Zadig Part 4

But tell me, O unfortunate, tho' ever-venerable Queen, how I came to find you out, reclining on this verdant Bank, dress'd in this servile Habit, accompanied by other Female Slaves, who, I find, have been all Day long in Quest after a _Basilisk_, which, as I understand, is by Order of a celebrated Physician, to be dissolv'd in Rose-water, as a specific Medicine for his dying Patient.

Whilst they busy in their fruitless Search, said the beauteous _Astarte_, I'll tell you the whole Series of Sorrows which I have undergone since last we parted; and since Heav'n has thus unexpectedly blest my Eyes once more with the Sight of my dear _Zadig_, I'll no longer exclaim against my impropitious Stars.

You are not insensible, that the jealous King my Spouse, was disgusted to find you the most amiable of all Mortals, and that for no other Reason he determin'd to strangle you, and poison me. You know very well too, that indulgent Heav'n inspir'd, as it were, my little Dwarf, with artful Means to give me timely Notice of the rash Resolutions of the King, my cruel Husband.

No sooner had the faithful _Cador_ oblig'd you to obey my Orders, and to fly the Court, but he ventur'd to enter my Apartment in the Dead of Night thro' a private Door. He s.n.a.t.c.h'd me up, and convey'd me directly into the Temple of _Orosmades_, where the holy _Magus_, who was his Brother, lock'd me up in that august and awful Statue, that stands erect upon the Pavement of the Temple, and _Colossus_-like, touches the lofty Ceiling with his Head. There I lay conceal'd, or rather buried for some Time; tho' taken all imaginable Care of, and furnish'd with all the Necessaries of Life by that venerable, and loyal Priest. In the mean Time, his Apothecary enter'd at Break of Day into my Apartment, with a Potion in his Hand, compos'd of Opium, black h.e.l.lebore, Aconite, and other Ingredients still more baneful.

Whilst this mercenary Officer of the King's Vengeance was thus employ'd, another as inhuman as himself, went to your Lodgings with the silken Cord. Both, however, were disappointed, as both of us were fled. _Cador_, very officious, flew to the King, in order the more artfully to blind him; and in a feign'd Pa.s.sion, rail'd at us both, and charg'd us both as perfidious Traitors. As for that Villain _Zadig_, said he, he has taken his Flight towards _India_; and your false, ungrateful Consort, Sire, said he, is fled to _Memphis_. The Guards were order'd that Moment to pursue us both.

The Couriers, who flew after me, knew nothing of me. I had never expos'd my Face unveil'd to any one but your self, and that too in the Presence, and by the express Order of my Royal Master. As they had no other Marks to distinguish me from others but my Stature, as it had been describ'd, a young Lady, just of my Size, but in all Probability much more handsome, presented herself to their View, on the Frontiers of _Egypt_. She was found alone, and in a very disconsolate Condition. This Lady must, doubtless, said they to themselves, be the Queen of _Babylon_: And without listning to her Complaints, convey'd her instantly to my Husband _Moabdar_. Their gross Blunder at first incens'd his Majesty to the last Degree; but after he had view'd the Lady with an attentive Eye, he found she was extremely pretty, and was soon pacify'd. Her Name was _Missouf_. I have been since inform'd, that her Name in the _Egyptian_ Language signifies the _Fair Coquet_. And in Effect, she was so: She had as much Art, however, as Caprice. For she pleas'd the King of Kings: In short, she had such an Ascendancy over him, that he didn't scruple in publick to own her as his Wife. When she had secur'd him thus far in her Toils, she never conceal'd her Power, but play'd the Part of a perfect Humourist. She indulg'd herself in every Whim that came in her Head, without Fear of being brow-beat. In the first Place, She insisted that the Chief Magus, who was old and gouty, should dance a Saraband before her; and upon his modest Refusal to comply with so preposterous a Request, she persecuted him without Mercy: Nothing would serve her Turn, in the next Place, but his Majesty's grand Master of the Horse must make her a Minc'd-pye. The Gentleman took the Liberty to let her know, that he was no profess'd Cook; a Tart, however, he must make for her, and she got him turn'd out of his Place for being so monstrously careless, as to burn one _Corner_ of the Crust. Whereupon she gave his Post to her favourite Dwarf, and made her Fop of a Page the Keeper of his Majesty's great Seal, and Confidence. Thus she reign'd arbitrary, and was the Female Tyrant of _Babylon_. All the World deplor'd the Loss of me their former Queen.

The King, who never acted the Part of a Tyrant, till the Moment he would have imprison'd me, and strangled you, seem'd to have drown'd all his good Qualities in his Dotage on that capricious Enchantress.

