To flagrant CrimesHis Crown he owes;To peaceful TimesThe worst of Foes.
To flagrant Crimes
His Crown he owes;
To peaceful Times
The worst of Foes.
This was the first Moment that everArimazeswas happy. He had it now in his Power to ruin the most virtuous and innocent of Men. Big with his execrable Joy, he flew to his Majesty with this virulent Satyr ofZadig’s under his own Hand. Not onlyZadig, but his two Friends and the Lady were immediately close confin’d. His Cause was soon over; for the Judges turn’d a deaf Ear to what he had to say.When Sentence of Condemnation was pass’d upon him,Arimazes, still spiteful, was heard to say, as he went out of Court, with an Air of Contempt, thatZadig’s Lines were Treason indeed, but nothing more. Tho’Zadigdidn’t value himself on Account of his Genius for Poetry; yet he was almost distracted to find himself condemn’d for the worst of Traitors, and his two Friends and the Lady lock’d up in a Dungeon for a Crime, of which he was no ways guilty. He wasn’t permitted to speak one Word for himself. His Pocket-Book was sufficient Evidence against him. So strict were the Laws ofBabylon! He was carried to the Place of Execution, through a Croud of Spectators, who durstn’t condole with him, and who flock’d about him, to observe whether hisCountenance chang’d, or whether he died with a good Grace. His Relations were the only real Mourners; for there was no Estate in Reversion for them; three Parts of his Effects were confiscated for the King’s Use, and the fourth was devoted, as a Reward, to the use of the Informer.
Just at the Time that he was preparing himself for Death, the King’s Parrot flew from her Balcony, intoZadig’s Garden, and alighted on a Rose-bush. A Peach, that had been blown down, and drove by the Wind from an adjacent Tree, just under the Bush, was glew’d, as it were, to the other Moiety of the Tablet. Away flew the Parrot with her Booty, and return’d to the King’s Lap. The Monarch, being somewhat curious, read the Words on the broken Tablet,which had no Meaning in them as he could perceive, but seem’d to be the broken Parts of a Tetrastick. He was a great Admirer of Poetry; and the odd Adventure of his Parrot, put him upon Reflection. The Queen who recollected full well the Lines that were wrote on the Fragment ofZadig’s Tablet, order’d that Part of it to be produc’d: Both the broken Pieces being put together, they answered exactly the Indentures; and then the Verses whichZadighad written, in a Flight of Loyalty, ran thus,
Tyrants are prone to flagrant Crimes;To Clemency his Crown he owes;To Concord and to peaceful Times,Love only is the worst of Foes.
Tyrants are prone to flagrant Crimes;
To Clemency his Crown he owes;
To Concord and to peaceful Times,
Love only is the worst of Foes.
Upon this the King order’dZadigto be instantly brought before him; and his two Friendsand the Lady to be that Moment discharg’d.Zadig, as he stood before the King and Queen, fix’d his Eyes upon the Ground, and begg’d their Majesty’s Pardon for his little worthless, poetical Attempt. He spoke, however, with such a becoming Grace, and with so much Modesty and good Sense, that the King and the Queen, ordered him to be brought before them once again. He was brought accordingly, and he pleas’d them still more and more. In short, they gave him all the immense Estate ofArimazes, who had so unjustly accus’d him; butZadiggenerously return’d the wicked Informer the Whole to a Farthing. The envious Man, however, was no ways affected, but with the Restoration of his Effects.Zadigevery Day grew more and more in Favour atCourt. He was made a Party in all the King’s Pleasures, and nothing was done in the Privy-Council without him. The Queen, from that very Hour, shew’d him so much Respect, and spoke to him in such soft and endearing Terms, that in Process of Time, it prov’d of fatal Consequence to herself, her Royal Consort, toZadig, and the whole Kingdom.Zadignow began to think it was not so difficult a Thing to be happy as at first he imagin’d.
The Time now drew near for the Celebration of agrand Festival, which was kept but once in five Years. ’Twas a constant Custom inBabylonat the Expiration of the Term above-mention’d, to distinguish that Citizen from all the Rest, in the most solemn Manner, who had done the most generous Action; and the Grandees and Magi always sat as Judges. TheSatrapinform’d them of every praise-worthy Deed that occurr’d within his District. All were put to the Vote, and the King himself pronounc’d the Definitive Sentence. People of all Ranks and Degrees came from the remotest Part of the Kingdom to be present at this Solemnity. The Victor, whoever he was, receiv’d from the King’s own Hand a golden Cup, enrich’d with precious Stones, and upon the Delivery, the King made use of the following Salutation.Receive this Reward of your Generosity, and may the Gods grant me Thousands of such valuable Subjects!
Upon this memorable Day, the King appear’d in all the Pomp imaginable on his Throne of State, surrounded by his Grandees, the Magi, and the Deputies, from all the surrounding Nations, of every Province that attended these public Sports, where Honour was to be acquir’d, not by the Velocity of the best Race-Horse, or by bodily Strength, but by intrinsic Merit. The principalSatrapproclaim’d, with an audible Voice, such Actions as would entitle the Victor to the inestimable Prize; but never mention’d one Word ofZadig’s Greatness of Soul, in returning his invidious Neighbour all his Estate, notwithstanding he would have taken awayhis Life: That was but a Trifle, and not worth speaking of.
The first that was set up for the Prize, was a Judge, that had occasion’d a Citizen to lose a very considerable Cause, through some Mistake, for which he was no ways responsible, and made him Restitution out of his private Purse.
The next Candidate was a Youth, that tho’ violently in Love with one that he intended shortly to make his Spouse, yet resign’d her to his Friend, who was just expiring at her Feet; and moreover, gave her a Portion at the same Time.
After this appear’d a Soldier, who, in theHyrcanianWar, had done a much more glorious Action than the Lover. A Gang ofHyrcanianshaving taken his Mistress from him, he foughtthem bravely, and rescued her out of their Hands: Soon after, he was inform’d, that another Band of the same Party had hurried away his Mother to a Place not far distant; he left his Mistress, all drown’d in Tears, and ran to his Mother’s Assistance: After that Skirmish was over, he returned to his Sweet-heart, and found her just expiring. He would fain have plung’d a Dagger into his Heart that Moment; but his Mother remonstrated to him, that, should he die, she should be entirely helpless, and upon that Account only he had Courage to live a little longer.
