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ZADIG;

OR,THE

BookofFate.

AN

OrientalHISTORY,

Translatedfromthe

FrenchORIGINAL

OF

Mr.VOLTAIRE.

----Quofatatrahunt,retrahuntquesequamur.Pervarioscasus,pertotdiscriminarerum,TendimusinLatium.----VIRG.

LONDON:

PrintedforIOHNBRINDLEY,BooksellertoHisRoyalHighnessthePrinceofWales,inNewBond-Street.

MDCCXLIX.

THE

DEDICATION

TOTHE

SULTANASHERAA,

BY

SADI.

The18thoftheMonthScheval,intheYearoftheHegira,837.

ThouJoyofev'ryEye!ThouTormentofeveryHeart!ThouIntellectualLight!IdonotkisstheDustofthyFeet;becausethouseldomartseenoutoftheSeraglio,andwhenthouart,thouwalkestonlyontheCarpetsofIran,oronBedsofRoses.

IherepresentyouwithaTranslationoftheWorkofanancientSage,whohavingtheHappinessoflivingfreefromallAvocations,thoughtproper,byWayofAmusement,towritetheHistoryofZadig;aPerformance,thatcomprehendsinitmoreInstruction



than,'tispossible,youmayatfirstbeawareof.Ibegyouwouldindulgemesofarastoreaditover,andthenpassyourimpartialJudgmentuponit:FornotwithstandingyouareintheBloomofyourLife;tho'ev'ryPleasurecourtsyou;tho'youareNature'sDarling,andhaveinternalQualitiesinproportiontoyourBeauty;tho'theWorldresoundsyourPraisesfromMorningtillNight,andconsequentlyyoumusthaveajustTitletoasuperiorDegreeofUnderstandingthantherestofyourSex;YetyourWitisnowaysflashy;YourTasteisrefin'd,andIhavehadtheHonourtohearyoutalkmorelearnedlythanthewisestDervise,withhisvenerableBeard,andpointedBonnet:Youarediscreet,andyetnotmistrustful;youareeasy,butnotweak;youarebeneficentwithDiscretion;youloveyourFriends,andcreateyourselfnoEnemies.YourmostsprightlyFlightsborrownoGracesfromDetraction;youneverspeakamisbecomingWord,nordoanill-natur'dAction,tho''tisalwaysinyourPower.InaWord,yourSoulisasspotlessasyourPerson.Youhave,moreover,alittleFundofPhilosophy,whichgivesmejustGroundstohopethatyou'llrelishthisHistoricalPerformancebetterthananyotherLadyofyourQualitywoulddo.

Itwasoriginallycompos'dintheChaldeanLanguage,towhichbothyouandmyselfareperfectStrangers.Itwastranslated,however,intoArabic,fortheAmusementofthecelebratedSultanOULOUG-BEG.Itfirstappear'dinPublic,whentheArabianandPersianTales

ofOneThousandandOneNights,andOneThousandandOneDays,weremostinVogue:OULOUGchoserathertoentertainhimselfwiththeAdventuresofZadig.TheSultanasindeedweremorefondoftheformer.Howcanyou,saidthejudiciousOULOUG,besopartial,astopreferaSetofTales,thatarenowaysinterestingorinstructive,toaWork,thathasaVarietyofBeautiestorecommendit?Oh!repliedtheSultanas,thelessSensethereisinthem,themoretheyareinTaste;andthelesstheirMerit,thegreatertheirCommendation.

Iflattermyself,thouPatronessofWisdom,thatthouwiltnotcopyafterthosethoughtlessSultanas,butgiveintotheSentimentsofOULOUG.Iaminhopeslikewise,whenyouaretir'dwiththe

ConversationofsuchasmakethosesenselessRomancesabovemention'dtheirfavouriteAmusements,youwillvouchsafetolistenforoneMinuteortwo,totheDictatesofsolidSense.HadyoubeenThalestrisintheDaysofScander,theSonofPhilip;hadyoubeentheQueenofSheba,intheReignofSolomon,thoseKingswouldhavebeenproudtohavetakenaTourtovisityou.

MaytheCelestialVirtuesgrant,thatyourPleasuresmaymeetwithnoInterruption;yourCharmsknownoDecay;andmayyourFelicitybeeverlasting!

SADI.

THE

Approbation.

I,Whohavesubscrib'dmyNamehereto,ambitiousofbeingthoughtaManofWitandLearning,haveperus'dthisMANUSCRIPT,whichIfind,



tomygreatMortification,amusing,moral,philosophical,andfittoberead,evenbythosewhohaveanutterAversiontoRomances;forwhichReason,Ihavedepretiatedit,asitdeserves,andhaveindirectTermstoldtheCADI-LESQUIER,that'tisamostdetestablePerformance.

THECONTENTS.

CHAP.I.TheblindEyeCHAP.II.TheNoseCHAP.III.TheDogandtheHorse,&c.CHAP.IV.TheEnviousManCHAP.V.TheForceofGenerosityCHAP.VI.TheJustJudgeCHAP.VII.TheForceofJealousyCHAP.VIII.TheThresh'dWifeCHAP.IX.TheCaptiveCHAP.X.TheFuneralPileCHAP.XI.TheEvening'sEntertainmentCHAP.XII.TheRendezvous

CHAP.XIII.TheFree-booterCHAP.XIV.TheFishermanCHAP.XV.TheBasiliskCHAP.XVI.TheTournamentsCHAP.XVII.TheHermitCHAP.XVIII.TheRiddles,orÃnigmas

ZADIG:

AN

OrientalHistory.

CHAP.I.

TheBlindEYE.

IntheReignofKingMoabdar,therewasayoungMan,aNativeofBabylon,bynameZadig;whowasnotonlyendowedbyNaturewith

anuncommonGenius,butbornofillustriousParents,whobestowedonhimanEducationnowaysinferiortohisBirth.Tho'richandyoung,heknewhowtogiveaChecktohisPassions;hewasnowaysself-conceited;hedidn'talwaysactuptothestrictestRulesofReasonhimself,andknewhowtolookontheFoiblesofothers,withanEyeofIndulgence.Everyonewassurpriz'dtofind,thatnotwithstandinghehadsuchaFundofWit,heneverinsulted;nay,neversomuchasralliedanyofhisCompanions,forthatTittleTattle,whichwassovagueandempty,sonoisyandconfus'd;forthoserashReflections,thoseilliterateConclusions,andthose



insipidJokes;and,inshort,forthatFlowofunmeaningWords,whichwascall'dpoliteConversationinBabylon.HehadlearnedfromthefirstBookofZoroaster,thatSelf-loveislikeaBladderfullblown,whichwhenonceprick'd,dischargesakindofpettyTempest.Zadig,inparticular,neverboastedofhisContemptoftheFairSex,orofhisFacilitytomakeConquestsamongstthem.HewasofagenerousSpirit;insomuch,thathewasnotafraidofobligingevenanungratefulMan;strictlyadheringtothatwiseMaximofZoroaster.Whenyouareeating,throwanOffaltotheDogsthatareundertheTable,lesttheyshouldbetemptedtobiteyou.Hewasaswiseashecouldwellbewish'd;sincehewasfondofnoCompany,butsuchasweredistinguish'dforMenofSense.Ashewaswell-grounded,inalltheSciencesoftheantientChaldeans,hewasnoStrangertothosePrinciplesofNaturalPhilosophy,whichwerethenknown:AndunderstoodasmuchofMetaphysicsasanyoneinallAgesafterhim;thatistosay,heknewlittleornothingoftheMatter.Hewasfirmlyconvinc'd,thattheYearconsistedof365Daysandanhalf,tho'directlyrepugnanttothenewPhilosophyoftheAgeheliv'din;andthattheSunwassituatedintheCenteroftheEarth;AndwhentheChiefMagitoldhim,withanimperiousAir,thathemaintain'derroneousPrinciples;andthatitwasanIndignityofferedtotheGovernmentunderwhichheliv'd,toimaginetheSunshouldrollrounditsownAxis,andthattheYearconsistedoftwelveMonths,heknewhowtositstill

andquiet,withoutshewingtheleastTokensofResentmentorContempt.

AsZadigwasimmenselyrich,andhadconsequentlyFriendswithoutNumber;andashewasaGentlemanofarobustConstitution,andremarkablyhandsome;ashewasendowedwithaplentifulShareofreadyandinoffensiveWit:And,inaWord,ashisHeartwasperfectlysincereandopen,heimagin'dhimself,insomeMeasure,qualifiedtobeperfectlyhappy.ForwhichPurposehedetermin'dtomarryagayyoungLady(oneSemirabyname)whoseBeauty,BirthandFortune,render'dherthemostdesirablePersoninallBabylon.HehadasincereAffectionforher,groundedonHonour,andSemiraconceiv'dastenderaPassionforhim.Theywerejust

uponthecriticalMinuteofamutualConjunctionintheBandsofMatrimony,when,astheywerewalkingHandinHandtogethertowardsoneoftheGatesofBabylon,undertheShadeofaRowofPalm-trees,thatgrewontheBanksoftheRiverEuphrates,theywerebesetbyaBandofRuffians,arm'dwithSabres,BowsandArrows.TheyweretheGuards,itseems,ofyoungOrcan(NephewofacertainMinisterofState)whomtheParasites,keptbyhisUncle,hadbuoy'dupwithaPermissiontodo,withImpunity,whateverhethoughtproper.ThisyoungRival,tho'hehadnoneofthoseinternalQualitiestoboastofthatZadighad,yetheimagin'dhimselfaManofmorePower;andforthatReason,wasperfectlyoutrageoustoseetheotherpreferr'dbeforehim.ThisFitofJealousy,theResultofmereVanity,promptedhimtothinkthathewasdeeplyinLove

withthefairSemira;andfir'dwiththatamorousNotion,hewasdetermin'dtotakeherawayfromZadig,byDintofArms.TheRavishersrush'drudelyuponher,andintheTransportoftheirRage,drewtheBloodofaBeauty,theSightofwhoseCharmswouldhavesoften'dtheveryTigersofMountImaÃ¼s.Theinjur'dLadyrenttheveryHeavenswithherExclamations.Where'smydearHusband,shecried?TheyhavetornmefromtheArmsoftheonlyManwhomIadore.SheneverreflectedontheDangertowhichshewasexpos'd;hersoleConcernwasforherbelovedZadig.AtthesameTime,hedefendedher,likeaLover,andaManofIntegrityand



