to the Dog, (these you must know were the Pontiff's high t.i.tles) I come to confess myself before you: My Conscience is my Accuser, and I am terribly afraid I have been guilty of a mortal Sin, by declining the stated Custom of burning my self on my Husband's Funeral-pile? What could tempt me, in short, to a Prolongation of my Life, I can't imagine, I, who am grown a perfect Skeleton, all wrinkled and deform'd. She paus'd, and pulling off, with a negligent but artful Air, her long silk Gloves; She display'd a soft, plump, naked Arm, and white as Snow: You see, Sir, said she, that all my Charms are blasted. Blasted, Madam, said the luscious Pontiff; No! Your Charms are still resistless: His Eyes, and his Mouth, with which he kiss'd her Hand, confirm'd their Power: Such an Arm, Madam, by the Great _Orasmades_, I never saw before. Alas! said the Widow, with a modest Blush; my Arm Sir, 'tis probable, may have the Advantage of any hidden Part; but see, good Father, what a Neck is here; as yellow as Saffron, an Object not worth regarding. Then she display'd such a snowy, panting Bosom, that Nature could not mend it. A Rose-Bud on an Ivory Apple, would, if set in Compet.i.tion with her spotless Whiteness, make no better Appearance than common Madder upon a Shrub; and the whitest Wool, just out of the Laver, were she but by, would seem but of a light-brown Hue.

Her Neck, her large black, sparkling Eyes, that languishingly roll'd, and seem'd as 'twere, on Fire; her lovely Cheeks, glowing with White and Red, her Nose, that was not unlike the Tower of Mount _Lebanon_, her Lips, which were like two Borders of Coral, inclosing two Rows of the best Pearls in the _Arabian_ Sea; such a Combination, I say, of Charms, made the old Pontiff judge she was scarce twenty Years of Age; and in a kind of Flutter, to make her a Declaration of his tender Regard for her. _Almona_, perceiving him enamour'd, begg'd his Interest in Favour of _Zadig_. Alas! my dear Charmer, my Interest alone, when you request the Favour, would be but a poor Compliment; I'll take care his Acquittance shall be signed by three more of my Brother Priests. Do you sign first, however, said _Almona_. With all my Soul, said the amorous Pontiff, provided----you'll be kind, my dearest. You do me too much Honour, said _Almona_; but should you give your self the Trouble to pay me a Visit after Sunset, and as soon as the Star _Sheat_ twinkles on the Horizon, you shall find me, most venerable Father, repos'd upon a rosy-colour'd silver Sopha, where you shall use your Pleasure with your humble Servant. With that she made him a low Courtesy; took up _Zadig's_ general Release as soon as duely sign'd, and left the old Doatard all over Love, tho' somewhat diffident of his own Abilities.

The Residue of the Day he spent in his Bagnio; he drank large enlivening Draughts of a Water distill'd from the Cinnamon of _Ceilan_, and the costly Spices of _Tidor_ and _Ternate_, and waited with the utmost Impatience for the up-rising of the brilliant _Sheat_.

In the mean time _Almona_ went to the second Pontiff. He a.s.sur'd her that the Sun, Moon, and all the starry Host of Heav'n, were but languid Fires to her bright Eyes. He put the Question to her, in short, at once, and agreed to sign upon her Compliance. She suffer'd herself to be over-persuaded, and made an a.s.signation to meet him at a certain Place, as soon as the Star _Algenib_ should make its Appearance. From him she repair'd to the third and fourth Pontiff, taking care, wherever she went, to see _Zadig's_ Acquittance duely sign'd, and made fresh Appointments at the Rising of Star after Star.