The Judges seem’d very much inclin’d to give their Votes for the Soldier; but the King prevented them, by saying, that the Soldier’s Action was praise-worthy enough, and so were those of therest, but none of them give me any Surprize. WhatZadigdid Yesterday perfectly struck me with Astonishment. I’ll mention another Instance. I had some few Days ago, as a Testimony of my Resentment, banish’d my Prime-Minister, and FavouriteCorebfrom the Court. I complain’d of his Conduct in the warmest Terms; and all my Sycophants about me, told me that I was too merciful; and loaded him with the sharpest Invectives. I ask’dZadigwhat his Opinion was ofCoreb; and he dar’d to give him the best of Characters. I must confess, I have read in our publick Records, indeed, of Instances where Restitution have been generally made, for Injuries committed by Mistake; where a Mistress has been resign’d; and where a Mother has been preferr’dto a Mistress; but I never read of a Courtier, that would speak to the Advantage of a Minister in Disgrace, and against whom the Sovereign was highly incens’d. I’ll give 20,000 Pieces of Gold to every Candidate that has been this Day proclaim’d, but I’ll give the Cup to no one butZadig.
Sire, saidZadig, ’tis your Majesty alone, that deserves the Cup; ’tis you alone who have done an Action of Generosity, never heard of before; since you, who are King of Kings, wasn’t exasperated against your Slave, when he contradicted you in the Heat of your Passion. Every Body gaz’d with Eyes of Admiration on the King andZadig. The Judge, who had generously made Restitution for his Error; the Lover, who had married his Mistress to his Friend;the Soldier, who had preferr’d the Welfare of his Mother to that of his Mistress; received the promis’d Donation from the Monarch, and saw their Names register’d in the Book ofFame: ButZadighad the Cup. The King got the universal Character of a good Prince, which he did not long preserve. This joyful Day was solemniz’d with Festivals beyond the Time by Law establish’d. Tragedies were acted there that drew Tears from the Spectators; and Comedies that made them laugh; Entertainments, that theBabylonianswere perfect Strangers to: The Commemoration of it is still preserv’d inAsia. Now, saidZadig, I am happy at last; but he was grosly mistaken.
Young asZadigwas, he was constituted chief Judge of all the Tribunals throughout the Empire. He fill’d the Place, like one, whom the Gods had endow’d with the strictest Justice, and the most solid Wisdom. It was to him, the Nations round about were indebted for that generous Maxim;that ’tis much more Prudence to acquit two Persons, tho’ actually guilty, than to pass Sentence of Condemnation in one that is virtuous and innocent. It was his firm Opinion, that the Laws were intended to be a Praise to those who did well, as much as to be a Terror to Evildoers.It was his peculiar Talent to render Truth as obvious as possible: Whereas most Men study to render it intricate and obscure. On the very first Day of his Entrance into his High Office, he exerted this peculiar Talent. A rich Merchant, and a Native ofBabylon, died in theIndies. He had made his Will, and appointed his two Sons Joint-Heirs of his Estate, as soon as they had settled their Sister, and married her with their mutual Approbation. Moreover, he left a specific Legacy of 30,000 Pieces of Gold to that Son, who should, after his Decease, be prov’d to love him best. The Eldest erected to his Memory a very costly Monument: The Youngest appropriated a considerable Part of his Bequest to the Augmentation of his Sister’s Fortune: Every one, withoutHesitation, gave the Preference to the Elder, allowing the Younger to have the greatest Affection for his Sister. The Legacy therefore was doubtless due to the Eldest.
Their Cause came beforeZadig, and he examin’d them apart. To the former, saidZadig, Your Father, Sir, is not dead, as is reported, but being happily recover’d, is on his Return toBabylon. God be praised, said the young Man! but I hope the Expence I have been at in raising this superb Monument will be consider’d. After this,Zadigrepeated the same Story to the Younger. God be praised, said he! I will immediately restore all that he has left me; but I hope my Father will not recal the little Present I have made my Sister. You have nothing to restore, Sir; you shall havethe Legacy of the thirty thousand Pieces; for ’tis you that have the greatest Veneration for your deceased Father.
A young Lady that was very rich, had entred into a Marriage-Contract with twoMagis; and having receiv’d Instructions from both Parties for some Months, she prov’d with Child. They were both ready and willing to marry her. But, said she, he shall be my Husband, that has put me into a Capacity of serving my Country, by adding one to it. ’Tis I, Madam, that have answered that valuable End, said one; but the other insisted ’twas his Operation. Well! said she, since this is a Moot-point, I’ll acknowledge him for the Father of the Child, that will give him the most liberal Education. In a short Time after, my Lady was brought to Bed ofa hopeful Boy. Each of them insisted on being Tutor, and the Cause was brought beforeZadig. The two Magi were order’d to appear in Court. Pray Sir, saidZadigto the first, what Method of Instruction do you propose to pursue for the Improvement of your young Pupil? He shall first be grounded, said this learned Pedagogue, in the Eight Parts of Speech; then I’ll teach him Logic, Astrology, Magick, the wide Difference between the Terms Substance and Accident, Abstract and Concrete,&c. &c.As for my Part, Sir, I shall take another Course, said the second; I’ll do my utmost to make him an honest Man, and acceptable to his Friends. Upon this,Zadigsaid, you, Sir, shall marry the Mother, let who will be the Father.
There came daily Complaints to Court against theItimadouletofMedia, whose Name wasIrax. He was a Person of Quality, who was possess’d of a very considerable Estate, notwithstanding he had squander’d away a great Part of it, by indulging himself in all Manner of expensive Pleasures. It was but seldom that an Inferior was suffer’d to speak to him; but not a Soul durst contradict him: No Peacock was more gay; no Turtle more amorous; and no Tortoise more indolent and inactive. He made false Glory and false Pleasures his sole Pursuit.
Zadig, undertaking to cure him, sent him forthwith, as by express Order from the King, a Musick-Master with twelve Voices, and 24 Violins, as his Attendants; a Head Steward, with six Men Cooks, and 4 Chamberlains,who were never to be out of his Sight. The King issued out his Writ for the punctual Observance of his Royal Will; and thus the Affair proceeded.
The first Morning, as soon as the voluptuousIraxhad open’d his Eyes, his Musick-Master, with the Voices and Violins, entred his Apartment. They sang a Cantata, that lasted two Hours and three Minutes. Every three Minutes the Chorus, or Burthen of the Song, was to this Effect.