Courage.WiththeAssistanceonlyoftwodomesticServants,heputthoseSonsofViolencetoFlight,andconductedSemira,bloodyasshewas,andinfaintingFits,toherownHouse.Nosoonerwasshecometoherself,butshefix'dherlovelyEyesonherDearDeliverer.OZadig,saidshe,Ilovetheeasaffectionately,asifIwereactuallythyBride:Ilovethee,astheMan,towhomIowemyLife,andwhatisdearertome,thePreservationofmyHonour.NoHeartsurecouldbemoredeeplysmittenthanthatofSemira.NeverdidtheLipsofthefairestCreaturelivinguttersofterSounds;neverdidthemostenamouredLadybreathesuchtenderSentimentsofLoveandGratitudeforhissignalService;never,inshort,didthemostaffectionateBrideexpresssuchTransportsofJoyforthefondestHusband.HerWounds,however,werebutverysuperficial,andshewassoonrecover'd.Zadigreceiv'daWoundthatwasmuchmoredangerous:AnunluckyArrowhadgraz'doneofhisEyes,andtheOrificewasdeep.SemirawasincessantinherPrayerstotheGodsthattheymightrestoreherZadig.HerEyeswereNightandDayoverwhelm'dwithTears.ShewaitedwithImpatienceforthehappyMoment,whenthoseofZadigmightdarttheirFiresuponher;butalas!thewoundedEyegrewsoinflam'dandswell'd,thatshewasterrifiedtothelastDegree.ShesentasfarasMemphisforHermes,thecelebratedPhysicianthere,whoinstantlyattendedhisnewPatientwithanumerousRetinue.UponhisfirstVisit,heperemptorilydeclaredthatZadigwouldlosehisEye;andforetold

notonlytheDay,buttheveryHourwhenthatwofulDisasterwouldbefalhim.Haditbeen,saidthatGreatMan,hisrightEye,IcouldhaveadministredaninfallibleSpecific;butasitis,hisMisfortuneisbeyondtheArtofMantocure.Tho'allBabylonpitiedthehardCaseofZadig,theyequallystoodastonish'dattheprofoundPenetrationofHermes.TwoDaysaftertheImposthumebroke,withoutanyApplication,andZadigsoonafterwasperfectlyrecover'd.HermesthereuponwroteaverylongandelaborateTreatise,toprovethathisWoundoughtnottohavebeenheal'd.Zadig,however,neverthoughtitworthhiswhiletoperusehislearnedLucubrations;but,assoonaseverhecouldgetabroad,determin'dtopaytheLadyaVisit,whohadtestifiedsuchuncommonConcernforhisWelfare,andforwhoseSakealonehewish'dforthe

RestorationofhisSight.SemirahefoundhadbeenoutofTownforthreeDays;butwasinform'd,bythebye,thathisintendedSpouse,havingconceivedanimplacableAversiontoaone-ey'dMan,wasthatveryNighttobemarriedtoOrcan.AtthisunexpectedillNews,poorZadigwasperfectlythunder-struck:HelaidhisDisappointmentsofartoHeart,thatinashortTimehewasbecomeamereSkeleton,andwassickalmosttodeathforsomeMonthsafterwards.Atlast,however,byDintofReflection,hegotthebetterofhisDistemper;andtheAcutenessofthePainheunderwent,insomeMeasure,contributedtowardshisConsolation.

SinceIhavemetwithsuchanunexpectedRepulse,saidhe,fromacapriciousCourt-Lady,Iamdetermin'dtomarrysomesubstantial

Citizen'sDaughter.Hepitch'daccordinglyuponAzora,ayoungGentlewomanextremelywell-bred,anexcellentOeconomist,andone,whoseParentswereveryrich.

TheirNuptialsaccordinglyweresoonaftersolemniz'd,andforawholeMonthsuccessively,notwoTurtleswereevermorefondofeachother.InProcessofTime,however,heperceiv'dshewasalittleCoquettish,andtoomuchinclin'dtothink,thatthehandsomestyoungFellowswerealwaysthemostvirtuousandthegreatestWits.



CHAP.II.

TheNOSE.

OneDayAzora,asshewasjustreturn'dhomefromtakingashortCountryairing,threwherselfintoaviolentPassion,andswell'dwithInvectives.What,inGod'sName,myDear,saidZadig,hasthusruffledyourTemper?WhatcanbetheMeaningofallthesewarmExclamations?Alas!saidshe,youwouldhavebeendisgustedasmuchasIam,hadyoubeenanEye-witnessofthatSceneofFemaleFalshood,asIwasYesterday.Iwent,youmustknow,tovisitthedisconsolateWidowCosrou,whohasbeenthesetwoDayserectingaMonumenttotheMemoryofheryoungdeceasedHusband,neartheBrookthatrunsononesideofherMeadow.ShemadethemostsolemnVow,intheHeightofherAffliction,nevertostirfromthatTomb,aslongaseverthatRivulettookitsusualCourse.--Well!andwherein,pray,saidZadig,isthegoodWomansomuchtoblame?IsitnotanincontestableMarkofhersuperiorMeritandConjugal-Affection?But,Zadig,saidAzora,wasyoutoknowhowherThoughtswereemploy'dwhenImademyVisit,you'dneverforgetorforgiveher.

Pray,mydearestAzora,whatthenwassheabout?Why,theCreature,saidAzora,wasstudying,tobesure,tofindoutWaysandMeanstoturntheCurrentoftheRiver.

Azora,inshort,harangu'dsolong,and,wassobigwithherInvectivesagainsttheyoungWidow,thathertooaffected,vainShewofVirtue,gaveZadigasecretDisgust.

ZadighadanintimateFriend,oneCadorbyName,whoseSpousewasperfectlyhonest,andhadinrealityagreaterRegardforhim,thanallMankindbesides:ThisFriendZadigmadehisConfident,andboundhimtokeepaProjectofhisentirelyaSecret,byaPromiseofsomevaluableTokenofhisRespect.Azorahadbeen

visitingaFemaleCompanionfortwoDaystogetherintheCountry,andonthethirdwasreturninghome:Nosooner,however,wassheinSightoftheHouse,buttheServantsrantomeetherwithTearsintheirEyes,andtoldher,thattheirMasterdy'dsuddenlytheNightbefore;thattheydurstn'tcarryherthedolefulTidings,butweregoingtoburyZadigintheSepulchreofhisAncestors,attheBottomoftheGarden.SheburstintoaFloodofTears;toreherHair;andvow'dtodiebyhisSide.Assoonasitwasdark,youngCadorcame,andbegg'dtheFavourofbeingintroduc'dtotheWidow.Hewasso,andtheywepttogetherverycordially.NextDaytheStormwassomewhatabated,andtheydin'dtogether;Cadorinform'dher,thathisFriendhadlefthimthemuchgreaterPartofhisEffects,andgavehertounderstand,thatheshouldthink

himselfthehappiestCreatureintheWorld,ifshewouldcondescendtobehisPartnerinthatDemise.TheWidowwept,sobb'd,andbegantomelt.MoreTimewasspentinSupperthanatDinner.TheydiscoursedtogetherwithalittlemoreFreedom.AzorawaslavishofherEncomiumsonZadig;butthen,'twastrue,shesaid,hehadsomesecretInfirmitiestowhichCadorwasaStranger.IntheMidstoftheirMidnightEntertainment,Cadorallonasuddencomplain'dthathewastakenwithamostviolentpleureticFit,andwasreadytoswoonaway.OurLadybeingextremelyconcern'd,andover-officious,flewtoherClosetofCordials,andbroughtdown



everyThingshecouldthinkofthatmightbeofServiceonthisemergentOccasion.ShewasextremelysorrythatthefamousHermeswasgonefromBabylon,andcondescendedtolayherwarmHanduponthePartaffected,inwhichhefeltsuchanagonizingPain.PraySir,saidshe,inasoft,languishingTone,areyousubjecttothistormentingMalady?Sometimes,Madam,saidCador,sostrong,thattheybringmealmosttoDeath'sDoor;andthereisbutoneThingcaninfalliblycureme;andthatis,theApplicationofadeadMan'sNosetothepartaffected.AnoddRemedytruly,saidAzora.Notstranger,Madam,saidhe,thantheGreat*Arnon'sinfallibleApoplecticNecklaces.

*TherewasatthisTimeinBabylon,afamousDoctor,nam'dArnon,whobothcur'dApoplecticFits,andpreventedthemfromaffectinghisPatients,aswasfrequentlyadvertiz'dintheGazettes,byalittlenever-failingPursethathehungroundtheirNecks.

ThisAssuranceofSuccess,togetherwithCador'spersonalMerit,determin'dAzorainhisFavour.Afterall,saidshe,whenmyHusbandshallbeabouttocrosstheBridgeTchimavar,fromthisWorldofYesterday,totheother,ofTo-morrow,willtheAngelAsrael,thinkyou,makeanyScrupleabouthisPassage,shouldhisNoseprovesomethingshorterinthenextLifethan'twasinthis?

Shewouldventure,however,andtakingupasharpRazor,repair'dtoherHusband'sTomb;water'ditfirstwithherTears,andthenintendedtoperformtheinnocentOperation,ashelayextendedbreathless,asshethought,inhisCoffin.ZadigmountedinaMoment;secur'dhisNosewithoneHand,andtheIncision-Knifewiththeother.Madam,saidhe,nevermoreexclaimagainsttheWidowCosrou.TheSchemeforcuttingmyNoseoffwasmuchcloserlaidthanhersofthrowingtheRiverintoanewChannel.

CHAP.III.

TheDOGandtheHORSE.

Zadigfound,byExperience,thatthefirstthirtyDaysofMatrimony(as'tiswrittenintheBookofZend)isHoney-Moon;butthesecondisallWormwood.Hewasoblig'd,inshort,asAzoragrewsuchaTermagant,tosueoutaBillofDivorce,andtoseekhisConsolationforthefuture,intheStudyofNature.Whoishappier,saidhe,thanthePhilosopher,whoperuseswithUnderstandingthatspaciousBook,whichthesupremeBeinghaslaidopenbeforehisEyes?TheTruthshediscoversthere,areofinfiniteServicetohim.HetherebycultivatesandimproveshisMind.HelivesinPeaceand

TranquilityallhisDays;heisafraidofNobody,andhehasnotender,indulgentWifetoshortenhisNoseforhim.