He came to the Temple on the solemn Festival of the sacred Fire. I saw him prostrate on the Pavement before the Statue, wherein I was enclos'd, imploring the G.o.ds to show'r down their choicest Blessings on his beauteous _Missouf_. I, with an audible and distinct, but hollow Tone, address'd my self thus, like an Oracle, to the King of Kings. _The G.o.ds reject the Vows of a Monarch, that acts the Tyrant o'er his Subjects; One, who could think of murdering an innocent Wife; and admit of a worthless Beauty to supply her Place._ _Moabdar_ was so startled at this unexpected Answer from the G.o.d he ador'd, that he was just at the Point of Distraction. The Oracle that I had deliver'd, and the tyrannical Proceedings of his new Spouse _Missouf_, were enough to deprive him of his Senses. In short, in a few Days he became a perfect Mad-man. Her Caprice, which seem'd a Judgement from above, portended a sudden Revolution. His Subjects accordingly revolted, and were instantly up in Arms.

_Babylon_, that had so long indulg'd herself in Indolence and Ease, became the Seat, or Theatre of a b.l.o.o.d.y Civil War. Whereupon I was taken from my magnificent Prison, the Bowels of his G.o.d, and set up at the Head of a very powerful Party. Your Friend _Cador_ flew to _Memphis_ in hopes to find you there, and bring you back to _Babylon_. The Prince of _Hyrcania_, hearing of these intestine Broils, return'd with a powerful Army, in order to form a third Party, among the _Babylonians_. He attack'd the King, who fled with his fair, but fickle _Egyptian_ before him. _Moabdar_, however, was so closely pursu'd, that he dy'd of the Wounds he receiv'd in his Retreat. _Missouf_ became the fair Victim of the Conqueror. As for my own Part, I had the Misfortune to be over-power'd likewise, and taken Prisoner by an _Hyrcanian Party_, who brought me into the Presence of the young Prince, at the very Juncture when _Missouf_ stood before him. You'll smile, doubtless, when I tell you the Prince look'd upon me as the most amiable Captive of the two; but then, I presume you will be sorry to hear, that my hard Fate doom'd me to be a Va.s.sal in his Seraglio. He told me, in direct Terms, that as soon as he had put an happy Issue to one Military Expedition, which would not, he flatter'd himself, be long unexecuted, he would honour me with a Visit. Judge the dreadful Apprehensions I was under, upon his making such a peremptory Declaration. My Obligations to _Moabdar_ were all cancell'd, and I was free to be the Bride of _Zadig_; but instead of that, I fell into the Toils of a _Barbarian_. I answer'd him with all the Resentment becoming one of my high Character and unspotted Virtue. I had always heard say, that Heav'n bestow'd on Persons of my Rank, such a peculiar Mark of Majesty and Grandeur, that with a bare Word, or the Glance of an angry Eye, they could bring down, and abase the Pride of those audacious Creatures that durst to thwart their Inclinations. I talk'd as big as a Queen; but I was treated like the most servile Domestic. The saucy _Hyrcanian_, without so much as vouchsafing me one Single Word, turn'd to his black Eunuch, and told him that I was very impertinent; but yet he could not help thinking I was very pretty. He gave him therefore particular Orders to take care of me, and put me under the same Regimen, with respect to my Diet, as one of his Favourites, in order that I might recover my Colour, which was somewhat too languid; in a Word, that I might become worthy in a little Time of his Royal Favours, and be duely qualified to receive him, when he should honour me so far as to fix the Day. I told him, I would die first: He replied, with a Sneer, that young Ladies, like me, seldom kill'd themselves, and that they were made for Enjoyment; and then turn'd upon his Heel, with as careless an Air, as a Man would part with his Paroquet, when he had shut her up close in her gilded Cage. What a shocking State was I in for the first Queen of the Universe! Nay, I'll say more, for a Heart that was wholly devoted to her _Zadig_!

At these endearing Words, _Zadig_ threw himself at her Feet, and bath'd them with his Tears. _Astarte_ immediately rais'd him in the most courteous and engaging Manner, and thus continu'd her Narration.--I too plainly perceiv'd, that I was subject to the Tyranny of a _Barbarian_, and the Rival of a Coquet, that was a Slave like myself. She related to me all her past Adventures in _Egypt_. From the Description she gave of her Gallant, the Time and Place, the Dromedary he was mounted on, and from every other minute Circ.u.mstance, I imagin'd it was your self that play'd the Hero in her Favour. As I made no Doubt but that you resided somewhere in _Memphis_, I determin'd to go thither my self, but in Disguise.

Beauteous _Missouf_, said I, you are of a much sprightlier Disposition than I am; you will be able to amuse the gay young Prince of _Hyrcania_ a thousand Times better than I shall. Find out some Way therefore for my Escape; by which you will be sole Lady Regent. You will oblige me to the last Degree, by your friendly a.s.sistance, and at the same Time get rid of a Rival. _Missouf_, (cajol'd with the Hint) came into my Measures directly. She took care to send me packing forthwith, with no other Attendant than an old _Egyptian_ Slave.