Tisn’t in Words to speak your Praise;What mighty Honours are your Due!To worth like yours we Altars raise,No Monarch’s happier, Sir, than you.
Tisn’t in Words to speak your Praise;
What mighty Honours are your Due!
To worth like yours we Altars raise,
No Monarch’s happier, Sir, than you.
After the Cantata was over, the Chamberlain address’d him in a formal Harangue for three Quarters of an Hour withoutceasing; wherein he took Occasion to extol every Virtue to which he was a perfect Stranger; when the Oration was over, he was conducted to Dinner, where the Musicians were all in waiting, and play’d, as soon as he was seated at his Table. Dinner lasted three Hours before he condescended to speak a Word. When he did; you say Right, Sir, said the chief Chamberlain; scarce had he utter’d four Words more, but Right, Sir, said the second. The other two Chamberlain’s Time was taken up in laughing with Admiration atIrax’s Smart Repartees, or at least such as he ought to have made. After the Cloth was taken away, the adulating Chorus was repeated.
This first DayIraxwas all in Raptures; he imagin’d, that this Honour done him by the Kingof Kings, was the sole Result of his exalted Merit. The second wasn’t altogether so agreeable; The third prov’d somewhat troublesome; the fourth insupportable; the fifth was tormenting; and at last, he was perfectly outrageous at the continual Peal in his Ears of No Monarch’s happier Sir, than you, You say right,&c.and at being daily harangu’d at the same Hour. Whereupon he wrote to Court, and begg’d of his Majesty to recal his Chamberlain, his Musick-Master, and all his Retinue, his Head Steward and his Cooks, and promis’d, in the most submissive Manner, to be less vain, and more industrious for the future. Tho’ he didn’t require so much Adulations, nor such grand Entertainments, he was much more happy; for, asSadderhas it,One continuedScene of Pleasure, is no Pleasure at all.
Zadigevery Day gave incontestable Proofs of his wondrous Penetration, and the Goodness of his Heart; he was ador’d by the People, and was the Darling of the King. The little Difficulties that he met with in the first Stage of his Life, serv’d only to augment his present Felicity. Every Night, however, he had some unlucky Dream or another, that gave him some Disturbance. One while, he imagin’d himself extended on a Bed of wither’d Plants, amongst which there were some that were sharp pointed, and made him very restless and uneasy; another Time, he fancied himself repos’d on a Bed of Roses, out of which rush’d a Serpent, that stung him to the Heart with his envenom’d Tongue. Alas!said he, waking, I was one while upon a Bed of hard and nauseous Plants, and just this Moment repos’d on a Bed of Roses. But then the Serpent.———
The Misfortunes that attendedZadigproceeded, in a great Measure, from his Preferment; but more from his intrinsic Merit. Every Day he had familiar Converse with the King, his Royal Master, and his august Consort,Astarte. And the Pleasure arising from thence was greatly enhanc’d from an innate Ambition of pleasing, which, in regard to Wit, is the same, as Dress is to Beauty. His Youth, and graceful Deportment, had agreater Influence onAstarte, than she was at first aware of. Tho’ her Affection for him daily encreas’d; yet she was perfectly innocent.Astartewould say, without the least Reserve or Apprehension of Fear, that she was extreamly pleas’d with the Company of one, who was, not only a Favourite of her Husband, but the Darling of the whole Empire. She was continually speaking in his Commendation before the King: He was the Subject of her whole Discourse amongst her Ladies of Honour, who were as lavish of their Praises as herself. Such repeated Discourses, however innocent, made a deeper Impression on her Heart, than she at that Time apprehended. She would every now and then sendZadigsome little Present or another; which he construed asthe Result of a greater Value for him than she intended. She said no more of him, as she thought, than a Queen might innocently do, who was perfectly assur’d of his Attachment to her Husband; sometimes, indeed, she would express her self with an Air of Tenderness and Affection.
Astartewas much handsomer than either his MistressSemira, who had such a natural Antipathy to a one-eyed Lord, orAzora, his late loving Spouse, that would innocently have cut his Nose off. The Freedoms whichAstartetook, her tender Expressions, at which she began to blush, the Glances of her Eye, which she would turn away, if perceiv’d, and which she fix’d upon his, kindled in the Heart ofZadiga Fire, which struck him with Amazement.He did all he could to smother it; he call’d up all the Philosophy he was Master of to his Aid; but all in vain, for no Consolation arose from those Reflections.
Duty, Gratitude, and an injur’d Monarch, presented themselves before his Eyes, as avenging Deities: He bravely struggled; he triumph’d indeed; but this Conquest over his Passions, which he was oblig’d to check every Moment, cost him many a deep Sigh and Tear. He durst not talk with the Queen any more, with that Freedom which was too engaging on both Sides; his Eyes were obnubilated; his Discourse was forc’d and unconnected; he turn’d his Eyes another Way; and when, against his Inclination, they met with those of the Queen, he found, that tho’drown’d in Tears, they darted Flames of Fire: They seem’d in Silence to intimate, that they were afraid of being in love with each other; and that both burn’d with a Fire which both condemn’d.
Zadigflew from her Presence, like one beside himself, and in Despair; his Heart was over-charg’d with a Burthen, too great for him to bear: In the Heat of his Conflicts, he disclos’d the Secrets of his Heart to his trusty FriendCador, as one, who, having long groan’d under the Weight of an inexpressible Anguish of Mind, at once makes known the Cause of his Torments by the Groans, as it were, extorted from him, and by the Drops of a cold Sweat, that trickled down his Cheeks.
