WhilstZadigattended his FriendSetoctoBalzora, the Priests of the Stars were determin’d to punish him. As all the costly Jewels, and other valuable Decorations, in which every young Widow that sacrificed her self on her Husband’s Funeral-pile, were their customary Fees, ’tis no great Wonder, indeed, that they were inclin’d to burn poorZadig, for playing them such a scurvy Trick.Zadigtherefore, was accus’d of holding heretical and damnable Tenets, in regard tothe Celestial Host: They depos’d, and swore point-blank, that he had been heard to aver, that the Stars never sat in the Sea. This horrid blasphemous Declaration thunder-struck all the Judges, and they were ready to rend their Mantles at the Sound of such an impious Assertion; and they would have madeZadig, had he been a Man of Substance, paid very severely for his heretical Notions. But in the Height of their Pity and Compassion for even such an Infidel, they would lay no Fine upon him; but content themselves with seeing him roasted alive before a slow Fire.Setoc, tho’ without Hopes of Success, us’d all the Interest he had to save his bosom Friend from so shocking a Death; but they turn’d a deaf Ear to all his Remonstrances, and oblig’d him to hold his Tongue. The youngWidowAlmona, who by this Time was not only reconcil’d to living a little longer, but had some Taste for the Pleasures of Life, and knew that she was entirely indebted toZadigfor it, resolv’d, if possible, to free her Benefactor from being burnt, as he had before convinc’d her of the Folly of it in her Case. She ponder’d upon this weighty Affair very seriously; but said nothing to any one whomsoever.Zadigwas to be executed the next Day; and she had only a few Hours left to carry her Project into Execution. Now the Reader shall hear with how much Benevolence and Discretion this amiable Widow behav’d on this emergent Occasion.
In the first Place, she made use of the most costly Perfumes; and drest herself to the utmost Advantage to render her Charmsas conspicuous as possible; And thus gaily attir’d, demanded a private Audience of the High Priest of the Stars. Upon her first Admittance into his august and venerable Presence, she address’d herself in the following Terms. O thou first-born and well-beloved Son of the Great Bear, Brother of the Bull, and first Cousin to the Dog, (these you must know were the Pontiff’s high Titles) I come to confess myself before you: My Conscience is my Accuser, and I am terribly afraid I have been guilty of a mortal Sin, by declining the stated Custom of burning my self on my Husband’s Funeral-pile? What could tempt me, in short, to a Prolongation of my Life, I can’t imagine, I, who am grown a perfect Skeleton, all wrinkled and deform’d. She paus’d, andpulling off, with a negligent but artful Air, her long silk Gloves; She display’d a soft, plump, naked Arm, and white as Snow: You see, Sir, said she, that all my Charms are blasted. Blasted, Madam, said the luscious Pontiff; No! Your Charms are still resistless: His Eyes, and his Mouth, with which he kiss’d her Hand, confirm’d their Power: Such an Arm, Madam, by the GreatOrasmades, I never saw before. Alas! said the Widow, with a modest Blush; my Arm Sir, ’tis probable, may have the Advantage of any hidden Part; but see, good Father, what a Neck is here; as yellow as Saffron, an Object not worth regarding. Then she display’d such a snowy, panting Bosom, that Nature could not mend it. A Rose-Bud on an Ivory Apple, would, if set in Competitionwith her spotless Whiteness, make no better Appearance than common Madder upon a Shrub; and the whitest Wool, just out of the Laver, were she but by, would seem but of a light-brown Hue.
Her Neck, her large black, sparkling Eyes, that languishingly roll’d, and seem’d as ’twere, on Fire; her lovely Cheeks, glowing with White and Red, her Nose, that was not unlike the Tower of MountLebanon, her Lips, which were like two Borders of Coral, inclosing two Rows of the best Pearls in theArabianSea; such a Combination, I say, of Charms, made the old Pontiff judge she was scarce twenty Years of Age; and in a kind of Flutter, to make her a Declaration of his tender Regard for her.Almona, perceiving him enamour’d, begg’dhis Interest in Favour ofZadig. Alas! my dear Charmer, my Interest alone, when you request the Favour, would be but a poor Compliment; I’ll take care his Acquittance shall be signed by three more of my Brother Priests. Do you sign first, however, saidAlmona. With all my Soul, said the amorous Pontiff, provided——you’ll be kind, my dearest. You do me too much Honour, saidAlmona; but should you give your self the Trouble to pay me a Visit after Sunset, and as soon as the StarSheattwinkles on the Horizon, you shall find me, most venerable Father, repos’d upon a rosy-colour’d silver Sopha, where you shall use your Pleasure with your humble Servant. With that she made him a low Courtesy; took upZadig’s general Release as soon as duely sign’d, andleft the old Doatard all over Love, tho’ somewhat diffident of his own Abilities. The Residue of the Day he spent in his Bagnio; he drank large enlivening Draughts of a Water distill’d from the Cinnamon ofCeilan, and the costly Spices ofTidorandTernate, and waited with the utmost Impatience for the up-rising of the brilliantSheat.