No sooner had I reach'd the Borders of _Arabia_, but a notorious Free-booter, (one _Arbogad_ by Name) pick'd me up, as I was strolling along, and sold me to some Merchants, who convey'd me to yonder Castle, the magnificent Residence of the Emir _Ogul_. He purchas'd me at all Adventures, without enquiring what, or who I was. He is a perfect Debauchee; his sole Delight lies in good Eating, Wine, and Women; and is one, who imagines, that the Almighty sent him into the World for no other Purpose but to gratify his unruly Appet.i.tes. He is excessively fat, and puffs and blows every Moment, like one half choak'd. When he has gorg'd himself so unmercifully that he is ready to burst, his chief Physician can persuade him to take any Thing for his Relief; tho' he laughs at him, and despises his Advice when he's well and sober. He has intimated to him, that at present his Life's in Danger, and nothing will restore him but a _Basilisk_, boil'd in Rose-Water. Whereupon the grand _Ogul_ has promis'd his last Favours to that Slave, whoever she be, that shall be so fortunate as to catch a _Basilisk_, for him, since it seems they are so seldom to be met with. You see I have others to struggle for the Honour propos'd, and I never had a less Inclination to find out this _Basilisk_ than at present, since I have once more met with my dearest _Zadig_.

After this Declaration, _Astarte_ and _Zadig_ renew'd with Warmth the virtuous Affection which they had long conceiv'd for each other; and reciprocally utter'd all the tenderest Expressions that Love in Distress could possibly devise. And the _Genii_, who preside over all the soft Pa.s.sions, wafted their mutual Vows of eternal Constancy and Truth to the Sphere of _Venus_.

The whole Train of Slaves, after a long fruitless Search, attended on _Ogul_, to inform him that all their strictest Search was fruitless. _Zadig_ desired that he might have the Honour to be introduc'd into his Presence. Accordingly he was, and his Address was to this or the like Effect. May immortal Health descend from Heaven to preserve a Life, Sir, so precious as yours is. I am a Physician by Profession. I flew to your Palace, on the first News of the dangerous Situation you were in, and have brought a _Basilisk_ with me, distill'd in Rose-Water. I can have no Hopes of the Honour of your Bed, in Case I succeed in my Application: All the Favour I request, is, the Release of one of your _Babylonish_ Slaves, who has been in your Highness's Retinue for some Time. And I am willing to be your Bond-slave in her Stead, if I fail of restoring the most ill.u.s.trious and magnificent _Ogul_ to his pristine State of Health.

The Proposition was readily embrac'd. _Astarte_ was instantly discharg'd, and set out for _Babylon_, with a proper Attendant, according to _Zadig's_ Direction; a.s.suring her that she should hear every Day, by a special Courier, of his Proceedings with his new Patient. The Farewel which they took of each other, was very affectionate and tender, expressive of the strongest Obligations to each other. The Moments of Meeting, and those of Parting, are (as it is written in the sacred Book of _Zend_) the two most remarkable _Epochas_ of a Lover's Life. _Zadig's_ repeated Protestations of Affection for the Queen were perfectly sincere, and the pure Dictates of his Heart; and the Queen's Love for _Zadig_ had made a deeper Impression on hers, than she thought proper to discover.

In the mean Time, _Zadig_, again addressing himself to _Ogul_, said; my _Basilisk_, Sir, as others are, is not to be drest or eaten; but all its Virtues must penetrate your whole Fabrick, thro' your Pores; I have inclos'd my never-failing _Sudorific_ in a Bladder, full-blown and carefully cover'd with the softest Leather. You must kick this Bladder, Sir, once a Day about your Hall for a whole Hour together, with all the Vigour and Activity you possibly can. This Medicine must be repeated every Morning, and I'll attend the Operation: Upon your due Observance of the Regimen I shall put you under, I doubt not, but with the Blessing of Heav'n on my honest Endeavours, I shall give you ample Demonstration of my being an Adept in Physick. _Ogul_, upon making the first Experiment, was ready to expire for want of Breath, and thought he should die with the Fatigue. The second Day did not prove altogether so irksome, and he slept much better at Night than he had done before. In short, our Doctor in about eight Days Time, perform'd an absolute Cure. His Patient was as brisk, active and gay, as One in the Bloom of his Youth.

Now, Sir, said _Zadig_, I'll be ingenuous with you, and disclose to you the important Secret. You have play'd at Foot-ball these eight Days successively; and you have liv'd all that Time, within the Bounds of Sobriety and Moderation. Know, Sir, that there is no such Animal in Nature as a _Basilisk_; that Health is to be secur'd by Temperance and Exercise; and that the Art of making Health consistent with Luxury, is altogether as impracticable, and an Art, in all Respects, as idle and chimerical, as those of the Philosopher's Stone, judicial Astrology, or any other Reveries of the like airy and fantastic Nature.

_Ogul's_ Head-Physician, apprehensive that this unexpected Cure, thus wrought by a Stranger, through such an Anti-medicinal Preparation, might possibly not only render himself the Object of Contempt in the Eye of his great Master, but cast a Kind of Slur in general on his whole Fraternity, conven'd a Set of petty Doctors and Apothecaries, who were his Va.s.sals, and entirely devoted to his Interest, to find out some sure Ways and Means to cut off in private his dreadful Rival; but whilst their wicked Plot was hatching, _Zadig_ receiv'd a Courier from the Queen _Astarte_.

CHAP. XVI.

_The_ TOURNAMENTS.