Cadorsaid to him; ’tis now some considerable Time since, I have discover’d that secret Passion which you have foster’d in your Bosom, and yet endeavour’d to conceal even from your self. The Passions carry along with them such strong Impressions, that they cannot be conceal’d. Tell me ingenuouslyZadig; and be your own Accuser, whether or no, since I have made this Discovery, the King has not shewn some visible Marks of his Resentment. He has no other Foible, but that of being the most jealous Mortal breathing. You take more Pains to check the Violence of your Passion, than the Queen herself does; because you are a Philosopher; because, in short, you areZadig;Astarteis but a weak Woman;and tho’ her Eyes speak too visibly, and with too much Imprudence; yet she does not think her self blame-worthy. Being conscious of her Innocence, to her own Misfortune, as well as yours, she is too unguarded. I tremble for her; because I am sensible her Conscience acquits her. Were you both agreed, you might conceal your Regard for each other from all the World: A rising Passion, that is smother’d, breaks out into a Flame; Love, when once gratified, knows how to conceal itself with Art.Zadigshudder’d at the Proposition of ungratefully violating the Bed of his Royal Benefactor; and never was there a more loyal Subject to a Prince, tho’ guilty of an involuntary Crime. The Queen, however, repeated the Name ofZadigso often, and her Cheeks glow’d with such a red, when ever she utter’d it; she was one while so transported, and at another, so dejected, when the Discourse turn’d upon him in the King’s Presence; she was in such a Reverie, so confus’d and stupid, when he went out of the Presence, that her Deportment made the King extremely uneasy. He was convinc’d of every Thing he saw, and form’d in his Mind an Idea of a thousand Things he did not see. He observ’d, particularly, thatAstarte’s Sandals were blue; soZadig’s were blue likewise; that as the Queen wore yellow Ribbands,Zadig’s Turbet was of the same Colour: These were shocking Circumstances for a Monarch of his Cast of Mind to reflect on! To a Mind, inshort, so distemper’d as his was, Suspicions were converted into real Facts.
All Court Slaves, and Sycophants, are so many Spies on Kings and Queens: They soon discover’d thatAstartewas fond, andMoabdarjealous.Arimazius, his envious Foe, who was as incorrigible as ever; for Flints will never soften; and Creatures, that are by Nature venemous, forever retain their Poison.Arimazius, I say, wrote an anonymous Letter toMoabdar, the infamous Recourse of sordid Spirits, who are the Objects of universal Contempt; but in this Case, an Affair of the last Importance; because this Letter tallied with the baneful Suggestions that Monarch had conceiv’d. In short, his Thoughts were now wholly bent upon Revenge. He determin’d topoisonAstarteon a certain Night, and to haveZadigstrangled by Break of Day. Orders for that Purpose were expressly given to a merciless, inhuman Eunuch, the ready Executioner of his Vengeance. At that critical Conjuncture, there happen’d to be a Dwarf, who was dumb, but not deaf, in the King’s Apartment. Nobody regarded him: He was an Eye and Ear-witness of all that pass’d, and yet no more suspected than any irrational Domestic Animal. This little Dwarf had conceiv’d a peculiar Regard forAstarteandZadig: He heard, with equal Horror and Surprize, the King’s Orders to destroy them both. But how to prevent those Orders from being put into Execution, as the Time was so short, was all his Concern. Hecould not write, ’tis true, but he had luckily learnt to draw, and take a Likeness. He spent a good Part of the Night in delineating with Crayons, on a Piece of Paper, the imminent Danger that thus attended the Queen. In one Corner, he represented the King highly incens’d, and giving his cruel Eunuch the fatal Orders; in another, a Bowl and a Cord upon a Table; in the Center was the Queen, expiring in the Arms of her Maids of Honour, withZadigstrangled, and laid dead at her Feet. In the Horizon was the rising Sun, to denote, that this execrable Scene was to be exhibited by Break of Day. No sooner was his Design finish’d, but he ran with it to one ofAstarte’s Female Favourites, then in waiting, call’d her up, and gaveher to understand, that she must carry the Draught toAstartethat very Moment.
In the mean Time, the Queen’s Attendants, tho’ it was Dead of Night, knock’d at the Door ofZadig’s Apartment, wak’d him, and deliver’d into his Hands a Billet from the Queen. At first he could not well tell whether he was only in a Dream or not, but soon read the Letter, with a trembling Hand, and a heavy Heart: Words can’t express his Surprise, and the Agonies of Despair which he was in upon his perusal of the Contents.Fly, said she,DearZadig,this very Moment; for your Life’s in the utmost Danger: Fly, DearZadig,I conjure you, in the Name of that fatal Passion, with which I have long struggled, and which I now venture to discover,as I am to make Atonement for it, in a few Moments, by the Loss of my Life. Tho’ I am conscious to myself of my Innocence, I find I am to feel the Weight of my Husband’s Resentment, and die the Death of a Traitor.
Zadigwas scarce able to speak. He order’d his FriendCadorto be instantly call’d, and gave him the Letter the Moment he came, without opening his Lips.Cadorpress’d him to regard the Contents, and to make the best of his Way toMemphis. If you presume, said he, to have an Interview with her Majesty first, you inevitably hasten her Execution; or if you wait upon the King, the fatal Consequence will be the same: I’ll prevent her unhappy Fate, if possible; you follow but your own: I’llgive it out, that you are gone to theIndies: I’ll wait on you as soon as the Hurricane is blown over, and I’ll let you know all that occurs material inBabylon.
Cador, that Instant, order’d two of the fleetest Dromedaries that could be got, to be in readiness at a private Back-Door belonging to the Court; he help’dZadigto mount his Beast, tho’ ready to drop into the Earth. He had but one trusty Servant to attend him, andCador, overwhelm’d with Grief, soon lost Sight of his dearly beloved Friend.
This illustrious Fugitive soon reach’d the Summit of a little Hill, that afforded him a fair Prospect of the whole City ofBabylon: But turning his Eyes back towards the Queen’s Palace, he fainted away; andwhen he had recover’d his Senses, he drown’d his Eyes in a Flood of Tears, and with Impatience wish’d for Death. To conclude, after he had reflected, with Horror, on the deplorable Fate of the most amiable Creature in the Universe, and of the most meritorious Queen that ever liv’d; he for a Moment commanded his Passion, and with a Sigh, made the following Exclamations: What is this mortal Life! O Virtue, Virtue, of what Service hast thou been to me! Two young Ladies, a Mistress, and a Wife, have prov’d false to me; a third, who is perfectly innocent, and ten thousand Times handsomer than either of them, has suffer’d Death, ’tis probable, before this, on my Account! All the Acts of Benevolence which I have shewn, have been theFoundation of my Sorrows, and I have been only rais’d to the highest Spoke of Fortune’s Wheel, for no other Purpose than to be tumbled down with the greater Force. Had I been as abandon’d as some Miscreants are, I had like them been happy. His Head thus overwhelm’d with these melancholy Reflections, his Eyes thus sunk in his Head, and his meagre Cheeks all pale and languid; and, in a Word, his very Soul thus plung’d in the Abyss of deep Despair, he pursu’d his Journey towardsEgypt.