WrappedupintheseContemplations,heretir'dtoalittleCountryHouseontheBanksoftheEuphrates;thereheneverspenthisTimeincalculatinghowmanyInchesofWaterrunthro'theArchofaBridgeinasecondofTime,orinenquiringifaCubeLineofRainfallsmoreintheMouse-Month,thaninthatoftheRam.Heform'dnoProjectsformakingSilkGlovesandStockingsoutofSpidersWebbs,norofChina-WareoutofbrokenGlass-Bottles;buthe



pry'dintotheNatureandPropertiesofAnimalsandPlants,andsoon,byhisstrictandrepeatedEnquiries,hewascapableofdiscerningaThousandVariationsinvisibleObjects,thatothers,lesscurious,imagin'dwereallalike.

OneDay,ashewastakingasolitaryWalkbytheSideofaThicket,heespy'doneoftheQueen'sEunuchs,withseveralofhisAttendants,comingtowardshim,huntingabout,indeepConcern,bothhereandthere,likePersonsalmostinDespair,andseeking,withImpatience,forsomethinglostoftheutmostImportance.YoungMan,saidtheQueen'schiefEunuch,havenotyouseen,pray,herMajesty'sDog?Zadigverycoolyreplied,youmeanherBitch,Ipresume.YousayveryrightSir,saidtheEunuch,'tisaSpaniel-Bitchindeed.--AndverysmallsaidZadig:ShehashadPuppiestoolately;she'salittlelamewithherleftFore-foot,andhaslongEars.ByyourexactDescription,Sir,youmustdoubtlesshaveseenher,saidtheEunuch,almostoutofBreath.ButIhavenotSir,notwithstanding,neitherdidIknow,butbyyou,thattheQueeneverhadsuchafavouriteBitch.

JustatthiscriticalJuncture,sovariousaretheTurnsofFortune'sWheel!thebestPalfreyinalltheKing'sStablehadbrokeloosefromtheGroom,andgotuponthePlainsofBabylon.TheHeadHuntsmanwithallhisinferiorOfficers,wereinPursuitafterhim,

withasmuchConcern,astheEunuchabouttheBitch.TheHeadHuntsmanaddress'dhimselftoZadig,andask'dhim,whetherhehadn'tseentheKing'sPalfreyrunbyhim.NoHorse,saidZadig,evergallop'dsmoother;heisaboutfiveFoothigh,hisHoofsareverysmall;hisTailisaboutthreeFootsixIncheslong;thestudsofhisBitareofpureGold,about23Carats;andhisShoesareofSilver,aboutElevenpennyWeighta-piece.WhatCoursedidhetake,pray,Sir?Whereaboutsishe,saidtheHuntsman?IneversatEyesonhim,reply'dZadig,notI,neitherdidIeverhearbeforenow,thathisMajestyhadsuchaPalfrey.

TheHeadHuntsman,aswellastheHeadEunuch,uponhisansweringtheirInterrogatoriessoveryexactly,notdoubtingintheleast,

butthatZadighadclandestinelyconvey'dboththeBitchandtheHorseaway,secur'dhim,andcarriedhimbeforethegrandDesterham,whocondemn'dhimtotheKnout,andtobeconfin'dforLifeinsomeremoteandlonelyPartofSiberia.NosoonerhadtheSentencebeenpronounc'd,buttheHorseandBitchwerebothfound.TheJudgeswereinsomePerplexityinthisoddAffair,andyetthoughtitabsolutelynecessary,astheManwasinnocent,torecaltheirDecree.However,theylaidaFineuponhimofFourHundredOuncesofGold,forhisfalseDeclarationofhisnothavingseen,whatdoubtlesshedid:AndtheFinewasorder'dtobedepositedinCourtaccordingly:OnthePaymentwhereof,hewaspermittedtobringhisCauseontoaHearingbeforethegrandDesterham.

OntheDayappointedforthatPurposeheopen'dtheCausehimself,inTermstothisorthelikeEffect.

YebrightStarsofJustice,yeprofoundAbyssofuniversalKnowledge,yeMirrorsofEquity,whohaveinyoutheSolidityofLead,theHardnessofSteel,theLustreofaDiamond,andtheResemblanceofthepurestGold!Sinceyehavecondescendedsofar,astoadmitofmyAddresstothisAugustAssembly,Ihere,inthemostsolemnManner,sweartoyoubyOrosmades,thatIneversawtheQueen'sillustriousBitch,northesacredPalfreyoftheKingof



Kings.I'llbeingenuous,however,anddeclaretheTruth,andnothingbuttheTruth.AsIwaswalkingbytheThicket'sSide,whereImetwithherMajesty'smostvenerablechiefEunuch,andtheKing'smostillustriouschiefHuntsman,Iperceiv'dupontheSandtheFootstepsofanAnimal,andIeasilyinferr'dthatitmustbealittleone.Theseveralsmall,tho'longRidgesofLandbetweentheFootstepsoftheCreature,gavemejustGroundstoimagineitwasaBitchwhoseTeatshungdown;andforthatReason,Iconcludedshehadbutlatelypupp'd.AsIobserv'dlikewisesomeotherTraces,insomeDegreedifferent,whichseem'dtohavegraz'dalltheWayupontheSurfaceoftheSand,ontheSideofthefore-Feet,IknewwellenoughshemusthavehadlongEars.AndforasmuchasIdiscern'd;withsomeDegreeofCuriosity,thattheSandwaseverywherelesshollow'dbyoneFootinparticular,thanbytheotherthree,Iconceiv'dthattheBitchofourmostaugustQueenwassomewhatlamish,ifImaypresumetosayso.

AstothePalfreyoftheKingofKings,givemeleavetoinformyou,thatasIwaswalkingdowntheLanebytheThicket-side,ItookparticularNoticeofthePrintsmadeupontheSandbyaHorse'sShoes;andfoundthattheirDistanceswereinexactProportion;fromthatObservation,IconcludedthePalfreygallop'dwell.InthenextPlace,theDustofsomeTreesinanarrowLane,whichwasbutsevenFootbroad,washereandtheresweptoff,bothontheRightandon

theLeft,aboutthreeFeetandsixInchesfromtheMiddleoftheRoad.ForwhichReasonIpronounc'dtheTailofthePalfreytobethreeFootandahalflong,withwhichhehadwhisk'dofftheDustonbothSidesasheranalong.Again,Iperceiv'dundertheTrees,whichform'daKindofBoweroffiveFeethigh,someLeavesthathadbeenlatelyfallenontheGround,andIwassensibletheHorsemusthaveshookthemoff;fromwhenceIconjectur'dhewasfiveFoothigh.AstotheBitsofhisBridle,IknewtheymustbeofGold,andoftheValueImention'd;forhehadrubb'dtheStudsuponacertainStone,whichIknewtobeaTouch-stone,byanExperimentthatIhadmadeofit.Toconclude,bythePrintswhichhisShoeshadleftofsomeFlint-StonesofanotherNature,IconcludedhisShoeswereSilver,andofelevenpennyWeightFineness,asIbeforemention'd.

ThewholeBenchofJudgesstoodastonish'dattheProfundityofZadig'sniceDiscernment.TheNewswassooncarriedtotheKingandtheQueen.ZadigwasnotonlythewholeSubjectoftheCourt'sConversation;buthisNamewasmention'dwiththeutmostVenerationintheKing'sChambers,andhisPrivy-Council.AndnotwithstandingseveraloftheirMagideclar'dheoughttobeburntforaSorcerer;yettheKingthoughtproper,thattheFinehehaddepositedinCourt,shouldbeperemptorilyrestor'd.TheClerkoftheCourt,theTipstaffs,andotherpettyOfficers,waitedonhimintheirproperHabit,inordertorefundthefourHundredOuncesofGold,pursuanttotheKing'sexpressOrder;modestlyreservingonlythreeHundredandninetyOunces,partthereof,todefraytheFeesoftheCourt.

AndtheDomesticksswarm'dabouthimlikewise,inHopesofsomesmallConsideration.

Zadig,uponwindingupoftheBottom,wasfullyconvinc'd,thatitwasverydangeroustobeover-wise;andwasdetermin'dtosetaWatchbeforetheDoorofhisLipsforthefuture.

AnOpportunitysoonoffer'dfortheTrialofhisResolution.APrisonerofStatehadjustmadehisEscape,andpass'dundertheWindowofZadig'sHouse.Zadigwasexamin'dthereupon,butwas



absolutelydumb.However,asitwasplainlyprov'duponhim,thathedidlookoutoftheWindowatthesameTime,hewassentenc'dtopayfiveHundredOuncesofGoldforthatMisdemeanor;andmoreover,wasoblig'dtothanktheCourtfortheirIndulgence;aComplimentwhichtheMagistratesofBabylonexpecttobepaidthem.GoodGod!saidhe,tohimself,haveInotsubstantialReasontocomplain,thatmyimpropitiousStarsshoulddirectmetowalkbyaWood's-Side,wheretheQueen'sBitchandtheKing'sPalfreyshouldhappentopassby?Howdangerousisittopopone'sHeadoutofone'sWindow?And,inaWord,howdifficultisitforaMantobehappyonthisSidetheGrave?

CHAP.IV.

TheENVIOUSMAN.

AsZadighadmetwithsuchaSeriesofMisfortunes,hewasdetermin'dtoeasetheWeightofthembytheStudyofPhilosophy,andtheConversationofselectFriends.Hewasstillpossess'dofalittleprettyBoxintheOut-partsofBabylon,whichwasfurnish'd

inagoodTaste;whereeveryArtistwaswelcome,andwhereinheenjoy'dalltherationalPleasuresthatavirtuousMancouldwellwishfor.IntheMorning,hisLibrarywasalwaysopenfortheUseoftheLearned;atNighthisTablewasfill'dwiththemostagreeableCompanions;buthewassoonsensible,byExperience,howdangerousitwastokeeplearnedMenCompany.AwarmDisputearoseaboutacertainLawofZoroaster;whichprohibitedtheEatingofGriffins:ButtowhatPurposesaidsomeoftheCompany,wasthatProhibition,sincethereisnosuchAnimalinNature?Someagaininsistedthattheremust;forotherwiseZoroastercouldneverhavebeensoweakastogivehisPupilssuchaCaution.Zadig,inordertocompromizetheMatter,said;Gentlemen,IftherearesuchCreaturesinBeing,letusnevertouchthem;andiftherearenot,wearewell

assur'dwecan'ttouchthem;soineitherCaseweshallcomplywiththeCommandment.