When she had carried her Point thus far, she sent a proper Message to the Judges of the Court, who had condemn'd _Zadig_, requesting that they would come to her House, that she might advise with them upon an Affair of the last Importance. They waited on her accordingly; she produc'd _Zadig's_ Discharge duly sign'd by four several Hands, and told them the Definitive Treaty between all the contracting Parties. Each of the pontifical Gallants observ'd their Summons to a Moment. Each was startled at the Sight of his Rival; but perfectly thunderstruck to see the Judges, before whom the Widow had laid open her Case. _Zadig_ procur'd an absolute Pardon, and _Setoc_ was so charm'd with the artful Address of _Almona_, that he married her the next Day. _Zadig_ went afterwards to throw himself at the Feet of his fair Benefactress. _Setoc_ and he took their Leave of each other with Tears in their Eyes, and vowing that an eternal mutual Friendship should be preserv'd between them; and, in short, should Fortune at any Time afterwards prove more propitious than could well be expected to either Party; the other should partake of an equal Share of his Success.

_Zadig_ steer'd his Course towards _Syria_; forever pondering on the hard Fate of the justly-admir'd _Astarte_, and reflecting on his own Stars that so obstinately darted down their malignant Rays, and continu'd daily to torment him. What, said he! to pay four hundred Ounces of Gold for only seeing a b.i.t.c.h pa.s.s by me; to be condemn'd to be beheaded for four witless Verses in Praise of the King; to be strangled to Death, because a Queen was pleas'd to look upon me; to be made a Prisoner, and sold as a Slave for saving a young Lady from being sorely abus'd by a Brute rather than a Man; and to be upon the Brink of being roasted alive, for no other Offence than saving for the future all the Widows in _Arabia_ from becoming idle Burnt-Offerings, and mingling their Ashes with those of their deceased worthless Husbands.

CHAP. XIII.

_The_ FREE-BOOTER.

_Zadig_, arriving at the Frontiers which separate _Arabia Petraea_ from _Syria_, and pa.s.sing by a very strong Castle, several arm'd _Arabians_ rush'd out upon him, and surrounding him, cried out: Whatever you have belonging to you is our Property, but as for your Person, that is entirely at our Sovereign's Disposal. _Zadig_, instead of making any Reply, drew his Sword, and as his Attendant was a very couragious Fellow, he drew likewise. Those who laid hold on them, first fell a Sacrifice to their Fury: Their Numbers redoubled: Yet still, Both dauntless, determin'd to conquer or to die. When two Men defend themselves against a whole Gang, the Contest, doubtless, cannot last long. The Master of the Castle, one _Arbogad_ by Name, having been an Eye-Witness from his Window, of the Intrepidity and surprising Exploits of _Zadig_, took a Fancy to him. He ran down therefore in Haste, and giving Orders himself to his Va.s.sals to desist, deliver'd the two Travellers out of their Hands. Whatever Goods or Chattels, said he, come upon my Territories, are my Effects; and whatever I find likewise that is valuable upon the Premises of others, is my free Booty; but, as you appear, Sir, to me to be a Gentleman of uncommon Courage, you shall prove an Exception to my general Rule. Upon this, he invited _Zadig_ into his magnificent Mansion, giving his inferior Officers strict Orders to use him with all due Respect; and at Night _Arbogad_ was desirous of supping with _Zadig_. The Lord of the Mansion was one of those _Arabians_, that are call'd _Free-booters_; but a Man who now and then did good Actions amongst a Thousand bad ones. He plunder'd without Mercy; but was liberal in his Benefactions. When in Action, intrepid; but in Traffick, easy enough; a perfect _Epicure_ in his Eating and Drinking, an absolute _Debauchee_, but very frank and open. _Zadig_ pleas'd him extremely; his Conversation being very lively, prolong'd their Repast: At last, _Arbogad_ said to him; I would advise you, Sir, to enlist yourself in my Troop; you cannot possibly do a better Thing: My Profession is none of the worst; and in Time, you may become perhaps as great a Man as myself. May I presume, Sir, to ask you one Question; how long may you have follow'd this honourable Calling? From my Youth upwards, replied his Host, I was only a _Valet_ at first to an _Arabian_, who indeed was courteous enough; but Servitude was a State of Life I could not brook. It made me stark-mad to see, in a wide World, which ought to be divided fairly between Mankind, that Fate had reserv'd for me so scanty a Portion. I communicated my Grievance to an old Sage _Arabian_. Son, said he, never despair; once upon a Time, there was a Grain of Sand, that bemoan'd itself, as being nothing more than a worthless _Atom_ of the Deserts. At the Expiration, however, of a few Years, it became that inestimable Diamond, which at this very Hour, is the richest, and most admir'd Ornament of the _Indian_ Crown. The old Man's Discourse fir'd me with some Ambition; I was conscious to myself that I was at that Time the _Atom_ he mention'd, but was determin'd, if possible, to become the _Diamond_. At my first setting out, I stole two Horses; then I got into a Gang; where we play'd at small Game, and stopp'd the small Caravans; thus I gradually lessen'd the wide Disproportion, which there was at first between me and the rest of Mankind: I enjoy'd not only my full Share of the good Things of this Life, but enjoy'd them with Usury. I was look'd upon as a Man of Consequence, and I procur'd this Castle by my military Atchievements. The _Satrap_ of _Syria_ had Thoughts of dispossessing me; but I was then too rich to be any Ways afraid of him; I gave the _Satrap_ a certain Sum of Money, upon Condition that I kept quiet Possession of my Castle. And, moreover, I aggrandiz'd my Domains; for he const.i.tuted me, at the same Time, Treasurer of the Imports that _Arabia Petraea_ paid to the King of Kings. I executed my Trust, in every Respect, as I ought, in the Capacity of a Collector; but I never did, nor never intended to balance my Accounts.