Zadigsteer’d his Course by the Stars that shone over his Head. The Constellation of Orion, and the radiant Dog-star directed him towards the Pole of Canope. He reflected with Admiration on those immense Globes of Light, which appear’d to the naked Eye no more than little twinkling Lights; whereas the Earth he was then traversing, which, in Reality, is no more than an imperceptible Point in Nature, seem’d, according to the selfish Idea we generally entertain of it, something very immense, and very magnificent. He then reflected on the whole Race of Mankind, and look’d uponthem, as they are in Fact, a Parcel of Insects, or Reptiles, devouring one another on a small Atom of Clay. This just Idea of them greatly alleviated his Misfortunes, recollecting the Nothingness, if we may be allow’d the Expression, of his own Being, and even ofBabylonitself. His capacious Soul now soar’d into Infinity, and he contemplated, with the same Freedom, as if she was disencumber’d from her earthly Partner, on the immutable Order of the Universe. But as soon as she cower’d her Wings, and resumed her native Seat, he began to consider thatAstartemight possibly have lost her Life for his Sake; upon which, his Thoughts of the Universe vanish’d all at once, and no other Objects appear’d before his distemper’d Eyes, but hisAstartegiving up the Ghost,and himself overwhelm’d with a Sea of Troubles: As he gave himself up to this Flux and Reflux of sublime Philosophy and Anxiety of Mind, he was insensibly arriv’d on the Frontiers ofEgypt: And his trusty Attendant had, unknown to him, stept into the first Village, and sought out for a proper Apartment for his Master and himself.Zadigin the mean Time made the best of his Way to the adjacent Gardens; where he saw, not far distant from the High-way, a young Lady, all drown’d in Tears, calling upon Heaven and Earth for Succour in her Distress, and a Man, fir’d with Rage and Resentment, in pursuit after her. He had now just overtaken her, and she fell prostrate at his Feet imploring his Forgiveness. He loaded her with a thousand Reproaches; nor did he spare tochastise her in the most outrageous Manner. By theEgyptian’s cruel Deportment towards her, he concluded that the Man was a jealous Husband, and that the Lady was an Inconstant, and had defil’d his Bed: But when he reflected, that the Woman was a perfect Beauty, and to his thinking something like the unfortunateAstarte, he perceiv’d his Heart yearn with Compassion towards the Lady, and swell with Indignation against her Tyrant. For Heaven’s sake, Sir, assist me, said she, toZadig, sobbing as if her Heart would break, Oh! deliver me out of the Hands of thisBarbarian: Save, Sir, O save my Life. Upon these her shocking Outcries,Zadigthrew himself between the injur’d Lady and the inexorable Brute. And as he had some smattering of theEgyptianTongue, he expostulated with him in his own Dialect, and said: Dear Sir, if you are endow’d with the least Spark of Humanity, let me conjure you to have some Pity and Remorse for so beautiful a Creature; have some Regard, Sir, to the Weakness of her Sex. How can you treat a Lady, who is one of Nature’s Master-pieces, in such a rude and outrageous Manner, one who lies weeping at your Feet for Forgiveness, and one who has no other Recourse than her Tears for her Defence? Oh! Oh! said the jealous-pated Fellow in a Fury toZadig, What! You are one of her Gallants, I suppose. I’ll be reveng’d of thee, thou Villain, this Moment. No sooner were the Words out of his Mouth, but he quits hold of the Lady, in whose Hair he had twisted hisFingers before, takes up his Lance in a Fury, and endeavours to the utmost of his Pow’r to plunge it in the Stranger’s Heart:Zadig, however, being cool, warded the intended Blow with Ease. He laid fast hold of his Lance towards the Point. One strove to recover it, and the other to snatch it away by Force. They broke it between them. Whereupon theEgyptiandrew his Sword.Zadigdrew his: They fought: The former made a hundred rash Passes one after another, which the latter parried with the utmost Dexterity. The Lady sat herself upon a Grass-plat, adjusting her Head-dress, and looking on the Combatants. TheEgyptianwas too strong forZadig, butZadigwas more nimble and active. The latter fought as a Man whose Hand was guided byhis Head; the former as a Mad-man who dealt about his Blows at random.Zadigtook the Advantage, made a Plunge at him, and disarm’d him. And forasmuch as he found that theEgyptianwas hotter than ever, and endeavour’d all he could to throw him down by Dint of Strength,Zadiglaid fast hold of him, flew upon him, and tripp’d up his Heels: After that, holding the Point of his Sword to his Breast, like a Man of Honour, gave him his Life. TheEgyptian, fir’d with Rage, and having no Command of his Passion, drew his Dagger, and woundedZadiglike a Coward, whilst the Victor generously forgave him. Upon that unexpected Action,Zadig, being incens’d to the last Degree, plung’d his Sword deep into his Bosom. TheEgyptianfetch’d a hideous Groan, anddied upon the Spot.Zadigthen approach’d the Lady, and with a kind of Concern, in the softest Terms told her, that he was oblig’d to kill her Insulter, tho’ against his Inclinations. I have aveng’d your Cause, and deliver’d you out of the merciless Hands of the most outrageous Man I ever saw. Now, Madam, let me know your farther Will and Pleasure with me. You shall die, you Villain! You have murder’d my Love. Oh! I could tear your Heart out. Indeed, Madam, saidZadig, you had one of the most hot-headed, oddest Lovers I ever saw. He beat you most unmercifully, and would have taken away my Life because you call’d me in to your Assistance. Would to God he was but alive to beat me again, said she, blubbering and roaring; I deserv’d to be beat. I gave him too just Occasionto be jealous of me. Would to God that he had beat me, and you had died in his Stead!Zadigmore astonish’d, and more exasperated than ever he was in all his Life, said to her: Really, Madam, you put on such extravagant Airs, that you tempt me, pretty as you are, to thresh you most cordially in my Turn; but I scorn to concern my self any more about you. Upon this, he remounted his Dromedary, and made the best of his Way towards the Village: But before he had got near a hundred Yards, he return’d upon an Out-cry that was made by four Couriers fromBabylon. They rode full Speed. One of them, spying the young Widow, cried out. There she is, That’s she. She answers in every Respect to the Description we had of her.They never took the least Notice of her dead Gallant, but secur’d her directly. Oh! Sir, cried she toZadig, again and again, dear Sir, most generous Stranger, once more deliver me from a Pack of Villains. I most humbly beg your Pardon for my late Conduct and unjust Complaint of you. Do but stand my Friend, at this critical Conjuncture, and I’ll be your most obedient Vassal till Death.Zadighad now no Inclination to fight for one so undeserving any more. Find some other to be your Fool now, Madam; you shan’t impose upon me a second Time. I’ll assure you, Madam, I know better Things. Besides he was wounded; and bled so fast that he wanted Assistance himself: And ’tis very probable, that the Sight of theBabylonianCouriers, who were dispatch’d from KingMoabdar, might discompose him very much. He made all the Haste he could towards the Village, not being able to conceive what should be the real Cause of the young Lady’s being secur’d by thoseBabylonishOfficers, and as much at a Loss, at the same Time, what to think of such a Termagant and a Coquet.
