He failed not, however, though in so reduced a condition, to be often
carried to his tower, as he flattered himself that he might there read in
the stars which he went to consult something more congenial to his
wishes: but in this his hopes were deluded, for his eyes, dimmed by the
vapours of his head, began to subserve his curiosity so ill, that he
beheld nothing but a thick dun cloud, which he took for the most direful
of omens.

Agitated with so much anxiety, Vathek entirely lost all firmness; a fever
seized him, and his appetite failed. Instead of being one of the
greatest eaters, he became as distinguished for drinking. So insatiable
was the thirst which tormented him that his mouth, like a funnel, was
always open to receive the various liquors that might be poured into it,
and especially cold water, which calmed him more than every other.

This unhappy prince being thus incapacitated for the enjoyment of any
pleasure, commanded the palaces of the five senses to be shut up, forbore
to appear in public, either to display his magnificence or administer
justice, and retired to the inmost apartment of his harem. As he had
ever been an indulgent husband, his wives, overwhelmed with grief at his
deplorable situation, incessantly offered their prayers for his health,
and unremittingly supplied him with water.

In the meantime the Princess Carathis, whose affliction no words can
describe, instead of restraining herself to sobbing and tears, was
closeted daily with the Vizir Morakanabad, to find out some cure or
mitigation of the Caliph's disease. Under the persuasion that it was
caused by enchantment, they turned over together, leaf by leaf, all the
books of magic that might point out a remedy, and caused the horrible
stranger, whom they accused as the enchanter, to be everywhere sought for