avidity exceeded their zeal, insomuch that he would prostrate himself
upon the ground to lap up the water, of which he could never have enough.

One day, when this unhappy prince had been long lying in so debasing a
posture, a voice, hoarse but strong, thus addressed him: "Why assumest
thou the function of a dog, O Caliph, so proud of thy dignity and power?"

At this apostrophe he raised his head, and beheld the stranger that had
caused him so much affliction. Inflamed with anger at the sight, he
exclaimed--

"Accursed Giaour! what comest thou hither to do? Is it not enough to
have transformed a prince remarkable for his agility into one of those
leather barrels which the Bedouin Arabs carry on their camels when they
traverse the deserts? Perceivest thou not that I may perish by drinking
to excess no less than by a total abstinence?"

"Drink then this draught," said the stranger, as he presented to him a
phial of a red and yellow mixture; "and, to satiate the thirst of thy
soul as well as of thy body, know that I am an Indian, but from a region
of India which is wholly unknown."

The Caliph delighted to see his desires accomplished in part, and
flattering himself with the hope of obtaining their entire fulfilment,
without a moment's hesitation swallowed the potion, and instantaneously
found his health restored, his thirst appeased, and his limbs as agile as
ever.

In the transports of his joy Vathek leaped upon the neck of the frightful
Indian, and kissed his horrid mouth and hollow cheeks as though they had