No sooner wasZadigarriv’d at theEgyptianVillage before-mention’d, but he found himself surrounded by a Croud. The People one and all cried out! See! See! there’s the Man that ran away with the beauteous LadyMissouf, and murder’dCletofis. Gentlemen,said he, God forbid that I should ever entertain a Thought of running away with the Lady you speak of: She is too much of a Coquet: And as toCletofis, I did not murder him, but kill’d him in my own Defence. He endeavour’d all he could to take my Life away, because I entreated him to take some Pity and Compassion on the beauteousMissouf, whom he beat most unmercifully. I am a Stranger, who am fled hither for Shelter, and ’tis highly improbable, that upon my first Entrance into a Country, where I came for Safety and Protection, I should be guilty of two such enormous Crimes, as that of running away with another Man’s Partner, and that of clandestinely murdering him on her Account.
TheEgyptiansat that Time were just and humane. ThePopulace, tis true, hurriedZadigto the Town-Goal; but they took care in the first Place to stop the Bleeding of his Wounds, and afterwards examin’d the suppos’d Delinquents apart, in order to discover, if possible, the real Truth. They acquittedZadigof the Charge of wilful and premeditated Murder; but as he had taken a Subject’s Life away, tho’ in his own Defence, he was sentenc’d to be a Slave, as the Law directed. His two Beasts were sold in open Market, for the Service of the Hamlet; What Money he had was distributed amongst the Inhabitants; and he and his Attendant were expos’d in the Market-place to public Sale. AnArabianMerchant,Setocby Name, purcha’d them both; but as the Valet, or Attendant, was a robust Man, and better cut outfor hard Labour than the Master, he fetch’d the most Money. There was no Comparison to be made between them.Zadigtherefore was a Slave subordinate to his Valet; they secur’d them both, however, by a Chain upon their Legs; and so link’d they accompanied their Master home.Zadig, as they were on the Road, comforted his Fellow-Slave, and exhorted him to bear his Misfortunes with Patience: But, according to Custom, he made several Reflections on the Vicissitudes of human Life. I am now sensible, said he, that my impropitious Fortune has some malignant Influence over thine; every Occurrence of my Life hitherto has prov’d strangely odd and unaccountable. In the first Place, I was sentenc’d to die atBabylon, for writing a short Panegyrickon the King, my Master. In the next, I narrowly escap’d being strangled, for the Queen his Royal Consort’s speaking a little too much in my Favour; and here I am a joint-Slave with thy self; because a turbulent Fellow of a Gallant would beat his Lady. However, Comrade, let us march on boldly; let not our Courage be cast down; all this may possibly have a happier Issue than we expect. ’Tis absolutely necessary that theseArabianMerchants should have Slaves, and why should not you and I, as we are but Men, be Slaves as Thousands of others are? This Master of ours may not prove inexorable. He must treat his Slaves with some Thought and Consideration, if he expects them to do his Work. This was his Discourse to his Comrade; but his Mind wasmore attentive to the Misfortunes of the Queen ofBabylon.
Two Days afterwardsSetocset out with his two Slaves and his Camels, forArabia Deserta. His Tribe liv’d near the Desert ofHoreb. The Way was long and tedious.Setoc, during the Journey, paid a much greater Regard toZadig’s Valet, than to himself; because the former was the most able to load the Camels; and therefore what little Distinctions were made, they were in his Favour. It so happen’d that one of the Camels died upon the Road: The Load which the Beast carried was immediately divided, and thrown upon the Shoulders of the two Slaves;Zadighad his Share.Setoc, couldn’t forbear laughing to see his two Slaves crouching under their Burthen.Zadigtook the Liberty to explain the Reasonthereof; and convinc’d him of the Laws of the Equilibrium. The Merchant was a little startled at his philosophical Discourse, and look’d upon him with a more favourable Eye than at first.Zadig, perceiving he had rais’d his Curiosity, redoubled it, by instructing him in several material Points, which were in some Measure, advantageous to him in his Way of Business: Such as, the specific Weight of Metals, and other Commodities of various Kinds, of an equal Bulk; the Properties of several useful Animals, and the best Ways and Means to make Such as were wild, tame by Degrees, and fit for Service: In short,Zadigwas look’d upon by his Master, as a perfect Oracle.Setocnow thought the Master the much better Man of the two. He us’d him courteously,and had no Room to repent of his Indulgence towards him.
Being got to their Journey’s End, the first Step thatSetoctook was to claim a Debt of five hundred Ounces of Silver of aJew, who had borrow’d it in the Presence of two Witnesses; but both of them were dead; and as theJewwas conscious he couldn’t be cast for Want of Evidence, appropriated the Merchant’s Money to his own Use, and thank’d God that it lay in his Power for once to bite anArabianwith Impunity.Setocdiscover’d toZadigthe unhappy Situation of his Case, as he was now become his Confident. Where was it, pray, saidZadig, that you lent this large Sum to that ungrateful Infidel? Upon a large Stone, said the Merchant, at the Foot of MountHoreb. What sort of a Man is your Debtor, saidZadig? Oh! he is as errand a Rogue as ever breath’d, reply’dSetoc. That I take for granted; but, saysZadig, is he a lively, active Man, or is he a dull heavy-headed Fellow? He is one of the worst of Pay-masters in the World, but the merriest, most sprightly Fellow I ever met with. Very well! saidZadig, let me be one of your Council when your Cause comes to be heard. In short, he summon’d theJewto attend the Court; where, when the Judge was sat,Zadigopen’d the Cause: Thou impartial Judge of this Court of Equity, I am come here, in behalf of my Master, to demand of the Defendant five hundred Ounces of Silver, which he refuses to pay, and would fain traverse the Debt. Have you, Friend, your Witnessesready to prove the Loan, said the Judge? No, they are dead; but there is a large Stone still subsisting, on which the Money was deposited; and if your Excellence, will be pleas’d to order the Stone to be brought in Court, I don’t doubt but the Evidence it will give, will be Proof sufficient of the Fact. I hope your Excellence will order, that theJewand myself shall be oblig’d to attend the Court, till the Stone comes, and I’ll dispatch a special Messenger to fetch it, at my Master’s Expence. Your Request is very reasonable, said the Judge. Do as you propose; and so call’d another Cause.