The grand _Desterham_ of _Babylon_ sent hither, in the Name of the King _Moabdar_, a petty _Satrap_, with a Commission to strangle me.

He and his Attendants arriv'd here with his Royal Warrant. I was appriz'd of the whole Affair, and, accordingly, order'd his whole Retinue, consisting of four inferior Officers, to be strangled before his Face, after the same Manner as was intended for my Execution. After this, I ask'd him what he thought the Commission with which he was entrusted, might reasonably be valued at; he answer'd, that he presum'd his Premium (had he succeeded) might have amounted to about three Hundred Pieces of Gold. I made him sensible, that it would be for his Interest to be a commission'd Officer under me; I made him accordingly Deputy _Free-booter_. He is at this very Day not only the best Officer, but the richest I have in all my Court. If my Word may be credited, I'll raise your Fortune as I have done his. Never was Trade brisker in our Way; for _Moabdar_, is knock'd on the Head, and all _Babylon_ in the utmost Confusion.

_Moabdar_ kill'd, said you! cry'd _Zadig_, and pray, Sir, what is become of his Royal Consort, _Astarte_? I know nothing at all of that Affair, replied _Arbogad_, all that I have to say, is, that _Moabdar_ became a perfect Madman, and had his Brains beat out; that all the People in _Babylon_ are cutting one another's Throats, and that the whole Empire is laid waste; that there is still an Opportunity for making several bold Pushes; and let me tell you, Sir, I have done my Part, and made the most on't. But the Queen, Sir, said _Zadig_; pray favour me so far, as to inform me, if you know any Thing of the Queen. I have heard great Talk, said he, of a certain Prince of _Hyrcania_; 'tis very possible, she may have listed herself amongst his Concubines, if she had the good Fortune to escape the Resentment of those popular Tumults; but my Head, Sir, is better turn'd for the Highway than for News; I have taken several Ladies Prisoners in the Course of my Excursions; I keep none of them for my Part; and as to such as are handsomer than ordinary, I make the best Market I can of them, without enquiring who they are. Their Quality or t.i.tles will fetch no Price at all; a Queen, if she be homely, is worth nothing. 'Tis probable, Sir, I have dispos'd of the Lady myself; and 'tis possible, likewise, she may be dead; 'tis no Concern of mine; and to my thinking, it should be an Affair of no Manner of Importance to you. After this Declaration, he drank so hard, and confounded his Ideas in such a Manner, that _Zadig_ was not one whit the wiser. Upon which he was struck dumb, confounded, and stood as motionless as a Statue. _Arbogad_, in the mean while, swill'd down whole b.u.mpers, told a Hundred merry Tales, and swore a thousand Times over, that he was the happiest Creature upon G.o.d's Earth; persuading _Zadig_ to be as merry, and thoughtless as himself. At last, being gradually overcome by the Fumes of his Liquor, he fell fast asleep. _Zadig_ spent the Remainder of the Night in deep Contemplation, and in all the Uneasiness of Mind imaginable. What, said he, the King first became crazy, and then was murder'd. I think I have just Grounds for Complaint. The whole Empire is in Confusion, and torn to Pieces, and this Free-booter is as happy as a King. O Fortune! O Fate! a Highwayman as happy as a Monarch! and the most amiable Creature that Nature ever fram'd has suffer'd perhaps, an ignominious Death, or perhaps, is in a State of Life a thousand Times worse than Death itself! O _Astarte! Astarte!_ What art thou become?