The Queen was receiv'd at _Babylon_ with all the Transports of Joy that could possibly be express'd for the safe Return of so ill.u.s.trious and so beautiful a Personage, that had run thro' such a long Series of Misfortunes. _Babylon_ at that Time seem'd to be perfectly serene and quiet. As for the young Prince of _Hyrcania_, he was slain in Battle. The _Babylonians_, who were the Victors, declar'd that _Astarte_ should marry that Candidate for the Crown, who should gain it by a fair and impartial Election. They were determin'd, that the most valuable Post of Honour in the World, namely, that of being the Royal Consort of _Astarte_, and the Sovereign of _Babylon_, should be the Result of Merit only; and not be procur'd by any Party-Factions or Court-Intrigues. A solemn Oath was voluntarily taken by all Parties, that he who should distinguish himself by his superior Valour and Wisdom, should unanimously be acknowledg'd the Sovereign-Elect.

A s.p.a.cious _List_, or _Circus_, was pitched upon, surrounded with commodious Seats, erected in an Amphitheatrical Manner, and richly embellish'd some few Leagues from the City. Thither the Combatants, or Champions were to repair, compleatly accoutred. Each of them had a distinct Apartment to himself behind the _Lists_, where no Soul could either see them, or know who they were. They were to enter the _Lists_ four several Times. Those who were so happy as to conquer four Compet.i.tors, were afterwards to engage each other in single Combat; in order that he who should remain Master of the Field should be proclaim'd the happy Victor.

Four Days afterwards, they were to meet again, accoutred as before, and to explain all such _aenigmas_, or _Riddles_, as the _Magi_ should think proper to propose. If their Queries should prove too intricate and perplext for them to resolve, they were to have Recourse to the _Lists_ again, and after that, to fresh _aenigmas_, before they could be ent.i.tled to the Election: So that the _Tournaments_ were to be continu'd till One of the Candidates should be twice a Victor, and shine as conspicuous, with respect to his internal Qualities, as to his Dexterity and Address in heroic Atchievements. The Queen, in the mean Time, was to be narrowly watch'd, and allow'd only to be a Spectator of both their Amus.e.m.e.nts, at some considerable Distance; and moreover, to be cover'd with a Vail: Nor was she indulg'd so far as to speak one single Word to any Candidate whomsoever, in order to prevent the least Jealousy or Suspicion either of Partiality or Injustice.

_Astarte_ took care, by the Courier, to inform her Lover of all the Preliminary Articles abovemention'd, not doubting but that he would exert both his Courage and Understanding for her Sake, beyond any of the other Compet.i.tors.

_Zadig_ accordingly set out for _Babylon_, and besought the G.o.ddess _Venus_, not only to fortify his Courage, but to illuminate his Mind with Wisdom on this important Occasion.

The Night before these martial Atchievements were to commence, _Zadig_ arrived upon the Banks of the _Euphrates_. He inscrib'd his Device amongst the List of Combatants; concealing, at the same Time, both his Person and Name, as the Laws of the Election required; and accordingly, withdrew to the Apartment that was provided for him, according to his Lot.

_Cador_, who was just return'd to _Babylon_, having hunted all _Egypt_ over to no Purpose, in Hopes to find his Friend _Zadig_, brought a compleat set of Armour into his Lodge, by express Orders from the Queen: She sent him likewise One of the finest Horses in all _Persia_. _Zadig_ knew that these Presents could come from No-body but his dear _Astarte_, which redoubled his Vigour and his Hopes.

The next Morning the Queen being seated under a Canopy of State, enrich'd with precious Stones; and the Amphitheatres being crowded with Gentlemen and Ladies of all Ranks and Conditions from _Babylon_; the Compet.i.tors made their personal Appearance in the _Circus_: Each of them went up to the grand _Magus_, and laid down his particular _Device_ at his Feet. The _Devices_ were drawn by Lot: That of _Zadig_ was the last. The first that advanc'd was a Grandee, one _Itabod_ by Name, immensely rich, indeed, and very haughty; but no ways couragious; exceedingly awkward, and a Man of no acquir'd Parts. The Sycophants that hover'd round about him flatter'd him, that a Man of his Merit couldn't fail of being King: He imperiously replied, One of my Merit must be King: Whereupon he was arm'd _Cap-a-pee_. His Armour was made of pure Gold, enamell'd with Green. The Housings of his Saddle were green, and his Lance embellish'd with green Ribbands. Every One was sensible, at first Sight, by _Itobad's_ Manner of managing his Horse, that he was not the Man whom Heav'n had pitch'd upon to sway the _Babylonish_ Scepter. The first Combatant that tilted with him, threw him out of the Saddle; the second flung him quite over the Crupper, and laid him sprawling on the Ground, with his Heels quiv'ring in the Air.

_Itobad_, 'tis true, remounted, but with so ill a Grace, that an universal Laugh went round the Amphitheatre. The third, disdaining to use his Lance, made only a Feint at him: Then catch'd hold of his Right Leg, and whirling him round, threw him flat upon the Sand. The Esquires, who were the Attendants, ran to his a.s.sistance, and with a Sneer remounted him. The fourth Combatant catch'd hold of his Left Leg, and unhors'd him again. He was convey'd thro' the hissing Mult.i.tude to his Lodge, where, according to the Law in that Case provided, he was to pa.s.s the Night. And as he hobbled along, said he, to the Esquires, what a sad Misfortune is this to One of my Birth and Character!