When the Court was ready to break up, Well! said the Judge toZadig, is your Stone come yet? TheJew, with a Sneer, replied, your Excellence may wait here till this Time To-morrow,before the Stone will appear in Court; for ’tis above six Mile off, and it will require fifteen Men to remove it from its Place. ’Tis well! repliedZadig. I told your Excellence that the Stone would be a very material Evidence. Since the Defendant can point out the Place where the Stone lies, he tacitly confesses, that it was upon that Stone the Money was deposited. TheJewthus unexpectedly confuted, was soon oblig’d to acknowledge the Debt. The Judge order’d that theJewshould be tied fast to the Stone, without Victuals or Drink, till he should advance the five hundred Ounces of Silver, which were soon paid accordingly, and theJewreleas’d. The SlaveZadig, and this remarkable Stone-Witness, were in great Repute all overArabia.
Setoc, transported with his good Success, of a Slave madeZadighis Favourite Companion and Confident; he found him as necessary in the Conduct of his Affairs, as the King ofBabylonhad before done in the Administration of his Government; and lucky it was forZadigthatSetochad no Wife.
He discover’d, that his Master was in his Temper benevolent, strictly honest, and a Man of good natural Parts.Zadigwas very much concern’d, that One of so much Sense should pay divine Adoration to a whole Host of created, tho’ Celestial Beings, that is to say, the Sun,Moon, and Stars, according to the antient Custom of theArabians. He talk’d, at first, to his Master, with great Precaution on so important a Topick. But at last told him, in direct Terms, that they were created Bodies, as others, tho’ of less Lustre, and that there was no more Adoration due to them, than to a Stock or a Stone. But, saidSetoc, they are eternal Beings to whom we are indebted for all the Blessings we enjoy; they animate Nature; they regulate the Seasons; they are, in a Word, at such an infinite Distance from us, that it would be downright impious not to adore them. You are more indebted, saidZadig, to the Waters of the Red Sea, which transport so many valuable Commodities into theIndies. Why, pray, may notthey be deem’d as antient as the Stars? And if you are so fond of paying your Adoration on Account of their vast Distance; why don’t you adore the Land of theGangarides, which lies in the utmost Extremities of the Earth. No, saidSetoc, there is something so surprisingly more brilliant in the Stars than what you speak of; that a Man must adore them whether he will or not.
At the Close of the Evening,Zadigplanted a long Range of Candles in the Front of his Tent, whereSetocand he were to sup that Night: And as soon as he perceiv’d his Patron to be at the Door, he fell prostrate on his Knees before the Wax-Lights. O ye everlasting, ever-shining Luminaries, be always propitious to your Votary, saidZadig. Having repeated theseWords so loud asSetocmight hear them, he sat down to Table, without taking the least Notice ofSetoc. What! saidSetoc, somewhat startled at his Conduct, art thou at thy Prayers before Supper? I act just as inconsistently, Sir, as you do; I worship these Candles; without reflecting on their Makers, or yourself, who are my most beneficent Patron.
Setoctook the Hint, and was conscious of the Reproof that was conceal’d so genteely under a Vail. The superior Wisdom of his Slave enlightned his Mind; and from that Hour he was less lavish than ever he had been, of his Incense to those created Beings, and for the future, paid his Adoration to the eternal God who made them.
At that Time there was a most hideous Custom in highRepute all overArabia, which came originally fromScythia; but having met with the Sanction of the bigotted Brachmans, threatn’d to spread its Infection all over theEast. When a married Man happen’d to die, if his dearly beloved Widow ever expected to be esteem’d a Saint, she must throw herself headlong upon her Husband’s Funeral-Pile. This was look’d upon as a solemn Festival, and was call’d the Widow’s Sacrifice. That Tribe which could boast of the greatest Number of burnt-Widows, was look’d upon as the most meritorious. AnArabian, who was of the Tribe ofSetoc, happen’d just at that Juncture, to be dead, and his Widow (Almonaby Name) who was a noted Devotee, publish’d the Day, nay, the Hour, that she propos’d to throw herself(according to Custom) on her deceased Husband’s Funeral Pile, and be attended by a Concert of Drums and Trumpets.Zadigremonstrated toSetoc, what a shocking Custom this was, and how directly repugnant to human Nature; by permitting young Widows, almost every Day, to become wilful Self-Murderers; when they might be of Service to their Country, either by the Addition of new Subjects, or by the Education of such as demanded their Maternal Indulgence. And, by arguing seriously withSetocfor some Time, he forc’d from him at last, an ingenuous Confession, that the barbarous Custom then subsisting, ought, if possible, to be abolish’d. ’Tis now, repliedSetoc, above a thousand Years since the WidowsofArabiahave been indulg’d with this Privilege of dying with their Husbands; and how shall any one dare to abrogate a Law that has been establish’d Time out of Mind? Is there any Thing more inviolable than even an antient Error? But, repliedZadig, Reason is of more antient Date than the Custom you plead for. Do you communicate these Sentiments to the Sovereigns of your Tribes, and in the mean while I’ll go, and sound the Widow’s Inclinations.
Accordingly he paid her a Visit, and having insinuated himself into her Favour, by a few Compliments on her Beauty, after urging what a pity it was, that a young Widow, Mistress of so many Charms, should make away with herselffor no other reason but to mingle her Ashes with a Husband that was dead; he, notwithstanding, applauded her for her heroic Constancy and Courage. I perceive, Madam, said he, you was excessively fond of your deceased Spouse. Not I truly, reply’d the youngArabianDevotee. He was a Brute, infected with a groundless Jealousy of my Virtue; and, in short, a perfect Tyrant. But, notwithstanding all this, I am determin’d to comply with our Custom. Surely then, Madam, there’s a Sort of secret Pleasure in being burnt alive. Alas! with a Sigh, criedAlmona, ’tis a Shock indeed to Nature; but must be complied with for all that. I am a profess’d Devotee, and should I shew the least Reluctance, my Reputation wouldbe lost for ever; all the World would laugh at me, should I not burn myself on this Occasion:Zadighaving forc’d her ingenuously to confess, that she parted with her Life more out of Regard to what the World would say of her, and out of Pride and Ostentation, than any real Love for the deceas’d, he talk’d to her for some considerable Time so rationally, and us’d so many prevailing Arguments with her to justify her due Regard for the Life which she was going to throw away, that she began to wave the Thought, and entertain a secret Affection for her friendly Monitor. Pray, Madam, tell me, saidZadig, how would you dispose of yourself, upon the Supposition, that you could shake off this vain and barbarousNotion? Why, said Dame, with an amorous Glance, I think verily I should accept of yourself for a second Bed-fellow.