As soon as it was Break of Day he went out, and ask'd every one he saw if they knew any Thing of her: But the whole Gang were too intent upon other Matters, to return him any Answer. By Virtue of their Night's Excursions, they had brought in some fresh Booty, and were busy in dividing the Spoil. All the Favour he could procure, in their Hurry and Tumult, was, to go away without the least Examination. He took the Advantage of their Remissness, and mov'd off the Premises, but more overwhelm'd with Grief and deep Reflection than ever.

_Zadig_, in his March, was very restless and uneasy. His Thoughts were forever rolling on the unfortunate _Astarte_, the King of _Babylon_, his Bosom-Friend _Cador_, the happy _Free-booter_, _Arbogad_, the fair _Coquet_, that was taken Prisoner on the Confines of _Egypt_, by the _Babylonish_ Courier; in a Word, on the various Scenes of Misfortunes and Disappointments, which he had successively met with.

CHAP. XIV.

_The_ FISHERMAN.

When _Zadig_ had travelled some few Leagues from _Arbogad's_ Castle, he found himself arriv'd at the Banks of a little River; incessantly deploring, as he went along, his unhappy Fate, and looking upon himself as the very Picture of ill Luck. He perceiv'd at a little Distance a Fisherman, reclin'd on a verdant Bank by the River-side, trembling, scarce able to hold his Net in his Hand, (which he seem'd but little to regard) and with uplift Eyes, imploring Heaven's a.s.sistance. I am, doubtless, said the poor Fisherman, the most unhappy Wretch that ever liv'd! No Merchant in all _Babylon_, it is very well known, was ever so noted for selling Cream-Cheeses as myself; and yet I am ruin'd to all Intents and Purposes. No Man of my Profession ever had a handsomer, more compleat Housewife, than my Dame was; but I have been treacherously depriv'd of her. I had still left a poor, pitiful Cottage, but that I saw plunder'd and destroy'd. I am cubb'd up here in a Cell; I have nothing to depend upon but my Fishery, and not one single Fish have I caught. Thou unfortunate Net! I'll never throw thee into the Water more: Much sooner will I throw myself in. No sooner were the Words out of his Mouth, but he started up, and ran to the River-side, like one that was resolutely bent to plunge in, and get rid of a miserable Life at once. Is it possible, said _Zadig_? Is there then the Man in Being more wretched than myself? His Benevolence, and good Will to save the poor Man's Life, was as quick as the Reflection he had just made! He ran to his a.s.sistance; he laid hold of him; and ask'd him, with an Air of Pity and Concern, the Cause of his rash Intention.