The other Champions play'd their Parts much better; and all came off with Credit. Some conquer'd two of their Antagonists, and others were so far successful as to get the better of three. None of them, however, except Prince _Hottam_, vanquish'd four. _Zadig_, at last, enter'd the Lists, and dismounted all his four Opponents, one after the other, with the utmost Ease, and with such an Air and Grace, as gain'd him universal Applause. As the Case stood thus, _Zadig_ and _Hottam_ were to close the Day's Entertainment in a single Combat.

The Armour of the latter was of a blue Colour mixt with Gold, and the Housings of his Saddle were of the same. Those of the former white as Snow. The Mult.i.tude were divided in their Wishes. The Knight in blue was the Favourite of some of the Ladies; and others again were Admirers of the Cavalier in white. The Queen, whose Heart was in a perfect Palpitation, put up her secret Prayers to _Venus_ to a.s.sist her darling Hero.

The two Champions making their Pa.s.ses and their Volta's, with the utmost Dexterity and Address, and keeping firm in their Saddles, gave each other such Rebuffs with their Lances, that all the Spectators (the Queen only excepted) wish'd for two Kings of _Babylon_. At last, their Horses being tired, and both their Lances broke, _Zadig_ made use of the following Stratagem, which his Antagonist wasn't any ways appriz'd of. He got artfully behind him, and shooting with a Spring on his Horses b.u.t.tocks, grasp'd him close, threw him headlong on the Sand, then jump'd into his Seat, and wheel'd round Prince _Hottam_, while he lay sprawling on the Ground. All the Spectators in general, with loud Acclamations, cried out, Victory! Victory! in favour of the Champion in white. _Hottam_, incens'd to the last Degree, got up, and drew his Sword. _Zadig_ sprang from his Horse with his Sabre in his Hand. Now, behold the two Chieftains upon their Legs, commencing a new Trial of Skill!

where they seem'd to get the better of each other alternately; for both were strong, and both were active. The Feathers of their Helmets, the Studs of their Bracelets, their Coats of Mail, flew about in Pieces, thro' the dry Blows which they a thousand Times repeated. They struck at each other sometimes with the Edge of their Swords, at other Times they push'd, as Occasion offer'd: Now on the Right, then on the Left; now on the Head, then at the Breast; they retreated; they advanc'd; they kept at a Distance; they clos'd again; they grasp'd each other, turning and twisting like two Serpents, and engag'd each other as fiercely as two _Libyan_ Lions fighting for their Prey: Their Swords struck Fire almost at every Blow. At last, _Zadig_, in order to recover his Breath, for a Moment or two stood still, and afterwards, making a Feint at the Prince, threw him on his Back, and disarm'd him. _Hottam_, thereupon, cried out, O thou Knight of the white Armour! 'Tis you only are destin'd to be the King of _Babylon_. The Queen was perfectly transported.

The two Champions were reconducted to their separate Lodges, as the others had been before them, in Conformity to the Laws prescrib'd.

Several Mutes were order'd to wait on the Champions, and carry them some proper Refreshment. We'll leave the Reader to judge whether the Queen's Dwarf was not appointed to wait on _Zadig_ on this happy Occasion. After Supper the Mutes withdrew, and left the Combatants to rest their wearied Limbs till the next Morning; at which Time the Victor was to produce his _Device_, before the _Grand Magus_, in order to confer Notes, and discover the Hero whoever he might be.

_Zadig_ slept very sound, notwithstanding his amorous Regard for the Queen, being perfectly fatigu'd. _Itabod_, who lay in the Lodge contiguous to his, could not once close his Eyes for Vexation. He got up therefore in the Dead of the Night, stole imperceptibly into _Zadig's_ Apartment, took his white Armour and Device away with him, and subst.i.tuted his green One in its Place.