AlearnedManattheupperEndoftheTable,whohadcompos'dthirteenVolumes,expatiatingoneveryPropertyoftheGriffin,tookthisAffairinaveryseriousLight,whichwouldgreatlyhaveembarrass'dZadig,butfortheCreditofaMagus,whowasBrothertohisFriendCador.FromthatDayforward,Zadigeverdistinguish'dandpreferr'dgood,beforelearnedCompany:HeassociatedwiththemostconversibleMen,andthemostamiableLadiesinallBabylon;hemadeelegantEntertainments,whichwerefrequentlyprecededbyaConcertofMusick,andenliven'dbythemostfacetiousConversation,inwhich,ashehadfelttheSmartof

it,hehadlaidasideallThoughtsofshewinghisWit,whichisnotonlythesurestProofthataManhasnone,butthemostinfallibleMeanstospoilallgoodCompany.

NeithertheChoiceofhisFriends,northatofhisDishes,wastheResultofPrideorOstentation.HetookDelightinappearingtobe,whatheactuallywas,andnotinseemingtobewhathewasnot;andbythatMeans,gotagreaterrealCharacterthanheactuallyaim'dat.



DirectlyoppositetohisHouseliv'dArimazes,onepuff'dupwithPride,whonotmeetingwithSuccessintheWorld,soughthisRevengeinrailingagainstallMankind.Richashewas,itwasalmostmorethanhecouldaccomplish,toprocureev'nanyParasitesabouthim.Tho'therattlingoftheChariotswhichstopp'datZadig'sDoorwasaperfectNuisancetohim;yetthegoodCharacterwhicheveryBodygavehimwasstillahigherProvocation.HewouldsometimesintrudehimselfuponZadig,andsetdownathisTablewithoutanyInvitation;whenthere,hewouldmostcertainlyinterrupttheMirthoftheCompany,asHarpies,theysay,infecttheveryCarrionthattheyeat.

ArimazestookitinhisHeadoneDaytoinviteayoungLadytoanEntertainment;butshe,insteadofacceptingofhisOffer,spenttheEveningatZadig's.AnotherTime,asZadigandhewerechattingtogetheratCourt,aMinisterofStatecameuptothem,andinvitedZadigtoSupper,buttooknoNoticeofArimazes.ThemostimplacableAversionshavefrequentlynobetterFoundations.ThisGentleman,whowascall'dtheenviousMan,wouldhavetakenawaytheLifeofZadigifhecouldbecausemostPeopledistinguish'dhimbytheTitleoftheHappyMan."AnOpportunityofdoingMischief,saysZoroaster,offersitselfahundredTimesaDay;butthatofdoingaFriendagoodOfficebutonceaYear."

ArimazeswentoneDaytoZadig'sHouse,whenhewaswalkinginhisGardenwithtwoFriends,andayoungLady,towhomhesaidAbundanceoffineThings,withnootherDesignbuttheinnocentPleasureofsayingthem.TheirConversationturn'donaWarthattheKinghadhappilyputanEndto,betweenhimandhisVassal,thePrinceofHyrcania.Zadighavingsignaliz'dhimselfinthatshortWar,commendedhisMajestyveryhighly,butwasmorelavishofhisComplimentsontheLady.HetookouthisPocketBook,andwrotefourextemporeVersesonthatOccasion,andgavethemtheLadytoread.TheGentlementhenpresentbegg'dtobeoblig'dwithaSightofthem,aswellastheLady,Buteitherthro'Modesty,orratheraself-Consciousnessthathehadn'thappilysucceeded,hegavethemaflatDenial.Hewassensible,thatasuddenpoeticFlightmustprove

insipidtoeveryonebutthePersoninwhoseFavouritiswritten,whereuponhesnapttheTableintwowhereontheLineswerewrote,andthrewbothPiecesintoaRose-bush,wheretheywerehuntedfor,buttonoPurpose.Soonafterithappenedtorain,andalltheCompanyflewintotheHouse,butArimazes.NotwithstandingtheShower,hecontinuedintheGarden,andneverquittedit,tillhehadfoundoneMoietyoftheTablet,whichwasunfortunatelybrokeinsuchaManner,thateventhehalfLinesweregoodsense,andgoodMetre,tho'veryshort.Butwhatwasstillmoreremarkablyunfortunate,theyappear'datfirstView,tobeaseveresatyrupontheKing:TheWordswerethese:

ToflagrantCrimes

HisCrownheowes;TopeacefulTimesTheworstofFoes.

ThiswasthefirstMomentthateverArimazeswashappy.HehaditnowinhisPowertoruinthemostvirtuousandinnocentofMen.BigwithhisexecrableJoy,heflewtohisMajestywiththisvirulentSatyrofZadig'sunderhisownHand.NotonlyZadig,buthistwoFriendsandtheLadywereimmediatelycloseconfin'd.HisCausewassoonover;fortheJudgesturn'dadeafEartowhathehadtosay.



WhenSentenceofCondemnationwaspass'duponhim,Arimazes,stillspiteful,washeardtosay,ashewentoutofCourt,withanAirofContempt,thatZadig'sLineswereTreasonindeed,butnothingmore.Tho'Zadigdidn'tvaluehimselfonAccountofhisGeniusforPoetry;yethewasalmostdistractedtofindhimselfcondemn'dfortheworstofTraitors,andhistwoFriendsandtheLadylock'dupinaDungeonforaCrime,ofwhichhewasnowaysguilty.Hewasn'tpermittedtospeakoneWordforhimself.HisPocket-BookwassufficientEvidenceagainsthim.SostrictweretheLawsofBabylon!HewascarriedtothePlaceofExecution,throughaCroudofSpectators,whodurstn'tcondolewithhim,andwhoflock'dabouthim,toobservewhetherhisCountenancechang'd,orwhetherhediedwithagoodGrace.HisRelationsweretheonlyrealMourners;fortherewasnoEstateinReversionforthem;threePartsofhisEffectswereconfiscatedfortheKing'sUse,andthefourthwasdevoted,asaReward,totheuseoftheInformer.

JustattheTimethathewaspreparinghimselfforDeath,theKing'sParrotflewfromherBalcony,intoZadig'sGarden,andalightedonaRose-bush.APeach,thathadbeenblowndown,anddrovebytheWindfromanadjacentTree,justundertheBush,wasglew'd,asitwere,totheotherMoietyoftheTablet.AwayflewtheParrotwithherBooty,andreturn'dtotheKing'sLap.TheMonarch,beingsomewhatcurious,readtheWordsonthebrokenTablet,whichhadno

Meaninginthemashecouldperceive,butseem'dtobethebrokenPartsofaTetrastick.HewasagreatAdmirerofPoetry;andtheoddAdventureofhisParrot,puthimuponReflection.TheQueenwhorecollectedfullwelltheLinesthatwerewroteontheFragmentofZadig'sTablet,order'dthatPartofittobeproduc'd:BoththebrokenPiecesbeingputtogether,theyansweredexactlytheIndentures;andthentheVerseswhichZadighadwritten,inaFlightofLoyalty,ranthus,

TyrantsarepronetoflagrantCrimes;ToClemencyhisCrownheowes;ToConcordandtopeacefulTimes,LoveonlyistheworstofFoes.

UponthistheKingorder'dZadigtobeinstantlybroughtbeforehim;andhistwoFriendsandtheLadytobethatMomentdischarg'd.Zadig,ashestoodbeforetheKingandQueen,fix'dhisEyesupontheGround,andbegg'dtheirMajesty'sPardonforhislittleworthless,poeticalAttempt.Hespoke,however,withsuchabecomingGrace,andwithsomuchModestyandgoodSense,thattheKingandtheQueen,orderedhimtobebroughtbeforethemonceagain.Hewasbroughtaccordingly,andhepleas'dthemstillmoreandmore.Inshort,theygavehimalltheimmenseEstateofArimazes,whohadsounjustlyaccus'dhim;butZadiggenerouslyreturn'dthewickedInformertheWholetoaFarthing.TheenviousMan,however,wasnowaysaffected,butwiththeRestorationofhisEffects.Zadig

everyDaygrewmoreandmoreinFavouratCourt.HewasmadeaPartyinalltheKing'sPleasures,andnothingwasdoneinthePrivy-Councilwithouthim.TheQueen,fromthatveryHour,shew'dhimsomuchRespect,andspoketohiminsuchsoftandendearingTerms,thatinProcessofTime,itprov'doffatalConsequencetoherself,herRoyalConsort,toZadig,andthewholeKingdom.ZadignowbegantothinkitwasnotsodifficultaThingtobehappyasatfirstheimagin'd.



CHAP.V.

TheForceofGenerosity.

TheTimenowdrewnearfortheCelebrationofagrandFestival,whichwaskeptbutonceinfiveYears.'TwasaconstantCustominBabylonattheExpirationoftheTermabove-mention'd,todistinguishthatCitizenfromalltheRest,inthemostsolemnManner,whohaddonethemostgenerousAction;andtheGrandeesandMagialwayssatasJudges.TheSatrapinform'dthemofeverypraise-worthyDeedthatoccurr'dwithinhisDistrict.AllwereputtotheVote,andtheKinghimselfpronounc'dtheDefinitiveSentence.PeopleofallRanksandDegreescamefromtheremotestPartoftheKingdomtobepresentatthisSolemnity.TheVictor,whoeverhewas,receiv'dfromtheKing'sownHandagoldenCup,enrich'dwithpreciousStones,andupontheDelivery,theKingmadeuseofthefollowingSalutation.ReceivethisRewardofyourGenerosity,andmaytheGodsgrantmeThousandsofsuchvaluableSubjects!