In the mean timeAlmonawent to the second Pontiff. He assur’d her that the Sun, Moon, and all the starry Host of Heav’n, were but languid Fires to her bright Eyes. He put the Question to her, in short, at once, and agreed to sign upon her Compliance. She suffer’d herself to be over-persuaded, and made an Assignation to meet him at a certain Place, as soon as the StarAlgenibshould make its Appearance.From him she repair’d to the third and fourth Pontiff, taking care, wherever she went, to seeZadig’s Acquittance duely sign’d, and made fresh Appointments at the Rising of Star after Star.
When she had carried her Point thus far, she sent a proper Message to the Judges of the Court, who had condemn’dZadig, requesting that they would come to her House, that she might advise with them upon an Affair of the last Importance. They waited on her accordingly; she produc’dZadig’s Discharge duly sign’d by four several Hands, and told them the Definitive Treaty between all the contracting Parties. Each of the pontifical Gallants observ’d their Summons to a Moment. Each was startled at the Sight of his Rival; but perfectly thunderstruckto see the Judges, before whom the Widow had laid open her Case.Zadigprocur’d an absolute Pardon, andSetocwas so charm’d with the artful Address ofAlmona, that he married her the next Day.Zadigwent afterwards to throw himself at the Feet of his fair Benefactress.Setocand he took their Leave of each other with Tears in their Eyes, and vowing that an eternal mutual Friendship should be preserv’d between them; and, in short, should Fortune at any Time afterwards prove more propitious than could well be expected to either Party; the other should partake of an equal Share of his Success.
Zadigsteer’d his Course towardsSyria; forever pondering on the hard Fate of the justly-admir’dAstarte, and reflecting on his own Stars that so obstinatelydarted down their malignant Rays, and continu’d daily to torment him. What, said he! to pay four hundred Ounces of Gold for only seeing a Bitch pass by me; to be condemn’d to be beheaded for four witless Verses in Praise of the King; to be strangled to Death, because a Queen was pleas’d to look upon me; to be made a Prisoner, and sold as a Slave for saving a young Lady from being sorely abus’d by a Brute rather than a Man; and to be upon the Brink of being roasted alive, for no other Offence than saving for the future all the Widows inArabiafrom becoming idle Burnt-Offerings, and mingling their Ashes with those of their deceased worthless Husbands.
Zadig, arriving at the Frontiers which separateArabia PetræafromSyria, and passing by a very strong Castle, several arm’dArabiansrush’d out upon him, and surrounding him, cried out: Whatever you have belonging to you is our Property, but as for your Person, that is entirely at our Sovereign’s Disposal.Zadig, instead of making any Reply, drew his Sword, and as his Attendant was a very couragious Fellow, he drew likewise. Those who laid hold on them, first fell a Sacrifice to their Fury: Their Numbers redoubled: Yet still, Both dauntless, determin’d toconquer or to die. When two Men defend themselves against a whole Gang, the Contest, doubtless, cannot last long. The Master of the Castle, oneArbogadby Name, having been an Eye-Witness from his Window, of the Intrepidity and surprising Exploits ofZadig, took a Fancy to him. He ran down therefore in Haste, and giving Orders himself to his Vassals to desist, deliver’d the two Travellers out of their Hands. Whatever Goods or Chattels, said he, come upon my Territories, are my Effects; and whatever I find likewise that is valuable upon the Premises of others, is my free Booty; but, as you appear, Sir, to me to be a Gentleman of uncommon Courage, you shall prove an Exception to my general Rule. Upon this, he invitedZadiginto his magnificent Mansion, giving his inferior Officers strict Orders to use him with all due Respect; and at NightArbogadwas desirous of supping withZadig. The Lord of the Mansion was one of thoseArabians, that are call’dFree-booters; but a Man who now and then did good Actions amongst a Thousand bad ones. He plunder’d without Mercy; but was liberal in his Benefactions. When in Action, intrepid; but in Traffick, easy enough; a perfectEpicurein his Eating and Drinking, an absoluteDebauchee, but very frank and open.Zadigpleas’d him extremely; his Conversation being very lively, prolong’d their Repast: At last,Arbogadsaid to him; I would advise you, Sir, to enlist yourself in my Troop; you cannot possibly do a betterThing: My Profession is none of the worst; and in Time, you may become perhaps as great a Man as myself. May I presume, Sir, to ask you one Question; how long may you have follow’d this honourable Calling? From my Youth upwards, replied his Host, I was only aValetat first to anArabian, who indeed was courteous enough; but Servitude was a State of Life I could not brook. It made me stark-mad to see, in a wide World, which ought to be divided fairly between Mankind, that Fate had