'Tis an old saying, that a Person is less unhappy when he sees himself not singular in Misfortune. But if we will credit _Zoroaster_, this is not from a Principle of Malignity, but the Effect of a fatal Necessity. He was attracted, as it were, to any Person in Distress, as being One in the same unhappy Circ.u.mstances.

The Transport of a happy Man, would be a Kind of Insult; but two Persons in bad Circ.u.mstances, are like two weak Shrubs, which, by propping up each other, are fenc'd against a Storm. Why are you thus cast down, said _Zadig_ to the Fisherman? Never sink Man, under the Weight of your Burden. I can't help it, said the poor Fisherman; I have not the least Prospect of Redress. I was once, Sir, the tip-top Man of the whole Village of _Derlbach_, near _Babylon_, where I liv'd, and with the Help of my Wife, made the best Cream-Cheeses that were ever eaten in the _Persian_ Empire. Her Majesty, the Queen _Astarte_, and the famous Prime-Minister _Zadig_ were very fond of them. I serv'd the Court with about six Hundred of them, I went the other Day in Hopes of being paid; but before I had well got into the Suburbs of _Babylon_, I was inform'd, that not only the Queen, but _Zadig_ too had privately left the Court: Whereupon I ran directly to _Zadig's_ House, tho' I never sat Eye on the Man in all my Life.

There I found the Court-Marshals of the grand _Desterham_, plundering, by Virtue of his Majesty's Mandate, all his Effects, in the most loyal Manner. From thence I made the best of my Way to the Queen's Kitchin; where, applying my self to the Steward of her Household, and his inferior Officers; one of them told me she was dead; another, that she was confin'd in Prison; a third, indeed, said that she had made her Escape by Flight; all in general, however, a.s.sur'd me for my Comfort, that my Cheeses would never be paid for. From thence I went, with my Wife in my Hand, to Lord _Orcan's_; who was another of my Court-Customers; of whom we begg'd for Shelter and Protection: The Favour, I confess, was readily granted to my Wife; but as for my own Part, I was absolutely rejected. She was fairer, Sir, than the fairest Cheese I ever sold; from whence I date all my Misfortunes; and the red that adorn'd her blushing Cheeks was ten Times more lively than any _Tyrian_ Scarlet.

And between you and I, Sir, that was the main Cause of my Wife's Reception, and my Disgrace. Whereupon I wrote a doleful Letter to my Wife, in all the Agonies of one in the deepest Despair: 'Tis very well, said she, to the Messenger; I have some little Knowledge of the Man; I have heard say no one sells better Cream-Cheeses than he does; desire him, next Time he comes, to bring a small Parcel with him, and let him know, I'll take care he shall be punctually paid.

In the Height of my Misfortunes, I determin'd to seek Redress in a Court of Equity: I had but six Ounces of Gold left: Two whereof went for a Fee to my Counsellor; two to my Lawyer, who took my Cause in Hand, and the other two to the Judge's Clerk. Notwithstanding what I had done, my Cause was not so much as commenc'd; and I had already disburs'd more Money than all my Cheeses and my Wife with them were worth. I return'd therefore to my Native Habitation, with a full Resolution to sell it for the Ransom of my Wife.

My little Cot, with the Appurtenances, were worth about threescore Ounces of Gold: But as the Purchasers found I was necessitous, and drove to my last Shifts; the first whom I apply'd to, offer'd me thirty Ounces; the second, twenty; and the third, but ten: Just as I had come to Terms of Accommodation with one of them, the Prince of _Hyrcania_ came to _Babylon_, and swept all before him. My little Cottage, with all its Furniture, was first plunder'd of all that was valuable, and at last reduc'd to Ashes.

Having thus lost my Money, my Wife, and my House, I withdrew to this Desart, where you see me. I have since endeavour'd to get my Bread by Fishing; but the Fish, as well as all Mankind, desert me. I scarce catch one in a Day; I am half starv'd; and had it not been for your unexpected Benevolence and Generosity, I had been at the Bottom of the River before this.