UponthismemorableDay,theKingappear'dinallthePomp

imaginableonhisThroneofState,surroundedbyhisGrandees,theMagi,andtheDeputies,fromallthesurroundingNations,ofeveryProvincethatattendedthesepublicSports,whereHonourwastobeacquir'd,notbytheVelocityofthebestRace-Horse,orbybodilyStrength,butbyintrinsicMerit.TheprincipalSatrapproclaim'd,withanaudibleVoice,suchActionsaswouldentitletheVictortotheinestimablePrize;butnevermention'doneWordofZadig'sGreatnessofSoul,inreturninghisinvidiousNeighbourallhisEstate,notwithstandinghewouldhavetakenawayhisLife:ThatwasbutaTrifle,andnotworthspeakingof.

ThefirstthatwassetupforthePrize,wasaJudge,thathadoccasion'daCitizentoloseaveryconsiderableCause,throughsome

Mistake,forwhichhewasnowaysresponsible,andmadehimRestitutionoutofhisprivatePurse.

ThenextCandidatewasaYouth,thattho'violentlyinLovewithonethatheintendedshortlytomakehisSpouse,yetresign'dhertohisFriend,whowasjustexpiringatherFeet;andmoreover,gaveheraPortionatthesameTime.

Afterthisappear'daSoldier,who,intheHyrcanianWar,haddoneamuchmoregloriousActionthantheLover.AGangofHyrcanianshavingtakenhisMistressfromhim,hefoughtthembravely,andrescuedheroutoftheirHands:Soonafter,hewasinform'd,thatanotherBandofthesamePartyhadhurriedawayhisMothertoa

Placenotfardistant;helefthisMistress,alldrown'dinTears,andrantohisMother'sAssistance:AfterthatSkirmishwasover,hereturnedtohisSweet-heart,andfoundherjustexpiring.Hewouldfainhaveplung'daDaggerintohisHeartthatMoment;buthisMotherremonstratedtohim,that,shouldhedie,sheshouldbeentirelyhelpless,anduponthatAccountonlyhehadCouragetolivealittlelonger.

TheJudgesseem'dverymuchinclin'dtogivetheirVotesfortheSoldier;buttheKingpreventedthem,bysaying,thattheSoldier's



Actionwaspraise-worthyenough,andsowerethoseoftherest,butnoneofthemgivemeanySurprize.WhatZadigdidYesterdayperfectlystruckmewithAstonishment.I'llmentionanotherInstance.IhadsomefewDaysago,asaTestimonyofmyResentment,banish'dmyPrime-Minister,andFavouriteCorebfromtheCourt.Icomplain'dofhisConductinthewarmestTerms;andallmySycophantsaboutme,toldmethatIwastoomerciful;andloadedhimwiththesharpestInvectives.Iask'dZadigwhathisOpinionwasofCoreb;andhedar'dtogivehimthebestofCharacters.Imustconfess,IhavereadinourpublickRecords,indeed,ofInstanceswhereRestitutionhavebeengenerallymade,forInjuriescommittedbyMistake;whereaMistresshasbeenresign'd;andwhereaMotherhasbeenpreferr'dtoaMistress;butIneverreadofaCourtier,thatwouldspeaktotheAdvantageofaMinisterinDisgrace,andagainstwhomtheSovereignwashighlyincens'd.I'llgive20,000PiecesofGoldtoeveryCandidatethathasbeenthisDayproclaim'd,butI'llgivetheCuptonoonebutZadig.

Sire,saidZadig,'tisyourMajestyalone,thatdeservestheCup;'tisyoualonewhohavedoneanActionofGenerosity,neverheardofbefore;sinceyou,whoareKingofKings,wasn'texasperatedagainstyourSlave,whenhecontradictedyouintheHeatofyourPassion.EveryBodygaz'dwithEyesofAdmirationontheKingandZadig.TheJudge,whohadgenerouslymadeRestitutionforhisError;the

Lover,whohadmarriedhisMistresstohisFriend;theSoldier,whohadpreferr'dtheWelfareofhisMothertothatofhisMistress;receivedthepromis'dDonationfromtheMonarch,andsawtheirNamesregister'dintheBookofFame:ButZadighadtheCup.TheKinggottheuniversalCharacterofagoodPrince,whichhedidnotlongpreserve.ThisjoyfulDaywassolemniz'dwithFestivalsbeyondtheTimebyLawestablish'd.TragedieswereactedtherethatdrewTearsfromtheSpectators;andComediesthatmadethemlaugh;Entertainments,thattheBabylonianswereperfectStrangersto:TheCommemorationofitisstillpreserv'dinAsia.Now,saidZadig,Iamhappyatlast;buthewasgroslymistaken.

CHAPVI.

TheJUDGMENTS.

YoungasZadigwas,hewasconstitutedchiefJudgeofalltheTribunalsthroughouttheEmpire.Hefill'dthePlace,likeone,whomtheGodshadendow'dwiththestrictestJustice,andthemostsolidWisdom.Itwastohim,theNationsroundaboutwereindebtedforthatgenerousMaxim;that'tismuchmorePrudencetoacquittwoPersons,tho'actuallyguilty,thantopassSentenceofCondemnation

inonethatisvirtuousandinnocent.ItwashisfirmOpinion,thattheLawswereintendedtobeaPraisetothosewhodidwell,asmuchastobeaTerrortoEvildoers.ItwashispeculiarTalenttorenderTruthasobviousaspossible:WhereasmostMenstudytorenderitintricateandobscure.OntheveryfirstDayofhisEntranceintohisHighOffice,heexertedthispeculiarTalent.ArichMerchant,andaNativeofBabylon,diedintheIndies.HehadmadehisWill,andappointedhistwoSonsJoint-HeirsofhisEstate,assoonastheyhadsettledtheirSister,andmarriedherwiththeirmutualApprobation.Moreover,heleftaspecificLegacyof30,000Piecesof



GoldtothatSon,whoshould,afterhisDecease,beprov'dtolovehimbest.TheEldesterectedtohisMemoryaverycostlyMonument:TheYoungestappropriatedaconsiderablePartofhisBequesttotheAugmentationofhisSister'sFortune:Everyone,withoutHesitation,gavethePreferencetotheElder,allowingtheYoungertohavethegreatestAffectionforhisSister.TheLegacythereforewasdoubtlessduetotheEldest.

TheirCausecamebeforeZadig,andheexamin'dthemapart.Totheformer,saidZadig,YourFather,Sir,isnotdead,asisreported,butbeinghappilyrecover'd,isonhisReturntoBabylon.Godbepraised,saidtheyoungMan!butIhopetheExpenceIhavebeenatinraisingthissuperbMonumentwillbeconsider'd.Afterthis,ZadigrepeatedthesameStorytotheYounger.Godbepraised,saidhe!Iwillimmediatelyrestoreallthathehasleftme;butIhopemyFatherwillnotrecalthelittlePresentIhavemademySister.Youhavenothingtorestore,Sir;youshallhavetheLegacyofthethirtythousandPieces;for'tisyouthathavethegreatestVenerationforyourdeceasedFather.

AyoungLadythatwasveryrich,hadentredintoaMarriage-ContractwithtwoMagis;andhavingreceiv'dInstructionsfrombothPartiesforsomeMonths,sheprov'dwithChild.Theywerebothreadyandwillingtomarryher.But,saidshe,heshallbemyHusband,that

hasputmeintoaCapacityofservingmyCountry,byaddingonetoit.'TisI,Madam,thathaveansweredthatvaluableEnd,saidone;buttheotherinsisted'twashisOperation.Well!saidshe,sincethisisaMoot-point,I'llacknowledgehimfortheFatheroftheChild,thatwillgivehimthemostliberalEducation.InashortTimeafter,myLadywasbroughttoBedofahopefulBoy.EachoftheminsistedonbeingTutor,andtheCausewasbroughtbeforeZadig.ThetwoMagiwereorder'dtoappearinCourt.PraySir,saidZadigtothefirst,whatMethodofInstructiondoyouproposetopursuefortheImprovementofyouryoungPupil?Heshallfirstbegrounded,saidthislearnedPedagogue,intheEightPartsofSpeech;thenI'llteachhimLogic,Astrology,Magick,thewideDifferencebetweentheTermsSubstanceandAccident,AbstractandConcrete,

&c.&c.AsformyPart,Sir,IshalltakeanotherCourse,saidthesecond;I'lldomyutmosttomakehimanhonestMan,andacceptabletohisFriends.Uponthis,Zadigsaid,you,Sir,shallmarrytheMother,letwhowillbetheFather.

TherecamedailyComplaintstoCourtagainsttheItimadouletofMedia,whoseNamewasIrax.HewasaPersonofQuality,whowaspossess'dofaveryconsiderableEstate,notwithstandinghehadsquander'dawayagreatPartofit,byindulginghimselfinallMannerofexpensivePleasures.ItwasbutseldomthatanInferiorwassuffer'dtospeaktohim;butnotaSouldurstcontradicthim:NoPeacockwasmoregay;noTurtlemoreamorous;andnoTortoisemoreindolentandinactive.HemadefalseGloryandfalsePleasures

hissolePursuit.

Zadig,undertakingtocurehim,senthimforthwith,asbyexpressOrderfromtheKing,aMusick-MasterwithtwelveVoices,and24Violins,ashisAttendants;aHeadSteward,withsixMenCooks,and4Chamberlains,whowerenevertobeoutofhisSight.TheKingissuedouthisWritforthepunctualObservanceofhisRoyalWill;andthustheAffairproceeded.

ThefirstMorning,assoonasthevoluptuousIraxhadopen'dhis



Eyes,hisMusick-Master,withtheVoicesandViolins,entredhisApartment.TheysangaCantata,thatlastedtwoHoursandthreeMinutes.EverythreeMinutestheChorus,orBurthenoftheSong,wastothisEffect.

Tisn'tinWordstospeakyourPraise;WhatmightyHonoursareyourDue!ToworthlikeyoursweAltarsraise,NoMonarch'shappier,Sir,thanyou.