reserv’d for me so scanty a Portion. I communicated my Grievance to an old SageArabian. Son, said he, never despair; once upon a Time, there was a Grain of Sand, that bemoan’d itself, as being nothing more than a worthlessAtomof the Deserts.At the Expiration, however, of a few Years, it became that inestimable Diamond, which at this very Hour, is the richest, and most admir’d Ornament of theIndianCrown. The old Man’s Discourse fir’d me with some Ambition; I was conscious to myself that I was at that Time theAtomhe mention’d, but was determin’d, if possible, to become theDiamond. At my first setting out, I stole two Horses; then I got into a Gang; where we play’d at small Game, and stopp’d the small Caravans; thus I gradually lessen’d the wide Disproportion, which there was at first between me and the rest of Mankind: I enjoy’d not only my full Share of the good Things of this Life, but enjoy’d them with Usury. I was look’d upon as a Man of Consequence,and I procur’d this Castle by my military Atchievements. TheSatrapofSyriahad Thoughts of dispossessing me; but I was then too rich to be any Ways afraid of him; I gave theSatrapa certain Sum of Money, upon Condition that I kept quiet Possession of my Castle. And, moreover, I aggrandiz’d my Domains; for he constituted me, at the same Time, Treasurer of the Imports thatArabia Petræapaid to the King of Kings. I executed my Trust, in every Respect, as I ought, in the Capacity of a Collector; but I never did, nor never intended to balance my Accounts.
The grandDesterhamofBabylonsent hither, in the Name of the KingMoabdar, a pettySatrap, with a Commission to strangle me. He and his Attendantsarriv’d here with his Royal Warrant. I was appriz’d of the whole Affair, and, accordingly, order’d his whole Retinue, consisting of four inferior Officers, to be strangled before his Face, after the same Manner as was intended for my Execution. After this, I ask’d him what he thought the Commission with which he was entrusted, might reasonably be valued at; he answer’d, that he presum’d his Premium (had he succeeded) might have amounted to about three Hundred Pieces of Gold. I made him sensible, that it would be for his Interest to be a commission’d Officer under me; I made him accordingly DeputyFree-booter. He is at this very Day not only the best Officer, but the richest I have in all my Court. If my Word may be credited, I’llraise your Fortune as I have done his. Never was Trade brisker in our Way; forMoabdar, is knock’d on the Head, and allBabylonin the utmost Confusion.Moabdarkill’d, said you! cry’dZadig, and pray, Sir, what is become of his Royal Consort,Astarte? I know nothing at all of that Affair, repliedArbogad, all that I have to say, is, thatMoabdarbecame a perfect Madman, and had his Brains beat out; that all the People inBabylonare cutting one another’s Throats, and that the whole Empire is laid waste; that there is still an Opportunity for making several bold Pushes; and let me tell you, Sir, I have done my Part, and made the most on’t. But the Queen, Sir, saidZadig; pray favour me so far, as to inform me, if you know anyThing of the Queen. I have heard great Talk, said he, of a certain Prince ofHyrcania; ’tis very possible, she may have listed herself amongst his Concubines, if she had the good Fortune to escape the Resentment of those popular Tumults; but my Head, Sir, is better turn’d for the Highway than for News; I have taken several Ladies Prisoners in the Course of my Excursions; I keep none of them for my Part; and as to such as are handsomer than ordinary, I make the best Market I can of them, without enquiring who they are. Their Quality or Titles will fetch no Price at all; a Queen, if she be homely, is worth nothing. ’Tis probable, Sir, I have dispos’d of the Lady myself; and ’tis possible, likewise, she may be dead; ’tis no Concern ofmine; and to my thinking, it should be an Affair of no Manner of Importance to you. After this Declaration, he drank so hard, and confounded his Ideas in such a Manner, thatZadigwas not one whit the wiser. Upon which he was struck dumb, confounded, and stood as motionless as a Statue.Arbogad, in the mean while, swill’d down whole Bumpers, told a Hundred merry Tales, and swore a thousand Times over, that he was the happiest Creature upon God’s Earth; persuadingZadigto be as merry, and thoughtless as himself. At last, being gradually overcome by the Fumes of his Liquor, he fell fast asleep.Zadigspent the Remainder of the Night in deep Contemplation, and in all the Uneasiness of Mind imaginable. What, said he, theKing first became crazy, and then was murder’d. I think I have just Grounds for Complaint. The whole Empire is in Confusion, and torn to Pieces, and this Free-booter is as happy as a King. O Fortune! O Fate! a Highwayman as happy as a Monarch! and the most amiable Creature that Nature ever fram’d has suffer’d perhaps, an ignominious Death, or perhaps, is in a State of Life a thousand Times worse than Death itself! OAstarte! Astarte!What art thou become?