As soon as the Day began to dawn, he repair'd, with a seemingly undaunted Courage, to the _Grand Magus_, to inform him, that he was the mighty Hero, the happy Victor. Without the least Hesitation, he gain'd his Point, and was proclaim'd Victor before _Zadig_ was awake. _Astarte_, astonish'd at this unexpected Disappointment, return'd with a Heart overwhelm'd with Despair, to the Court of _Babylon_. Almost all the Spectators were mov'd off from the Amphitheatre before _Zadig_ wak'd: He hunted for his Arms; but could find nothing but those in green. He was oblig'd, tho' sorely against his Will, to put it on, having nothing else in his Lodge to appear in: Confounded, and big with Resentment, he drest himself, and made his personal Appearance in that despicable Equipage. The Populace that were left behind in the _Circus_, hiss'd him every Step he took, they made a Ring about him, and treated him with all the Marks of Ignominy and Contempt. The most cowardly Wretch breathing was never sure so sweated, or hunted down as poor _Zadig_! He grew quite out of Patience at last, and cut his Way thro' the insulting Mob, with his Rival's Sabre; but he did not know what Measures to pursue, or how to rectify so gross a Mistake. It was not in his Power to have a Sight of the Queen; he could never recover the white Armour again which She had sent him; That was the Compromise, or the Engagement, to which the Combatants had all unanimously agreed: Thus, as he was on the one Hand, plung'd in an Abyss of Sorrow; so on the other, he was almost drove distracted with Vexation and Resentment. He withdrew therefore, in a solitary Mood, to the Banks of the _Euphrates_, now fully persuaded, that his impropitious Star had shed its most baleful Influence on him, and that his Misfortunes were irretrievable, revolving in his Mind, all his Disappointments from his first Adventure with the Court-Coquet, who had entertain'd an utter Aversion to a blind Eye, down to his late Loss of his white Armour. See! said he, the fatal Consequence of being a Sluggard! Had I been more vigilant, I had been King of _Babylon_; but what is more, I had been happy in the Embraces of my dearest _Astarte_. All the Knowledge of Books or Mankind; all the personal Valour that I can boast of, has only prov'd an Aggravation of my Sorrows. He carried the Point so far at last, as to murmur at the unequal Dispensations of Divine Providence; and was tempted to believe, that all Occurrences were govern'd by a malignant Destiny, which never fail'd to oppress the Virtuous, and always crown'd the Actions of such Villains as the green Knight, with uncommon Success. In one of his frantick Fits, he put on the green Armour, that had created him such a World of Disgrace. A Merchant happening to pa.s.s by, he sold it to him for a Trifle, and took in Exchange nothing more than a Mantle, and a Cap. In this Disguise, he took a solitary Walk along the Banks of the _Euphrates_, every Minute reflecting in his Mind on the partial Proceedings of Providence, which never ceas'd to torment him.

CHAP. XVII.

_The_ HERMIT.

As _Zadig_ was travelling along, he met with a Hermit, whose grey and venerable Beard descended to his Girdle. He had in his Hand a little Book, on which his Eyes were fix'd. _Zadig_ threw himself in his Way, and made him a profound Bow. The Hermit return'd the Compliment with such an Air of Majesty and Benevolence, that _Zadig's_ Curiosity prompted him to converse with so agreeable a Stranger. Pray, Sir, said he, what may be the Contents of the Treatise you are reading with such Attention. 'Tis call'd, said the Hermit, the _Book of Fate_; will you please to look at it. He put the Book into the Hands of _Zadig_, who, tho' he was a perfect Master of several Languages, couldn't decypher one single Character.

This rais'd his Curiosity still higher. You seem dejected, said the good Father to him. Alas! I have Cause enough, said _Zadig_. If you'll permit me to accompany you, said the old Hermit, perhaps I may be of some Service to you. I have sometimes instill'd Sentiments of Consolation into the Minds of the Afflicted. _Zadig_ had a secret Regard for the Air of the old Man, for his Beard, and his Book. He found, by conversing with him, that he was the most learned Person he had ever met with. The Hermit harangu'd on Destiny, Justice, Morality, the sovereign Good, the Frailty of Nature; on Virtue and Vice, in such a lively Manner, and in such a Flow of Words, that _Zadig_ was attach'd to him by an invincible Charm. He begg'd earnestly that he would favour him with his Company to _Babylon_.

That Favour I was going to ask my self, said the old Man. Swear to me by _Orosmades_, that you won't leave me, for some Days at least, let me do what I please. _Zadig_ took the Oath requir'd, and both pursu'd their Journey.

The two Travellers arriv'd that Evening at a superb Castle. The Hermit begg'd for an hospitable Reception of himself and his young Comrade. The Porter, whom any One might have taken for some Grandee, let them in, but with a kind of Coldness and Contempt. However, he conducted them to the Head-Steward, who went with them thro' every rich Apartment of his Master's House. They were seated at Supper afterwards at the lower End, indeed, of the Table, and where they were taken little or no Notice of by the Host; but they were serv'd with as much Delicacy and Profusion, as any of the other Guests.

When they arose from Table, they wash'd their Hands in a Golden Bason set with Emeralds, and other costly Stones. When 'twas Time to go to Rest, they were conducted into a Bed-chamber richly furnish'd; and the next Morning two Pieces of Gold were presented to him for their mutual Service, by a Valet in waiting; and then they were dismiss'd.