AftertheCantatawasover,theChamberlainaddress'dhiminaformalHarangueforthreeQuartersofanHourwithoutceasing;whereinhetookOccasiontoextoleveryVirtuetowhichhewasaperfectStranger;whentheOrationwasover,hewasconductedtoDinner,wheretheMusicianswereallinwaiting,andplay'd,assoonashewasseatedathisTable.DinnerlastedthreeHoursbeforehecondescendedtospeakaWord.Whenhedid;yousayRight,Sir,saidthechiefChamberlain;scarcehadheutter'dfourWordsmore,butRight,Sir,saidthesecond.TheothertwoChamberlain'sTimewastakenupinlaughingwithAdmirationatIrax'sSmartRepartees,oratleastsuchasheoughttohavemade.AftertheClothwastakenaway,theadulatingChoruswasrepeated.

ThisfirstDayIraxwasallinRaptures;heimagin'd,thatthis

HonourdonehimbytheKingofKings,wasthesoleResultofhisexaltedMerit.Thesecondwasn'taltogethersoagreeable;Thethirdprov'dsomewhattroublesome;thefourthinsupportable;thefifthwastormenting;andatlast,hewasperfectlyoutrageousatthecontinualPealinhisEarsofNoMonarch'shappierSir,thanyou,Yousayright,&c.andatbeingdailyharangu'datthesameHour.WhereuponhewrotetoCourt,andbegg'dofhisMajestytorecalhisChamberlain,hisMusick-Master,andallhisRetinue,hisHeadStewardandhisCooks,andpromis'd,inthemostsubmissiveManner,tobelessvain,andmoreindustriousforthefuture.Tho'hedidn'trequiresomuchAdulations,norsuchgrandEntertainments,hewasmuchmorehappy;for,asSadderhasit,OnecontinuedSceneofPleasure,isnoPleasureatall.

ZadigeveryDaygaveincontestableProofsofhiswondrousPenetration,andtheGoodnessofhisHeart;hewasador'dbythePeople,andwastheDarlingoftheKing.ThelittleDifficultiesthathemetwithinthefirstStageofhisLife,serv'donlytoaugmenthispresentFelicity.EveryNight,however,hehadsomeunluckyDreamoranother,thatgavehimsomeDisturbance.Onewhile,heimagin'dhimselfextendedonaBedofwither'dPlants,amongstwhichthereweresomethatweresharppointed,andmadehimveryrestlessanduneasy;anotherTime,hefanciedhimselfrepos'donaBedofRoses,outofwhichrush'daSerpent,thatstunghimtotheHeartwithhisenvenom'dTongue.Alas!saidhe,waking,IwasonewhileuponaBedofhardandnauseousPlants,andjustthisMoment

repos'donaBedofRoses.ButthentheSerpent.--

CHAP.VII.

TheForceofJEALOUSY.



TheMisfortunesthatattendedZadigproceeded,inagreatMeasure,fromhisPreferment;butmorefromhisintrinsicMerit.EveryDayhehadfamiliarConversewiththeKing,hisRoyalMaster,andhisaugustConsort,Astarte.AndthePleasurearisingfromthencewasgreatlyenhanc'dfromaninnateAmbitionofpleasing,which,inregardtoWit,isthesame,asDressistoBeauty.HisYouth,andgracefulDeportment,hadagreaterInfluenceonAstarte,thanshewasatfirstawareof.Tho'herAffectionforhimdailyencreas'd;yetshewasperfectlyinnocent.Astartewouldsay,withouttheleastReserveorApprehensionofFear,thatshewasextreamlypleas'dwiththeCompanyofone,whowas,notonlyaFavouriteofherHusband,buttheDarlingofthewholeEmpire.ShewascontinuallyspeakinginhisCommendationbeforetheKing:HewastheSubjectofherwholeDiscourseamongstherLadiesofHonour,whowereaslavishoftheirPraisesasherself.SuchrepeatedDiscourses,howeverinnocent,madeadeeperImpressiononherHeart,thansheatthatTimeapprehended.ShewouldeverynowandthensendZadigsomelittlePresentoranother;whichheconstruedastheResultofagreaterValueforhimthansheintended.Shesaidnomoreofhim,asshethought,thanaQueenmightinnocentlydo,whowasperfectlyassur'dofhisAttachmenttoherHusband;sometimes,indeed,shewouldexpressherselfwithanAirofTendernessandAffection.

AstartewasmuchhandsomerthaneitherhisMistressSemira,whohadsuchanaturalAntipathytoaone-eyedLord,orAzora,hislatelovingSpouse,thatwouldinnocentlyhavecuthisNoseoff.TheFreedomswhichAstartetook,hertenderExpressions,atwhichshebegantoblush,theGlancesofherEye,whichshewouldturnaway,ifperceiv'd,andwhichshefix'duponhis,kindledintheHeartofZadigaFire,whichstruckhimwithAmazement.Hedidallhecouldtosmotherit;hecall'dupallthePhilosophyhewasMasteroftohisAid;butallinvain,fornoConsolationarosefromthoseReflections.

Duty,Gratitude,andaninjur'dMonarch,presentedthemselvesbeforehisEyes,asavengingDeities:Hebravelystruggled;hetriumph'd

indeed;butthisConquestoverhisPassions,whichhewasoblig'dtocheckeveryMoment,costhimmanyadeepSighandTear.HedurstnottalkwiththeQueenanymore,withthatFreedomwhichwastooengagingonbothSides;hisEyeswereobnubilated;hisDiscoursewasforc'dandunconnected;heturn'dhisEyesanotherWay;andwhen,againsthisInclination,theymetwiththoseoftheQueen,hefound,thattho'drown'dinTears,theydartedFlamesofFire:Theyseem'dinSilencetointimate,thattheywereafraidofbeinginlovewitheachother;andthatbothburn'dwithaFirewhichbothcondemn'd.

ZadigflewfromherPresence,likeonebesidehimself,andinDespair;hisHeartwasover-charg'dwithaBurthen,toogreatforhimtobear:IntheHeatofhisConflicts,hedisclos'dtheSecrets

ofhisHearttohistrustyFriendCador,asone,who,havinglonggroan'dundertheWeightofaninexpressibleAnguishofMind,atoncemakesknowntheCauseofhisTormentsbytheGroans,asitwere,extortedfromhim,andbytheDropsofacoldSweat,thattrickleddownhisCheeks.

Cadorsaidtohim;'tisnowsomeconsiderableTimesince,Ihavediscover'dthatsecretPassionwhichyouhavefoster'dinyourBosom,andyetendeavour'dtoconcealevenfromyourself.ThePassionscarryalongwiththemsuchstrongImpressions,thatthey



cannotbeconceal'd.TellmeingenuouslyZadig;andbeyourownAccuser,whetherorno,sinceIhavemadethisDiscovery,theKinghasnotshewnsomevisibleMarksofhisResentment.HehasnootherFoible,butthatofbeingthemostjealousMortalbreathing.YoutakemorePainstochecktheViolenceofyourPassion,thantheQueenherselfdoes;becauseyouareaPhilosopher;because,inshort,youareZadig;AstarteisbutaweakWoman;andtho'herEyesspeaktoovisibly,andwithtoomuchImprudence;yetshedoesnotthinkherselfblame-worthy.BeingconsciousofherInnocence,toherownMisfortune,aswellasyours,sheistoounguarded.Itrembleforher;becauseIamsensibleherConscienceacquitsher.Wereyoubothagreed,youmightconcealyourRegardforeachotherfromalltheWorld:ArisingPassion,thatissmother'd,breaksoutintoaFlame;Love,whenoncegratified,knowshowtoconcealitselfwithArt.Zadigshudder'datthePropositionofungratefullyviolatingtheBedofhisRoyalBenefactor;andneverwasthereamoreloyalSubjecttoaPrince,tho'guiltyofaninvoluntaryCrime.TheQueen,however,repeatedtheNameofZadigsooften,andherCheeksglow'dwithsuchared,wheneversheutter'dit;shewasonewhilesotransported,andatanother,sodejected,whentheDiscourseturn'duponhimintheKing'sPresence;shewasinsuchaReverie,soconfus'dandstupid,whenhewentoutofthePresence,thatherDeportmentmadetheKingextremelyuneasy.Hewasconvinc'dofeveryThinghesaw,andform'dinhisMindanIdeaofathousand

Thingshedidnotsee.Heobserv'd,particularly,thatAstarte'sSandalswereblue;soZadig'swerebluelikewise;thatastheQueenworeyellowRibbands,Zadig'sTurbetwasofthesameColour:ThesewereshockingCircumstancesforaMonarchofhisCastofMindtoreflecton!ToaMind,inshort,sodistemper'dashiswas,SuspicionswereconvertedintorealFacts.

AllCourtSlaves,andSycophants,aresomanySpiesonKingsandQueens:Theysoondiscover'dthatAstartewasfond,andMoabdarjealous.Arimazius,hisenviousFoe,whowasasincorrigibleasever;forFlintswillneversoften;andCreatures,thatarebyNaturevenemous,foreverretaintheirPoison.Arimazius,Isay,wroteananonymousLettertoMoabdar,theinfamousRecourseof

sordidSpirits,whoaretheObjectsofuniversalContempt;butinthisCase,anAffairofthelastImportance;becausethisLettertalliedwiththebanefulSuggestionsthatMonarchhadconceiv'd.Inshort,hisThoughtswerenowwhollybentuponRevenge.Hedetermin'dtopoisonAstarteonacertainNight,andtohaveZadigstrangledbyBreakofDay.OrdersforthatPurposewereexpresslygiventoamerciless,inhumanEunuch,thereadyExecutionerofhisVengeance.AtthatcriticalConjuncture,therehappen'dtobeaDwarf,whowasdumb,butnotdeaf,intheKing'sApartment.Nobodyregardedhim:HewasanEyeandEar-witnessofallthatpass'd,andyetnomoresuspectedthananyirrationalDomesticAnimal.ThislittleDwarfhadconceiv'dapeculiarRegardforAstarteandZadig:Heheard,withequalHorrorandSurprize,theKing'sOrders

todestroythemboth.ButhowtopreventthoseOrdersfrombeingputintoExecution,astheTimewassoshort,wasallhisConcern.Hecouldnotwrite,'tistrue,buthehadluckilylearnttodraw,andtakeaLikeness.HespentagoodPartoftheNightindelineatingwithCrayons,onaPieceofPaper,theimminentDangerthatthusattendedtheQueen.InoneCorner,herepresentedtheKinghighlyincens'd,andgivinghiscruelEunuchthefatalOrders;inanother,aBowlandaCorduponaTable;intheCenterwastheQueen,expiringintheArmsofherMaidsofHonour,withZadigstrangled,andlaiddeadatherFeet.IntheHorizonwastherisingSun,to



denote,thatthisexecrableScenewastobeexhibitedbyBreakofDay.NosoonerwashisDesignfinish'd,butheranwithittooneofAstarte'sFemaleFavourites,theninwaiting,call'dherup,andgavehertounderstand,thatshemustcarrytheDraughttoAstartethatveryMoment.