The Memory ofAstartehad made too strong an Impression on his Mind, to close with this warm Declaration: He took his leave, however, that Moment, and waited on the Chiefs. He communicated to them the Substance of their private Conversation, and prevailed with them to make it a Law for the future, that no Widow should be allow’d to fall a Victim to a deceased Husband, till after she had admitted some young Man to converse with her in private for a whole Hour together. The Law was pass’d accordingly, and not one Widow in allArabia,from that Day to this, ever observ’d the Custom. ’Twas toZadigalone that theArabianDames were indebted for the Abolition, in one Hour, of a Custom so very inhuman, that had been practis’d for such a Number of Ages.Zadig, therefore, with the strictest Justice, was look’d upon by all the Fair Sex inArabia, as their most bountiful Benefactor.
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 toBalzoraFair, whither the richest Merchants round the whole habitable Globe, us’d annually to resort.Zadigwas delighted to see such a Concourse of substantial Tradesmen from all Countries, assembled together in one Place. It appear’d to him, as if the whole Universe was but one large Family, and all happily met together atBalzora. On the second Day of the Fair, he sat down to Table with anEgyptian, anIndian, that liv’don the Banks of the RiverGanges, an Inhabitant ofCathay, aGrecian, aCelt, and several other Foreigners, who by their frequent Voyages towards theArabianGulf, were so far conversant with theArabicLanguage, as to be able to discourse freely, and be mutually understood. TheEgyptianbegan to fly into a Passion; what a scandalous Place is thisBalzora, said he, where they refuse to lend me a thousand Ounces of Gold, upon the best Security that can possibly be offer’d. Pray, saidSetoc, 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 allEgypt. 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 Nobody 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 anIndianlaid hold of his Hand, and with deep Concern, cried out, For God’s Sake what are you about? Why, said theEgyptian, I design to make a Wing of this Fowl one Part of my Supper. Pray, good Sir, consider what you are doing, said theIndian. ’Tis very possible, that the Soul of the deceas’d Lady may have taken its Residence in that Fowl. And you wouldn’t surelyrun 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 theEgyptianin a Pet; tho’ weEgyptianspay 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 theIndian? Absurd as you think it, said the other, the Ox has been the principal Object of Adoration all overEgypt, for these hundred and thirty five thousand Years, and the most abandon’dEgyptianhas never been as yet so impious as to gain-say it. Ay, Sir, an hundredthirty five thousand Years, say you, surely you must be out a little in your Calculation. ’Tis but about fourscore thousand Years, sinceIndiawas first inhabited. Sure I am, we are a more antient People than you are, and ourBramaprohibited 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 yourBrama! Is he able to stand the least in Competition with ourApis, said theEgyptian? Let us hear, pray, what mighty Feats have been done by your boastedBrama? Why, replied theBramin, he first taught his Votaries to write and read; and ’tis to him alone, all the World is indebted for the Invention of the noble Game of Chess. You are quite out,Sir, in your Notion, said aChaldean, who sat within Hearing: All these invaluable Blessings were deriv’d from the FishOannés; 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 illustrious an Origin, and you are both of you mere Moderns, in Comparison to usChaldeans, YouEgyptianslay claim to no more than 135,000 Years, and youIndians, 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 ourOannés.
A Native ofCambalu, entring into the Debate, said, I have a very great Veneration, not only for theEgyptians,Chaldeans,Greeks, andCeltæ; but forBrama,Apis, and theOannés, but in my humble Opinion, the *Li,* TheChineseTerm,Li, signifies, properly speaking, natural Light, or Reason; andTien, the Heavens, or the supreme Being.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 allEgypt,Chaldea, and theIndiesput 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 Libertyto tell you, that ours are look’d upon to be the best all overAsia; and that we had several very correct ones before the Art of Arithmetick was ever heard of inChaldea.
You are all of you a Parcel of illiterate, ignorant Bigots, cry’d aGrecian: ’Tis plain, you know nothing of the Chaos, and that the World, as it now stands, is owing wholly toMatterandForm. TheGreekran on for a considerable Time; but was at last interrupted by aCelt, 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 Gods were nothing, if set in Competition with theTeutathor the Misletoe on the Oak. As for my part, said he, I carry some ofit always in my Pocket: As to my Ancestors, they wereScythians, 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 ofTeutath, I’ll defend its Cause to the last Drop of my Blood. The Quarrel grew warmer and warmer, andSetocexpected 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 theCelt, in the first Place, as being the most noisy and outrageous. Sir, said he, Your Notions in this Affairare very just: Good Sir, oblige me with a Bit of your Misletoe. Then turning about, he expatiated on the Eloquence of theGrecian, and in a Word, soften’d in the most artful Manner all the contending Parties. He said but little indeed to theCathayian; 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, testyCelt, 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 closelyunited? Doubtless, Sir, reply’d theCelt. And you, Sir, said he, to theEgyptian, You revere, thro’ your venerableApis, the great Author of every Ox’s Being. We do so, said theEgyptian. The mightyOannés, 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 theChaldean. TheIndian, adds he, and theCathayan, acknowledge one supreme Being, or first Cause, as well as you. As to what that profound worthy Gentleman theGrecianhas 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. TheGrecian,who was look’d upon as a Sage amongst them, said, with Abundance of Gravity, thatZadig, had made a very just Construction of his Meaning. Now, Gentlemen, I appeal to you all, saidZadig, 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; andSetoc, after he had sold off all his Goods and Merchandize at a round Price, took his FriendZadigHome with him to the Land ofHoreb.Zadig, upon his first Arrival was inform’d, that a Prosecution had been carried on against him during his Absence, and that the Sentence pronounc’d against him was, that he shouldbe burnt alive before a slow Fire.