The Proprietor of this Castle, said _Zadig_, as they were upon the Road, seems to me to be a very hospitable Gentleman; tho' somewhat too haughty indeed, and too imperious: The Words were no sooner out of his Mouth, but he perceiv'd that the Pocket of his Comrade's Garment, tho' very large, was swell'd, and greatly extended: He soon saw what was the Cause, and that he had clandestinely brought off the Golden Laver. He durst not immediately take Notice of the Fact; but was ready to sink at the very Thoughts on't. About Noon, the Hermit rapp'd at a petty Cottage with his Staff, the beggarly Residence of an old, rich Miser. He desir'd that he and his Companion might refresh themselves there for a few Hours. An old, shabby Domestick let them in indeed, but with visible Reluctance, and carried them into the Stable, where all their Fare was a few musty Olives, and a Draught or two of sower small Beer. The Hermit seem'd as content with his Repast, as he was the Night before. At last, rising off from his Seat, he paid his Compliments to the old Valet (who had as watchful an Eye over them all the Time, as if they had been a Brace of Thieves, and intimated every now and then that he fear'd they would be benighted) and gave him the two Pieces of Gold, he had but just receiv'd that Morning, as a Token of his Grat.i.tude for his courteous Entertainment. He added moreover, I would willingly speak one Word with your Master before I go. The Valet, thunder-struck at his unexpected Gratuity, comply'd with his Request: Most hospitable Sir, said the Hermit, I couldn't go away without returning you my grateful Acknowledgments for the friendly Reception we have met with this Afternoon. Be pleas'd to accept this Golden Bason as a small Token of my Grat.i.tude and Esteem. The Miser started, and was ready to fall down backwards at the Sight of so valuable a Present. The Hermit gave him no Time to recover out of his Surprise, but march'd off that Moment with his young Comrade.

Father, said _Zadig_, What is all this that I have seen? You seem to me to act in a quite different Manner from the Generality of Mankind. You plunder One, who entertain'd you with all the Pomp and Profusion in the World, to enrich a covetous, sordid Wretch, who treated you in the most unworthy Manner. Son, said the old Man, that Grandee, who receives Visits of Strangers, with no other View than to gratify his Pride, and to raise their Astonishment at the Furniture of his Palace, will henceforward learn to be wiser; and the Miser to be more liberal for the Time to come. Don't be surpris'd, but follow me. _Zadig_ was at a stand at present; and couldn't well determine whether his Companion was a Man of greater Wisdom than ordinary, or a Mad-man. But the Hermit a.s.sum'd such an Ascendency over him, exclusive of the Oath he had taken, that he couldn't tell how to leave him. At Night they came to a House very commodiously built, but neat and plain; where nothing was wanting, and yet nothing profuse. The Master was a Philosopher, that had retir'd from the busy World, in order to live in Peace, and form his Mind to Virtue. He was pleas'd to build this little Box for the Reception of Strangers, in a handsome Manner, but without Ostentation. He came in Person to meet them at the Door, and for a Time, advis'd them to sit down and rest themselves in a commodious Apartment. After some Respite, he invited them to a frugal, yet elegant Repast; during which, he talk'd very intelligently about the late Revolutions in _Babylon_. He seem'd entirely to be in the Queen's Interest, and heartily wish'd that _Zadig_ had entred the Lists for the regal Prize: But _Babylon_, said he, don't deserve a King of so much Merit. A modest Blush appear'd in _Zadig's_ Face at this unexpected Compliment, which innocently aggravated his Misfortunes. It was agreed, on all Hands, that the Affairs of this World took sometimes a quite different Turn from what the wisest Patriots would wish them. The Hermit replied, the Ways of Providence are often very intricate and obscure, and Men were much to blame for casting Reflections on the Conduct of the Whole, upon the bare Inspection of the minutest Part.

The next Topick they entred upon was the Pa.s.sions. Alas! said _Zadig_, how fatal in their Consequences! However, said the Hermit, they are the Winds that swell the Sail of the Vessel. Sometimes, 'tis true, they overset it; but there is no such Thing as sailing without them. Phlegm, indeed, makes Men peevish and sick; but then there is no living without it. Tho' every Thing here below is dangerous, yet All are necessary.

In the next Place, their Discourse turn'd on sensual Pleasures; and the Hermit demonstrated, that they were the Gifts of Heaven; for, said he, Man cannot bestow either Sensations or Ideas on himself; he receives them all; his Pain and Pleasure, as well as his Being, proceed from a superior Cause.

_Zadig_ stood astonish'd, to think how a Man that had committed such vile Actions, could argue so well on such Moral Topicks. At the proper Hour, after an Entertainment, not only instructive, but ev'ry way agreeable, their Host conducted them to their Bed-chamber, thanking Heaven for directing two such polite and virtuous Strangers to his House. He offer'd them at the same Time some Silver, to defray their Expences on the Road; but with such an Air of Respect and Benevolence, that 'twas impossible to give the least Disgust.

The Hermit, however, refus'd it, and took his leave, as he propos'd to set forward for _Babylon_ by Break of Day. Their Parting was very affectionate and friendly; _Zadig_, in particular, express'd a more than common Regard for a Man of so amiable a Behaviour. When the Hermit and he were alone, and preparing for Bed, they talk'd long in Praise of their new Host. As soon as Day-light appear'd, the old Hermit wak'd his young Comrade. 'Tis Time to be gone, said he; but as all the House are fast asleep, I'll leave a Token behind me of my Respect and Affection for the Master of it. No sooner were the Words out of his Mouth, but he struck a Light, kindled a Torch, and set the Building in a Flame: _Zadig_, in the utmost Confusion, shriek'd out, and would, if possible, have prevented him from being guilty of such a monstrous Act of Ingrat.i.tude. The Hermit dragg'd him away, by a superior Force. The House was soon in a Blaze: When they had got at a convenient Distance, the Hermit, with an amazing Sedateness, turn'd back and survey'd the destructive Flames. Behold, said he, our fortunate Friend! In the Ruins, he will find an immense Treasure, that will enable him, from henceforth, to exert his Beneficence, and render his Virtues more and more conspicuous.