InthemeanTime,theQueen'sAttendants,tho'itwasDeadofNight,knock'dattheDoorofZadig'sApartment,wak'dhim,anddeliver'dintohisHandsaBilletfromtheQueen.AtfirsthecouldnotwelltellwhetherhewasonlyinaDreamornot,butsoonreadtheLetter,withatremblingHand,andaheavyHeart:Wordscan'texpresshisSurprise,andtheAgoniesofDespairwhichhewasinuponhisperusaloftheContents.Fly,saidshe,DearZadig,thisveryMoment;foryourLife'sintheutmostDanger:Fly,DearZadig,Iconjureyou,intheNameofthatfatalPassion,withwhichIhavelongstruggled,andwhichInowventuretodiscover,asIamtomakeAtonementforit,inafewMoments,bytheLossofmyLife.Tho'IamconscioustomyselfofmyInnocence,IfindIamtofeeltheWeightofmyHusband'sResentment,anddietheDeathofaTraitor.

Zadigwasscarceabletospeak.Heorder'dhisFriendCadortobeinstantlycall'd,andgavehimtheLettertheMomenthecame,withoutopeninghisLips.Cadorpress'dhimtoregardthe

Contents,andtomakethebestofhisWaytoMemphis.Ifyoupresume,saidhe,tohaveanInterviewwithherMajestyfirst,youinevitablyhastenherExecution;orifyouwaitupontheKing,thefatalConsequencewillbethesame:I'llpreventherunhappyFate,ifpossible;youfollowbutyourown:I'llgiveitout,thatyouaregonetotheIndies:I'llwaitonyouassoonastheHurricaneisblownover,andI'llletyouknowallthatoccursmaterialinBabylon.

Cador,thatInstant,order'dtwoofthefleetestDromedariesthatcouldbegot,tobeinreadinessataprivateBack-DoorbelongingtotheCourt;hehelp'dZadigtomounthisBeast,tho'readytodropintotheEarth.HehadbutonetrustyServanttoattendhim,and

Cador,overwhelm'dwithGrief,soonlostSightofhisdearlybelovedFriend.

ThisillustriousFugitivesoonreach'dtheSummitofalittleHill,thataffordedhimafairProspectofthewholeCityofBabylon:ButturninghisEyesbacktowardstheQueen'sPalace,hefaintedaway;andwhenhehadrecover'dhisSenses,hedrown'dhisEyesinaFloodofTears,andwithImpatiencewish'dforDeath.Toconclude,afterhehadreflected,withHorror,onthedeplorableFateofthemostamiableCreatureintheUniverse,andofthemostmeritoriousQueenthateverliv'd;heforaMomentcommandedhisPassion,andwithaSigh,madethefollowingExclamations:WhatisthismortalLife!OVirtue,Virtue,ofwhatServicehastthoubeentome!Two

youngLadies,aMistress,andaWife,haveprov'dfalsetome;athird,whoisperfectlyinnocent,andtenthousandTimeshandsomerthaneitherofthem,hassuffer'dDeath,'tisprobable,beforethis,onmyAccount!AlltheActsofBenevolencewhichIhaveshewn,havebeentheFoundationofmySorrows,andIhavebeenonlyrais'dtothehighestSpokeofFortune'sWheel,fornootherPurposethantobetumbleddownwiththegreaterForce.HadIbeenasabandon'dassomeMiscreantsare,Ihadlikethembeenhappy.HisHeadthusoverwhelm'dwiththesemelancholyReflections,hisEyesthussunkinhisHead,andhismeagreCheeksallpaleandlanguid;and,ina



Word,hisverySoulthusplung'dintheAbyssofdeepDespair,hepursu'dhisJourneytowardsEgypt.

CHAP.VIII.

TheThrash'dWIFE.

Zadigsteer'dhisCoursebytheStarsthatshoneoverhisHead.TheConstellationofOrion,andtheradiantDog-stardirectedhimtowardsthePoleofCanope.HereflectedwithAdmirationonthoseimmenseGlobesofLight,whichappear'dtothenakedEyenomorethanlittletwinklingLights;whereastheEarthhewasthentraversing,which,inReality,isnomorethananimperceptiblePointinNature,seem'd,accordingtotheselfishIdeawegenerallyentertainofit,somethingveryimmense,andverymagnificent.HethenreflectedonthewholeRaceofMankind,andlook'duponthem,astheyareinFact,aParcelofInsects,orReptiles,devouringoneanotheronasmallAtomofClay.ThisjustIdeaofthemgreatlyalleviatedhisMisfortunes,recollectingtheNothingness,ifwemaybeallow'dtheExpression,ofhisownBeing,andevenofBabylon

itself.HiscapaciousSoulnowsoar'dintoInfinity,andhecontemplated,withthesameFreedom,asifshewasdisencumber'dfromherearthlyPartner,ontheimmutableOrderoftheUniverse.Butassoonasshecower'dherWings,andresumedhernativeSeat,hebegantoconsiderthatAstartemightpossiblyhavelostherLifeforhisSake;uponwhich,hisThoughtsoftheUniversevanish'dallatonce,andnootherObjectsappear'dbeforehisdistemper'dEyes,buthisAstartegivinguptheGhost,andhimselfoverwhelm'dwithaSeaofTroubles:AshegavehimselfuptothisFluxandRefluxofsublimePhilosophyandAnxietyofMind,hewasinsensiblyarriv'dontheFrontiersofEgypt:AndhistrustyAttendanthad,unknowntohim,steptintothefirstVillage,andsoughtoutforaproperApartmentforhisMasterandhimself.Zadiginthemean

TimemadethebestofhisWaytotheadjacentGardens;wherehesaw,notfardistantfromtheHigh-way,ayoungLady,alldrown'dinTears,callinguponHeavenandEarthforSuccourinherDistress,andaMan,fir'dwithRageandResentment,inpursuitafterher.Hehadnowjustovertakenher,andshefellprostrateathisFeetimploringhisForgiveness.HeloadedherwithathousandReproaches;nordidhesparetochastiseherinthemostoutrageousManner.BytheEgyptian'scruelDeportmenttowardsher,heconcludedthattheManwasajealousHusband,andthattheLadywasanInconstant,andhaddefil'dhisBed:Butwhenhereflected,thattheWomanwasaperfectBeauty,andtohisthinkingsomethingliketheunfortunateAstarte,heperceiv'dhisHeartyearnwithCompassiontowardstheLady,andswellwithIndignationagainstherTyrant.ForHeaven's

sake,Sir,assistme,saidshe,toZadig,sobbingasifherHeartwouldbreak,Oh!delivermeoutoftheHandsofthisBarbarian:Save,Sir,OsavemyLife.UponthesehershockingOutcries,Zadigthrewhimselfbetweentheinjur'dLadyandtheinexorableBrute.AndashehadsomesmatteringoftheEgyptianTongue,heexpostulatedwithhiminhisownDialect,andsaid:DearSir,ifyouareendow'dwiththeleastSparkofHumanity,letmeconjureyoutohavesomePityandRemorseforsobeautifulaCreature;havesomeRegard,Sir,totheWeaknessofherSex.HowcanyoutreataLady,whoisoneofNature'sMaster-pieces,insucharudeandoutrageousManner,one



wholiesweepingatyourFeetforForgiveness,andonewhohasnootherRecoursethanherTearsforherDefence?Oh!Oh!saidthejealous-patedFellowinaFurytoZadig,What!YouareoneofherGallants,Isuppose.I'llbereveng'dofthee,thouVillain,thisMoment.NosoonerweretheWordsoutofhisMouth,buthequitsholdoftheLady,inwhoseHairhehadtwistedhisFingersbefore,takesuphisLanceinaFury,andendeavourstotheutmostofhisPow'rtoplungeitintheStranger'sHeart:Zadig,however,beingcool,wardedtheintendedBlowwithEase.HelaidfastholdofhisLancetowardsthePoint.Onestrovetorecoverit,andtheothertosnatchitawaybyForce.Theybrokeitbetweenthem.WhereupontheEgyptiandrewhisSword.Zadigdrewhis:Theyfought:TheformermadeahundredrashPassesoneafteranother,whichthelatterparriedwiththeutmostDexterity.TheLadysatherselfuponaGrass-plat,adjustingherHead-dress,andlookingontheCombatants.TheEgyptianwastoostrongforZadig,butZadigwasmorenimbleandactive.ThelatterfoughtasaManwhoseHandwasguidedbyhisHead;theformerasaMad-manwhodealtabouthisBlowsatrandom.ZadigtooktheAdvantage,madeaPlungeathim,anddisarm'dhim.AndforasmuchashefoundthattheEgyptianwashotterthanever,andendeavour'dallhecouldtothrowhimdownbyDintofStrength,Zadiglaidfastholdofhim,flewuponhim,andtripp'duphisHeels:Afterthat,holdingthePointofhisSwordtohisBreast,likeaManofHonour,gavehimhisLife.TheEgyptian,

fir'dwithRage,andhavingnoCommandofhisPassion,drewhisDagger,andwoundedZadiglikeaCoward,whilsttheVictorgenerouslyforgavehim.UponthatunexpectedAction,Zadig,beingincens'dtothelastDegree,plung'dhisSworddeepintohisBosom.TheEgyptianfetch'dahideousGroan,anddiedupontheSpot.Zadigthenapproach'dtheLady,andwithakindofConcern,inthesoftestTermstoldher,thathewasoblig'dtokillherInsulter,tho'againsthisInclinations.Ihaveaveng'dyourCause,anddeliver'dyououtofthemercilessHandsofthemostoutrageousManIeversaw.Now,Madam,letmeknowyourfartherWillandPleasurewithme.Youshalldie,youVillain!Youhavemurder'dmyLove.Oh!IcouldtearyourHeartout.Indeed,Madam,saidZadig,youhadoneofthemosthot-headed,oddestLoversIeversaw.Hebeatyou

mostunmercifully,andwouldhavetakenawaymyLifebecauseyoucall'dmeintoyourAssistance.WouldtoGodhewasbutalivetobeatmeagain,saidshe,blubberingandroaring;Ideserv'dtobebeat.IgavehimtoojustOccasiontobejealousofme.WouldtoGodthathehadbeatme,andyouhaddiedinhisStead!Zadigmoreastonish'd,andmoreexasperatedthaneverhewasinallhisLife,saidtoher:Really,Madam,youputonsuchextravagantAirs,thatyoutemptme,prettyasyouare,tothreshyoumostcordiallyinmyTurn;butIscorntoconcernmyselfanymoreaboutyou.Uponthis,heremountedhisDromedary,andmadethebestofhisWaytowardstheVillage:ButbeforehehadgotnearahundredYards,hereturn'duponanOut-crythatwasmadebyfourCouriersfromBabylon.TheyrodefullSpeed.Oneofthem,spyingtheyoungWidow,criedout.