As soon as it was Break of Day he went out, and ask’d every one he saw if they knew any Thing of her: But the whole Gang were too intent upon other Matters, to return him any Answer. By Virtue of their Night’s Excursions, they had brought in some freshBooty, and were busy in dividing the Spoil. All the Favour he could procure, in their Hurry and Tumult, was, to go away without the least Examination. He took the Advantage of their Remissness, and mov’d off the Premises, but more overwhelm’d with Grief and deep Reflection than ever.
Zadig, in his March, was very restless and uneasy. His Thoughts were forever rolling on the unfortunateAstarte, the King ofBabylon, his Bosom-FriendCador, the happyFree-booter,Arbogad, the fairCoquet, that was taken Prisoner on the Confines ofEgypt, by theBabylonishCourier; in a Word, on the various Scenes of Misfortunes and Disappointments, which he had successively met with.
WhenZadighad travelled some few Leagues fromArbogad’s Castle, he found himself arriv’d at the Banks of a little River; incessantly deploring, as he went along, his unhappy Fate, and looking upon himself as the very Picture of ill Luck. He perceiv’d at a little Distance a Fisherman, reclin’d on a verdant Bank by the River-side, trembling, scarce able to hold his Net in his Hand, (which he seem’d but little to regard) and with uplift Eyes, imploring Heaven’s Assistance. I am, doubtless, said the poor Fisherman, the most unhappyWretch that ever liv’d! No Merchant in allBabylon, it is very well known, was ever so noted for selling Cream-Cheeses as myself; and yet I am ruin’d to all Intents and Purposes. No Man of my Profession ever had a handsomer, more compleat Housewife, than my Dame was; but I have been treacherously depriv’d of her. I had still left a poor, pitiful Cottage, but that I saw plunder’d and destroy’d. I am cubb’d up here in a Cell; I have nothing to depend upon but my Fishery, and not one single Fish have I caught. Thou unfortunate Net! I’ll never throw thee into the Water more: Much sooner will I throw myself in. No sooner were the Words out of his Mouth, but he started up, and ran to the River-side, like one that was resolutely bent toplunge in, and get rid of a miserable Life at once. Is it possible, saidZadig? Is there then the Man in Being more wretched than myself? His Benevolence, and good Will to save the poor Man’s Life, was as quick as the Reflection he had just made! He ran to his Assistance; he laid hold of him; and ask’d him, with an Air of Pity and Concern, the Cause of his rash Intention. ’Tis an old saying, that a Person is less unhappy when he sees himself not singular in Misfortune. But if we will creditZoroaster, this is not from a Principle of Malignity, but the Effect of a fatal Necessity. He was attracted, as it were, to any Person in Distress, as being One in the same unhappy Circumstances. The Transport of a happy Man, would be a Kind of Insult; buttwo Persons in bad Circumstances, are like two weak Shrubs, which, by propping up each other, are fenc’d against a Storm. Why are you thus cast down, saidZadigto the Fisherman? Never sink Man, under the Weight of your Burden. I can’t help it, said the poor Fisherman; I have not the least Prospect of Redress. I was once, Sir, the tip-top Man of the whole Village ofDerlbach, nearBabylon, where I liv’d, and with the Help of my Wife, made the best Cream-Cheeses that were ever eaten in thePersianEmpire. Her Majesty, the QueenAstarte, and the famous Prime-MinisterZadigwere very fond of them. I serv’d the Court with about six Hundred of them, I went the other Day in Hopes of being paid; but before I had well got intothe Suburbs ofBabylon, I was inform’d, that not only the Queen, butZadigtoo had privately left the Court: Whereupon I ran directly toZadig’s House, tho’ I never sat Eye on the Man in all my Life. There I found the Court-Marshals of the grandDesterham, plundering, by Virtue of his Majesty’s Mandate, all his Effects, in the most loyal Manner. From thence I made the best of my Way to the Queen’s Kitchin; where, applying my self to the Steward of her Household, and his inferior Officers; one of them told me she was dead; another, that she was confin’d in Prison; a third, indeed, said that she had made her Escape by Flight; all in general, however, assur’d me for my Comfort, that my Cheeses would never be paid for. From thence I went, withmy Wife in my Hand, to LordOrcan’s; who was another of my Court-Customers; of whom we begg’d for Shelter and Protection: The Favour, I confess, was readily granted to my Wife; but as for my own Part, I was absolutely rejected. She was fairer, Sir, than the fairest Cheese I ever sold; from whence I date all my Misfortunes; and the red that adorn’d her blushing Cheeks was ten Times more lively than anyTyrianScarlet. And between you and I, Sir, that was the main Cause of my Wife’s Reception, and my Disgrace. Whereupon I wrote a doleful Letter to my Wife, in all the Agonies of one in the deepest Despair: ’Tis very well, said she, to the Messenger; I have some little Knowledge of the Man; I have heard say no one sells better Cream-Cheeses than he does;desire him, next Time he comes, to bring a small Parcel with him, and let him know, I’ll take care he shall be punctually paid.