This long Detail of Particulars, however, was not deliver'd without several Interruptions; for, said _Zadig_, with Abundance of Warmth and Confusion, Have you never heard, Sir, of what is become of the Queen _Astarte_? No Sir, not I, said the disconsolate Fisherman; but this I know, to my Sorrow, that neither the Queen, nor _Zadig_, ever paid me the least Consideration in the World for my Cream Cheeses; that my dear Spouse is taken from me; and that I am drove to the very Brink of Despair. I am verily persuaded, said _Zadig_, that you will not lose all your Money. I have heard much talk of that same _Zadig_; they say he is very honest, and that if ever he returns to _Babylon_, as 'tis to be hop'd he will, he'll discharge his Debts with Interest, like a Man of Honour. But, as for your Wife, who appears to me, to be no better than a Wag-tail, never take the Trouble, if you'll take my Advice, to hunt after her any more. Be rul'd, and make the best of your Way to _Babylon_. I shall be there before you, as I shall ride, and you will be on Foot. Make your Applications to the ill.u.s.trious _Cador_; tell him you met his Friend upon the Road; and stay there still I come. Observe my Orders, and 'tis very probable it may turn out to your Advantage.

O puissant _Orosmades_, continu'd he, you have made me, 'tis true, an Instrument of Comfort to this poor Man; but what Friend will you raise for me, to alleviate my Sorrows? Having utter'd this short Expostulation, he gave the distrest Fisherman one full Moiety of all the Money he brought with him out of _Arabia_. The Fisherman, thunder-struck, and transported with Joy at so unexpected a Benefaction, kiss'd the Feet of _Cador's_ Friend, and cried out, sure you are a Messenger of Heaven, sent down to be my Saviour!

In the mean Time, _Zadig_ every now and then ask'd him Questions, and wept as he ask'd them. What! Sir, said the Fisherman, can you, who are so bountiful a Benefactor, be in Distress yourself? Alas!

said he, Friend, I am a hundred Times more unhappy than thou art.

But pray, Sir, said the good Man, how can it possibly be, that he, who is so lavish of his Favours, should be overwhelm'd with greater Misfortunes than the Man he so generously relieves? Your greatest Uneasiness, said he, arose from the Narrowness of your Circ.u.mstances; but mine proceeds from an internal, and much deeper Cause. Pray, Sir, said the Fisherman, has _Orcan_ robb'd you of your Wife? This Interrogatory put _Zadig_ in a Moment upon a Retrospection of all his past Adventures. He recollected the whole Series of his Misfortunes; commencing from that of the Eunuch and the Huntsman, to his Arrival at the Free-booter's Castle. Alas! said he, to the Fisherman, _Orcan_, 'tis true, deserves severely to be punish'd: But for the Generality, we find, such worthless Barbarians are the Favourites of Fortune. Be that, however, as it will, go as I bade you, to my Friend _Cador_, and wait there till I come. They took their Leave; the Fisherman blessing his propitious Stars, and _Zadig_ cursing, every Step he went, the Hour he was born.

CHAP. XV.

_The_ BASILISK.

As _Zadig_ was traversing a verdant Meadow, he perceiv'd several young Female _Syrians_, intent on searching for something very curious, that lay conceal'd, as they imagin'd, in the Gra.s.s. He took the Freedom to approach one of them, and ask her, in the most courteous Manner, if he might have the Honour to a.s.sist her in her Researches. Have a care, said she. What we are hunting after, Sir, is an Animal, that will not suffer itself to be touch'd by a Man.

'Tis somewhat surprizing, said _Zadig_. May I be so bold, pray, as to ask you what you are in Pursuit after, that shuns the Touch of any Thing but the Hands of the Fair s.e.x. 'Tis, Sir, said she, the _Basilisk_: A _Basilisk_, Madam, said he! And pray, if you will be so good as to inform me, with what View, are you searching after a Creature so very difficult to be met with? 'Tis, Sir, said she, for our Lord and Master _Ogul_, whose Castle, you see, situate on the River-side, at the Bottom of the Meadow. We are all his Va.s.sals.

