treasures which the stars have promised thee, and which will be conferred
by those Intelligences whom thou shalt thus render propitious. It was
from thence I brought my sabres, and it is there that Soliman Ben Daoud
reposes, surrounded by the talismans that control the world."

The astonished Caliph trembled as he answered, yet in a style that showed
him to be no novice in preternatural adventures: "Where art thou? be
present to my eyes; dissipate the gloom that perplexes me, and of which I
deem thee the cause; after the many flambeaux I have burnt to discover
thee, thou mayst at least grant a glimpse of thy horrible visage."

"Abjure, then, Mahomet," replied the Indian, "and promise me full proofs
of thy sincerity, otherwise thou shalt never behold me again."

The unhappy Caliph, instigated by insatiable curiosity, lavished his
promises in the utmost profusion. The sky immediately brightened; and by
the light of the planets, which seemed almost to blaze, Vathek beheld the
earth open, and at the extremity of a vast black chasm, a portal of
ebony, before which stood the Indian, still blacker, holding in his hand
a golden key that caused the lock to resound.

"How," cried Vathek, "can I descend to thee without the certainty of
breaking my neck? come, take me, and instantly open the portal."

"Not so fast," replied the Indian, "impatient Caliph! Know that I am
parched with thirst, and cannot open this door till my thirst be
thoroughly appeased. I require the blood of fifty of the most beautiful
sons of thy vizirs and great men, or neither can my thirst nor thy
curiosity be satisfied. Return to Samarah, procure for me this necessary
libation, come back hither, throw it thyself into this chasm, and then