In the Height of my Misfortunes, I determin’d to seek Redress in a Court of Equity: I had but six Ounces of Gold left: Two whereof went for a Fee to my Counsellor; two to my Lawyer, who took my Cause in Hand, and the other two to the Judge’s Clerk. Notwithstanding what I had done, my Cause was not so much as commenc’d; and I had already disburs’d more Money than all my Cheeses and my Wife with them were worth. I return’d therefore to my Native Habitation, with a full Resolution to sell it for the Ransom of my Wife.
My little Cot, with the Appurtenances,were worth about threescore Ounces of Gold: But as the Purchasers found I was necessitous, and drove to my last Shifts; the first whom I apply’d to, offer’d me thirty Ounces; the second, twenty; and the third, but ten: Just as I had come to Terms of Accommodation with one of them, the Prince ofHyrcaniacame toBabylon, and swept all before him. My little Cottage, with all its Furniture, was first plunder’d of all that was valuable, and at last reduc’d to Ashes.
Having thus lost my Money, my Wife, and my House, I withdrew to this Desart, where you see me. I have since endeavour’d to get my Bread by Fishing; but the Fish, as well as all Mankind, desert me. I scarce catch one in a Day; Iam half starv’d; and had it not been for your unexpected Benevolence and Generosity, I had been at the Bottom of the River before this.
This long Detail of Particulars, however, was not deliver’d without several Interruptions; for, saidZadig, with Abundance of Warmth and Confusion, Have you never heard, Sir, of what is become of the QueenAstarte? No Sir, not I, said the disconsolate Fisherman; but this I know, to my Sorrow, that neither the Queen, norZadig, ever paid me the least Consideration in the World for my Cream Cheeses; that my dear Spouse is taken from me; and that I am drove to the very Brink of Despair. I am verily persuaded, saidZadig, that you will not lose all your Money. I have heard much talk of thatsameZadig; they say he is very honest, and that if ever he returns toBabylon, as ’tis to be hop’d he will, he’ll discharge his Debts with Interest, like a Man of Honour. But, as for your Wife, who appears to me, to be no better than a Wag-tail, never take the Trouble, if you’ll take my Advice, to hunt after her any more. Be rul’d, and make the best of your Way toBabylon. I shall be there before you, as I shall ride, and you will be on Foot. Make your Applications to the illustriousCador; tell him you met his Friend upon the Road; and stay there still I come. Observe my Orders, and ’tis very probable it may turn out to your Advantage.
O puissantOrosmades, continu’d he, you have made me, ’tis true, an Instrument of Comfortto this poor Man; but what Friend will you raise for me, to alleviate my Sorrows? Having utter’d this short Expostulation, he gave the distrest Fisherman one full Moiety of all the Money he brought with him out ofArabia. The Fisherman, thunder-struck, and transported with Joy at so unexpected a Benefaction, kiss’d the Feet ofCador’s Friend, and cried out, sure you are a Messenger of Heaven, sent down to be my Saviour!
In the mean Time,Zadigevery now and then ask’d him Questions, and wept as he ask’d them. What! Sir, said the Fisherman, can you, who are so bountiful a Benefactor, be in Distress yourself? Alas! said he, Friend, I am a hundred Times more unhappy than thou art. But pray, Sir, said the good Man, how can it possibly be,that he, who is so lavish of his Favours, should be overwhelm’d with greater Misfortunes than the Man he so generously relieves? Your greatest Uneasiness, said he, arose from the Narrowness of your Circumstances; but mine proceeds from an internal, and much deeper Cause. Pray, Sir, said the Fisherman, hasOrcanrobb’d you of your Wife? This Interrogatory putZadigin a Moment upon a Retrospection of all his past Adventures. He recollected the whole Series of his Misfortunes; commencing from that of the Eunuch and the Huntsman, to his Arrival at the Free-booter’s Castle. Alas! said he, to the Fisherman,Orcan, ’tis true, deserves severely to be punish’d: But for the Generality, we find, such worthless Barbarians are the Favourites ofFortune. Be that, however, as it will, go as I bade you, to my FriendCador, and wait there till I come. They took their Leave; the Fisherman blessing his propitious Stars, andZadigcursing, every Step he went, the Hour he was born.