_Ogul_, you must know, is in a very bad State of Health, and his first Physician has order'd him, as a Specific, to eat a _Basilisk_, boil'd in Rose water: And as that Animal is very hard to be catch'd, and will suffer nothing to approach it, but one of our s.e.x, our dying Sovereign _Ogul_ has promis'd to honour her, that shall be so happy as to catch it for him, so far as to make her his Consort. The Case, being thus circ.u.mstantiated, Sir, I hope you will not interrupt me any longer, lest my Rivals here in the Field should happen to circ.u.mvent me.

_Zadig_ withdrew, and left the _Syrian_ Ladies in Quest of their imaginary Booty, in order to pursue his intended Journey. But as he came to the Banks of a Rivulet, at the remotest part of the Meadow, he perceiv'd another young Lady, reclin'd on the Gra.s.s, and entirely disengag'd. Her Stature seem'd majestic, but her Face was cover'd with a Vail; and her Eyes were fixt, as one at her Looking-gla.s.s, on the River. Every now and then a Sigh burst out, as if her Heart were breaking. In her Hand she held a little Wand or Rod, with which she was tracing out some Characters on the dry Sand, that lay between the flow'ry Bank she sat on, and the purling Current. _Zadig's_ Curiosity induc'd him, unperceiv'd, to observe her Operations at some Distance. But approaching nearer, and perceiving very distinctly the first Character to be an _Z_. the next an _A_. and the third a _D_. he started; but when he saw the additional Capitals of _I_ and _G_. his Astonishment was too great for Words to express.

He stood for some Time perfectly thunder-struck, and as motionless as a Statue; At last, in a soft, faultring Tone, he broke Silence: O generous Lady, said he, forgive a Stranger, one overwhelm'd with Sorrows like yourself, if he asks you, by what amazing Accident he finds the Name of _Zadig_ delineated by so angelick a Hand. Thus unexpectedly interrupted, and at the Sound of those Words, she turn'd her Head; and with a trembling Hand, lifting up her Vail, she espy'd _Zadig_ himself. Upon which, she shriek'd; and as her Heart was flutter'd between the two Extreams of Transport and Surprize, she fainted away, and gently dropp'd into his Arms. 'Twas, it seems _Astarte_ her self; 'twas the Queen of _Babylon_; 'twas the very _G.o.ddess_ whom _Zadig_ ador'd; 'twas, in short, the very identical Lady, whose hard Fate he had so long deplor'd; and for whose sake he had felt so many agonizing Pains. For a few Minutes he stood speechless, and depriv'd, as it were, of all his senses, whilst his Eyes were fixt on his _Astarte_, who began to revive; and cast a wishful Glance at him, attended with some Confusion. O ye immortal Powers, cried he, who preside over the Destiny of us frail Mortals!

Ye have restor'd me my _Astarte_; but alas! at what a Conjuncture, in what a Place, and in what a State and Condition do I view her? He threw himself prostrate on the Ground, and kiss'd the Dust of her Feet. The Queen of _Babylon_ rais'd him up, and oblig'd him to sit by her on the flow'ry Bank whereon she was repos'd. Every now and then she wip'd her Eyes, as the Tears trickl'd down afresh her lovely Cheeks. Twenty times she endeavour'd to renew her Discourse; but was interrupted by her Sighs; she ask'd him over and over to relate to her the Hardships he had ran thro' since their parting, and by what Chance he came to traverse that solitary Meadow; but prevented him at the same Time from returning any Answer, by repeating Question upon Question. At last, she gave him a particular Detail of her own Misfortunes, and again requested to know his. Both of them, in short, having, in some Measure, appeas'd the Tumult of their Souls; _Zadig_, in a few Words, inform'd her of the Motives that brought him thither.