_Zadig_, tho' astonish'd to the last Degree, attended him to their last Stage, which was to the Cottage of a very virtuous and well-dispos'd Widow, who had a Nephew of about fourteen Years of Age. He was a hopeful Youth, and the Darling of her Heart. She entertain'd her two Guests with the best Provisions her little House afforded. In the Morning she order'd her Nephew to attend them to an adjacent Bridge, which, having been broken down some few Days before, render'd the Pa.s.sage dangerous to Strangers.

The Lad, being very attentive to wait on them, went formost. When they were got upon the Bridge; come hither, my pretty Boy, said the Hermit, I must give your Aunt some small Token of my Respect for her last Night's Favours. Upon that, he twisted his Fingers in the Hair of his Head, and threw him, very calmly, into the River. Down went the little Lad; he came up once again to the Surface of the Water; but was soon lost in the rapid Stream. O thou Monster! thou worst of Villains, cry'd _Zadig_! Didn't you promise, said the Hermit, to view my Conduct with Patience? Know then, that had that Boy liv'd but one Year longer, he would have murder'd his Foster-Mother. Who told you so, you barbarous Wretch, said _Zadig_? And when did you read that inhuman Event in your _Black-Book_ of _Fate_? Who gave you Permission pray, to drown so innocent a Youth, that had never disoblig'd you?

No sooner had our young _Babylonian_ ceas'd his severe Reflections, but he perceiv'd that the old Hermit's long Beard grew shorter and shorter; that the Furrows in his Face began to fill up, and that his Cheeks glow'd with a Rose-coloured Red, as if he had been in the Bloom of Fifteen. His Mantle was vanish'd at once; and on his Shoulders, which were before cover'd, appear'd four angelic Wings, each refulgent as the Sun. O thou Messenger of Heaven! O thou angelic Form! cry'd _Zadig_, and fell prostrate at his Feet; thou art descended from the Empireum, I find, to instruct such a poor frail Mortal as I am, how to submit to the Mysteries of Fate.

Mankind in general, said the Angel _Jesrad_, judge of the Whole, by only viewing the hither Link of the Chain. Thou, of all the human Race, wast the only Man that deserv'd to have thy Mind enlighten'd.

_Zadig_, begg'd Leave to speak. I am somewhat diffident of myself, 'tis true; but may I presume, Sir, to beg the Solution of one Scruple? Would it not have been better to have chastiz'd the Lad, and by that Means reform'd him, than to have cut him off thus unprepar'd in a Moment. _Jesrad_, replied, had he been virtuous, and had he liv'd, 'twas his _Fate_ not only to be murder'd himself, but his Wife, whom he would afterwards have married, and the little Infant, that was to have been the Pledge of their mutual Affection.

Is it necessary then, venerable Guide, that there should be Wickedness and Misfortunes in the World, and that those Misfortunes should fall with Weight on the Heads of the Righteous? The Wicked, replied _Jesrad_, are always unhappy. Misfortunes are intended only as a Touch-stone, to try a small Number of the Just, who are thinly scatter'd about this terrestrial Globe: Besides, there is no Evil under the Sun, but some Good proceeds from it: But, said _Zadig_, Suppose the World was all Goodness, and there was no such Thing in Nature as Evil. Then, that World of yours, said _Jesrad_, would be another World; the Chain of Events would be another Wisdom; and that other Order, which would be perfect, must of Necessity be the everlasting Residence of the supreme Being, whom no Evil can approach. That great and first Cause has created an infinite Number of Worlds, and no two of them alike. This vast Variety is an Attribute of his Omnipotence. There are not two Leaves on the Trees throughout the Universe, nor any two Globes of Light amongst the Myriad of Stars that deck the infinite Expanse of Heaven, which are perfectly alike. And whatever you see on that small Atom of Earth, whereof you are a Native, must exist in the Place, and at the Time appointed, according to the immutable Decrees of him who comprehends the Whole. Mankind imagine, that the Lad, whom I plung'd into the River, was drown'd by _Chance_; and that our generous Benefactor's House was reduc'd to Ashes by the same _Chance_; but know, there is no such Thing as _Chance_, all Misfortunes are intended, either as severe Trials, Judgments, or Rewards; and are the Result of Foreknowledge. You remember, Sir, the poor Fisherman in Despair, that thought himself the most unhappy Mortal breathing. The great _Orasmades_, sent you to amend his Situation. Frail Mortal! Cease to contend with what you ought to adore. But, said _Zadig_--whilst the Sound of the Word But dwelt upon his Tongue, the Angel took his Flight towards the tenth Sphere. _Zadig_ sunk down upon his Knees, and acknowledg'd an over-ruling Providence with all the Marks of the profoundest Submission. The Angel, as he was soaring towards the Clouds, cried out in distinct Accents; Make thy Way towards _Babylon_.