AsZadigwas traversing a verdant Meadow, he perceiv’d several young FemaleSyrians, intent on searching for something very curious, that lay conceal’d, as they imagin’d, in the Grass. He took the Freedom to approach one of them, and ask her, in the most courteous Manner, if he might have the Honour to assist her in her Researches.Have a care, said she. What we are hunting after, Sir, is an Animal, that will not suffer itself to be touch’d by a Man. ’Tis somewhat surprizing, saidZadig. May I be so bold, pray, as to ask you what you are in Pursuit after, that shuns the Touch of any Thing but the Hands of the Fair Sex. ’Tis, Sir, said she, theBasilisk: ABasilisk, Madam, said he! And pray, if you will be so good as to inform me, with what View, are you searching after a Creature so very difficult to be met with? ’Tis, Sir, said she, for our Lord and MasterOgul, whose Castle, you see, situate on the River-side, at the Bottom of the Meadow. We are all his Vassals.Ogul, you must know, is in a very bad State of Health, and his first Physician has order’d him, as a Specific, to eat aBasilisk, boil’d in Rose water: And as that Animal is very hard to be catch’d, and will suffer nothing to approach it, but one of our Sex, our dying SovereignOgulhas promis’d to honour her, that shall be so happy as to catch it for him, so far as to make her his Consort. The Case, being thus circumstantiated, Sir, I hope you will not interrupt me any longer, lest my Rivals here in the Field should happen to circumvent me.
Zadigwithdrew, and left theSyrianLadies in Quest of their imaginary Booty, in order to pursue his intended Journey. But as he came to the Banks of a Rivulet, at the remotest part of the Meadow, he perceiv’d another young Lady, reclin’d on the Grass, and entirely disengag’d. Her Stature seem’d majestic, but herFace was cover’d with a Vail; and her Eyes were fixt, as one at her Looking-glass, on the River. Every now and then a Sigh burst out, as if her Heart were breaking. In her Hand she held a little Wand or Rod, with which she was tracing out some Characters on the dry Sand, that lay between the flow’ry Bank she sat on, and the purling Current.Zadig’s Curiosity induc’d him, unperceiv’d, to observe her Operations at some Distance. But approaching nearer, and perceiving very distinctly the first Character to be anZ. the next anA. and the third aD. he started; but when he saw the additional Capitals ofIandG. his Astonishment was too great for Words to express. He stood for some Time perfectly thunder-struck, and as motionless as a Statue; At last,in a soft, faultring Tone, he broke Silence: O generous Lady, said he, forgive a Stranger, one overwhelm’d with Sorrows like yourself, if he asks you, by what amazing Accident he finds the Name ofZadigdelineated by so angelick a Hand. Thus unexpectedly interrupted, and at the Sound of those Words, she turn’d her Head; and with a trembling Hand, lifting up her Vail, she espy’dZadighimself. Upon which, she shriek’d; and as her Heart was flutter’d between the two Extreams of Transport and Surprize, she fainted away, and gently dropp’d into his Arms. ’Twas, it seemsAstarteher self; ’twas the Queen ofBabylon; ’twas the veryGoddesswhomZadigador’d; ’twas, in short, the very identical Lady, whose hard Fate he had so long deplor’d; and for whosesake he had felt so many agonizing Pains. For a few Minutes he stood speechless, and depriv’d, as it were, of all his senses, whilst his Eyes were fixt on hisAstarte, who began to revive; and cast a wishful Glance at him, attended with some Confusion. O ye immortal Powers, cried he, who preside over the Destiny of us frail Mortals! Ye have restor’d me myAstarte; but alas! at what a Conjuncture, in what a Place, and in what a State and Condition do I view her? He threw himself prostrate on the Ground, and kiss’d the Dust of her Feet. The Queen ofBabylonrais’d him up, and oblig’d him to sit by her on the flow’ry Bank whereon she was repos’d. Every now and then she wip’d her Eyes, as the Tears trickl’d down afresh her lovely Cheeks. Twenty times she endeavour’dto renew her Discourse; but was interrupted by her Sighs; she ask’d him over and over to relate to her the Hardships he had ran thro’ since their parting, and by what Chance he came to traverse that solitary Meadow; but prevented him at the same Time from returning any Answer, by repeating Question upon Question. At last, she gave him a particular Detail of her own Misfortunes, and again requested to know his. Both of them, in short, having, in some Measure, appeas’d the Tumult of their Souls;Zadig, in a few Words, inform’d her of the Motives that brought him thither.
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 aBasilisk, 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 beauteousAstarte, 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 dearZadig, 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 verywell 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 faithfulCadoroblig’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 snatch’d me up, and convey’d me directly into the Temple ofOrosmades, where the holyMagus, who was his Brother, lock’d me up in that august and awful Statue, that stands erect upon the Pavement of the Temple, andColossus-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 Necessariesof 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 Hellebore, 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 Passion, rail’d at us both, and charg’d us both as perfidious Traitors. As for that VillainZadig, said he, he has taken his Flight towardsIndia; and your false, ungrateful Consort, Sire, said he, is fled toMemphis.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 ofEgypt. She was found alone, and in a very disconsolate Condition. This Lady must, doubtless, said they to themselves, be the Queen ofBabylon: And without listning to her Complaints, convey’d her instantly to my HusbandMoabdar. Their gross Blunder at first incens’d his Majesty to the last Degree; butafter he had view’d the Lady with an attentive Eye, he found she was extremely pretty, and was soon pacify’d. Her Name wasMissouf. I have been since inform’d, that her Name in theEgyptianLanguage signifies theFair 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 Refusalto 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 oneCornerof 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 ofBabylon. All the World deplor’d the Loss of me their former Queen. The King, who never acted the Part of a Tyrant, till the Momenthe 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 Gods to show’r down their choicest Blessings on his beauteousMissouf. I, with an audible and distinct, but hollow Tone, address’d my self thus, like an Oracle, to the King of Kings.The Gods 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.Moabdarwas so startled at this unexpected Answer from the God he ador’d, that he was justat the Point of Distraction. The Oracle that I had deliver’d, and the tyrannical Proceedings of his new SpouseMissouf, 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 bloody Civil War. Whereupon I was taken from my magnificent Prison, the Bowels of his God, and set up at the Head of a very powerful Party. Your FriendCadorflew toMemphisin hopes to find you there, and bring you back toBabylon. The Prince ofHyrcania, hearing of these intestine Broils, return’dwith a powerful Army, in order to form a third Party, among theBabylonians. He attack’d the King, who fled with his fair, but fickleEgyptianbefore him.Moabdar, however, was so closely pursu’d, that he dy’d of the Wounds he receiv’d in his Retreat.Missoufbecame 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 anHyrcanian Party, who brought me into the Presence of the young Prince, at the very Juncture whenMissoufstood 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 Vassal 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 toMoabdarwere all cancell’d, and I was free to be the Bride ofZadig; but instead of that, I fell into the Toils of aBarbarian. 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 tothwart their Inclinations. I talk’d as big as a Queen; but I was treated like the most servile Domestic. The saucyHyrcanian, 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 herZadig!
At these endearing Words,Zadigthrew himself at her Feet, and bath’d them with his Tears.Astarteimmediately 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 aBarbarian, and the Rival of a Coquet, that was a Slave like myself. She related to me all her past Adventures inEgypt. Fromthe Description she gave of her Gallant, the Time and Place, the Dromedary he was mounted on, and from every other minute Circumstance, 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 inMemphis, I determin’d to go thither my self, but in Disguise. BeauteousMissouf, said I, you are of a much sprightlier Disposition than I am; you will be able to amuse the gay young Prince ofHyrcaniaa 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 Assistance, and at the same Time get rid of a Rival.Missouf, (cajol’d with the Hint) came into my Measures directly. Shetook care to send me packing forthwith, with no other Attendant than an oldEgyptianSlave.
No sooner had I reach’d the Borders ofArabia, but a notorious Free-booter, (oneArbogadby 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 EmirOgul. 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 Appetites. He is excessively fat, and puffs and blows every Moment, like one half choak’d. When he has gorg’d himself so unmercifullythat 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 aBasilisk, boil’d in Rose-Water. Whereupon the grandOgulhas promis’d his last Favours to that Slave, whoever she be, that shall be so fortunate as to catch aBasilisk, 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 thisBasiliskthan at present, since I have once more met with my dearestZadig.
After this Declaration,AstarteandZadigrenew’d withWarmth 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 theGenii, who preside over all the soft Passions, wafted their mutual Vows of eternal Constancy and Truth to the Sphere ofVenus.
The whole Train of Slaves, after a long fruitless Search, attended onOgul, to inform him that all their strictest Search was fruitless.Zadigdesired 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 thedangerous Situation you were in, and have brought aBasiliskwith 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 yourBabylonishSlaves, 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 illustrious and magnificentOgulto his pristine State of Health.
The Proposition was readily embrac’d.Astartewas instantly discharg’d, and set out forBabylon, with a proper Attendant, according toZadig’s Direction; assuring her that she should hear every Day, by a special Courier, of his Proceedings with his new Patient. The Farewel whichthey 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 ofZend) the two most remarkableEpochasof 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 forZadighad made a deeper Impression on hers, than she thought proper to discover.
In the mean Time,Zadig, again addressing himself toOgul, said; myBasilisk, 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-failingSudorificin a Bladder, full-blown and carefullycover’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 DaysTime, perform’d an absolute Cure. His Patient was as brisk, active and gay, as One in the Bloom of his Youth.
Now, Sir, saidZadig, 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 aBasilisk; 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 Vassals, 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,Zadigreceiv’d a Courier from the QueenAstarte.
The Queen was receiv’d atBabylonwith all the Transports of Joy that could possibly be express’d for the safe Return of so illustrious and so beautiful a Personage, that had run thro’ such a long Series of Misfortunes.Babylonat that Time seem’d to be perfectly serene and quiet. As for the young Prince ofHyrcania, he was slain in Battle. TheBabylonians, who were the Victors, declar’d thatAstarteshould 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 Honourin the World, namely, that of being the Royal Consort ofAstarte, and the Sovereign ofBabylon, 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 spaciousList, orCircus, 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 theLists, where no Soul could either see them,or know who they were. They were to enter theListsfour several Times. Those who were so happy as to conquer four Competitors, 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 suchÆnigmas, orRiddles, as theMagishould think proper to propose. If their Queries should prove too intricate and perplext for them to resolve, they were to have Recourse to theListsagain, and after that, to freshÆnigmas, before they could be entitled to the Election: So that theTournamentswere to be continu’d till One of the Candidates should be twice a Victor, andshine 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 Amusements, 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.
Astartetook 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 Competitors.
Zadigaccordingly set out forBabylon, and besought the GoddessVenus, 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,Zadigarrived upon the Banks of theEuphrates. 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 toBabylon, having hunted allEgyptover to no Purpose, in Hopes to find his FriendZadig, 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 allPersia.Zadigknew that these Presents could come from No-body but his dearAstarte, 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 fromBabylon; the Competitors made their personal Appearance in theCircus: Each of them went up to the grandMagus, and laid down his particularDeviceat his Feet. TheDeviceswere drawn by Lot: That ofZadigwas the last. The first that advanc’d was a Grandee, oneItabodby Name, immensely rich, indeed, and very haughty; but no wayscouragious; 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’dCap-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, byItobad’s Manner of managing his Horse, that he was not the Man whom Heav’n had pitch’d upon to sway theBabylonishScepter. 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 Assistance, 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 Multitude to his Lodge, where, according to the Law in that Case provided, he was to pass 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 PrinceHottam, 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,ZadigandHottamwere 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 Multitude were divided in their Wishes. The Knight inblue 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 toVenusto assist her darling Hero.
The two Champions making their Passes 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 ofBabylon. At last, their Horses being tired, and both their Lances broke,Zadigmade 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 Buttocks, grasp’dhim close, threw him headlong on the Sand, then jump’d into his Seat, and wheel’d round PrinceHottam, 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.Zadigsprang 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. Theystruck 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 twoLibyanLions 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 ofBabylon. The Queen wasperfectly 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 onZadigon 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 hisDevice, before theGrand Magus, in order to confer Notes, and discover the Hero whoever he might be.
Zadigslept very sound, notwithstanding his amorous Regard for the Queen, being perfectly fatigu’d.Itabod, who layin 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 intoZadig’s Apartment, took his white Armour and Device away with him, and substituted his green One in its Place.
As soon as the Day began to dawn, he repair’d, with a seemingly undaunted Courage, to theGrand 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 beforeZadigwas awake.Astarte, astonish’d at this unexpected Disappointment, return’d with a Heart overwhelm’d with Despair, to the Court ofBabylon. Almost all the Spectators were mov’d off from the Amphitheatre beforeZadigwak’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 theCircus, 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 poorZadig! 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 topursue, 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 theEuphrates, 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 ofBabylon; but what is more, I had been happy in the Embraces of my dearestAstarte. 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 greenKnight, 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 pass 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 theEuphrates, every Minute reflecting in his Mind on the partial Proceedings of Providence, which never ceas’d to torment him.