Theresheis,That'sshe.SheanswersineveryRespecttotheDescriptionwehadofher.TheynevertooktheleastNoticeofherdeadGallant,butsecur'dherdirectly.Oh!Sir,criedshetoZadig,againandagain,dearSir,mostgenerousStranger,oncemoredelivermefromaPackofVillains.ImosthumblybegyourPardonformylateConductandunjustComplaintofyou.DobutstandmyFriend,atthiscriticalConjuncture,andI'llbeyourmostobedientVassaltillDeath.ZadighadnownoInclinationtofightforonesoundeservinganymore.FindsomeothertobeyourFoolnow,Madam;youshan'timposeuponmeasecondTime.I'llassure



you,Madam,IknowbetterThings.Besideshewaswounded;andbledsofastthathewantedAssistancehimself:And'tisveryprobable,thattheSightoftheBabylonianCouriers,whoweredispatch'dfromKingMoabdar,mightdiscomposehimverymuch.HemadealltheHastehecouldtowardstheVillage,notbeingabletoconceivewhatshouldbetherealCauseoftheyoungLady'sbeingsecur'dbythoseBabylonishOfficers,andasmuchataLoss,atthesameTime,whattothinkofsuchaTermagantandaCoquet.

CHAP.IX.

TheCAPTIVE.

NosoonerwasZadigarriv'dattheEgyptianVillagebefore-mention'd,buthefoundhimselfsurroundedbyaCroud.ThePeopleoneandallcriedout!See!See!there'stheManthatranawaywiththebeauteousLadyMissouf,andmurder'dCletofis.Gentlemen,saidhe,GodforbidthatIshouldeverentertainaThoughtofrunningawaywiththeLadyyouspeakof:SheistoomuchofaCoquet:AndastoCletofis,Ididnotmurderhim,butkill'd

himinmyownDefence.Heendeavour'dallhecouldtotakemyLifeaway,becauseIentreatedhimtotakesomePityandCompassiononthebeauteousMissouf,whomhebeatmostunmercifully.IamaStranger,whoamfledhitherforShelter,and'tishighlyimprobable,thatuponmyfirstEntranceintoaCountry,whereIcameforSafetyandProtection,IshouldbeguiltyoftwosuchenormousCrimes,asthatofrunningawaywithanotherMan'sPartner,andthatofclandestinelymurderinghimonherAccount.

TheEgyptiansatthatTimewerejustandhumane.ThePopulace,tistrue,hurriedZadigtotheTown-Goal;buttheytookcareinthefirstPlacetostoptheBleedingofhisWounds,andafterwardsexamin'dthesuppos'dDelinquentsapart,inordertodiscover,if

possible,therealTruth.TheyacquittedZadigoftheChargeofwilfulandpremeditatedMurder;butashehadtakenaSubject'sLifeaway,tho'inhisownDefence,hewassentenc'dtobeaSlave,astheLawdirected.HistwoBeastsweresoldinopenMarket,fortheServiceoftheHamlet;WhatMoneyhehadwasdistributedamongsttheInhabitants;andheandhisAttendantwereexpos'dintheMarket-placetopublicSale.AnArabianMerchant,SetocbyName,purchas'dthemboth;butastheValet,orAttendant,wasarobustMan,andbettercutoutforhardLabourthantheMaster,hefetch'dthemostMoney.TherewasnoComparisontobemadebetweenthem.ZadigthereforewasaSlavesubordinatetohisValet;theysecur'dthemboth,however,byaChainupontheirLegs;andsolink'dtheyaccompaniedtheirMasterhome.Zadig,astheywereontheRoad,

comfortedhisFellow-Slave,andexhortedhimtobearhisMisfortuneswithPatience:But,accordingtoCustom,hemadeseveralReflectionsontheVicissitudesofhumanLife.Iamnowsensible,saidhe,thatmyimpropitiousFortunehassomemalignantInfluenceoverthine;everyOccurrenceofmyLifehithertohasprov'dstrangelyoddandunaccountable.InthefirstPlace,Iwassentenc'dtodieatBabylon,forwritingashortPanegyrickontheKing,myMaster.Inthenext,Inarrowlyescap'dbeingstrangled,fortheQueenhisRoyalConsort'sspeakingalittletoomuchinmyFavour;andhereIamajoint-Slavewiththyself;becauseaturbulentFellowofa



GallantwouldbeathisLady.However,Comrade,letusmarchonboldly;letnotourCouragebecastdown;allthismaypossiblyhaveahappierIssuethanweexpect.'TisabsolutelynecessarythattheseArabianMerchantsshouldhaveSlaves,andwhyshouldnotyouandI,aswearebutMen,beSlavesasThousandsofothersare?ThisMasterofoursmaynotproveinexorable.HemusttreathisSlaveswithsomeThoughtandConsideration,ifheexpectsthemtodohisWork.ThiswashisDiscoursetohisComrade;buthisMindwasmoreattentivetotheMisfortunesoftheQueenofBabylon.

TwoDaysafterwardsSetocsetoutwithhistwoSlavesandhisCamels,forArabiaDeserta.HisTribeliv'dneartheDesertofHoreb.TheWaywaslongandtedious.Setoc,duringtheJourney,paidamuchgreaterRegardtoZadig'sValet,thantohimself;becausetheformerwasthemostabletoloadtheCamels;andthereforewhatlittleDistinctionsweremade,theywereinhisFavour.Itsohappen'dthatoneoftheCamelsdiedupontheRoad:TheLoadwhichtheBeastcarriedwasimmediatelydivided,andthrownupontheShouldersofthetwoSlaves;ZadighadhisShare.Setoc,couldn'tforbearlaughingtoseehistwoSlavescrouchingundertheirBurthen.ZadigtooktheLibertytoexplaintheReasonthereof;andconvinc'dhimoftheLawsoftheEquilibrium.TheMerchantwasalittlestartledathisphilosophicalDiscourse,andlook'duponhimwithamorefavourableEyethanatfirst.Zadig,

perceivinghehadrais'dhisCuriosity,redoubledit,byinstructinghiminseveralmaterialPoints,whichwereinsomeMeasure,advantageoustohiminhisWayofBusiness:Suchas,thespecificWeightofMetals,andotherCommoditiesofvariousKinds,ofanequalBulk;thePropertiesofseveralusefulAnimals,andthebestWaysandMeanstomakeSuchaswerewild,tamebyDegrees,andfitforService:Inshort,Zadigwaslook'duponbyhisMaster,asaperfectOracle.SetocnowthoughttheMasterthemuchbetterManofthetwo.Heus'dhimcourteously,andhadnoRoomtorepentofhisIndulgencetowardshim.

BeinggottotheirJourney'sEnd,thefirstStepthatSetoctookwastoclaimaDebtoffivehundredOuncesofSilverofaJew,who

hadborrow'ditinthePresenceoftwoWitnesses;butbothofthemweredead;andastheJewwasconscioushecouldn'tbecastforWantofEvidence,appropriatedtheMerchant'sMoneytohisownUse,andthank'dGodthatitlayinhisPowerforoncetobiteanArabianwithImpunity.Setocdiscover'dtoZadigtheunhappySituationofhisCase,ashewasnowbecomehisConfident.Wherewasit,pray,saidZadig,thatyoulentthislargeSumtothatungratefulInfidel?UponalargeStone,saidtheMerchant,attheFootofMountHoreb.WhatsortofaManisyourDebtor,saidZadig?Oh!heisaserrandaRogueaseverbreath'd,reply'dSetoc.ThatItakeforgranted;but,saysZadig,ishealively,activeMan,orisheadullheavy-headedFellow?HeisoneoftheworstofPay-mastersintheWorld,butthemerriest,mostsprightly

FellowIevermetwith.Verywell!saidZadig,letmebeoneofyourCouncilwhenyourCausecomestobeheard.Inshort,hesummon'dtheJewtoattendtheCourt;where,whentheJudgewassat,Zadigopen'dtheCause:ThouimpartialJudgeofthisCourtofEquity,Iamcomehere,inbehalfofmyMaster,todemandoftheDefendantfivehundredOuncesofSilver,whichherefusestopay,andwouldfaintraversetheDebt.Haveyou,Friend,yourWitnessesreadytoprovetheLoan,saidtheJudge?No,theyaredead;butthereisalargeStonestillsubsisting,onwhichtheMoneywasdeposited;andifyourExcellence,willbepleas'dtoorderthe



StonetobebroughtinCourt,Idon'tdoubtbuttheEvidenceitwillgive,willbeProofsufficientoftheFact.IhopeyourExcellencewillorder,thattheJewandmyselfshallbeoblig'dtoattendtheCourt,tilltheStonecomes,andI'lldispatchaspecialMessengertofetchit,atmyMaster'sExpence.YourRequestisveryreasonable,saidtheJudge.Doasyoupropose;andsocall'danotherCause.

WhentheCourtwasreadytobreakup,Well!saidtheJudgetoZadig,isyourStonecomeyet?TheJew,withaSneer,replied,yourExcellencemaywaitheretillthisTimeTo-morrow,beforetheStonewillappearinCourt;for'tisabovesixMileoff,anditwillrequirefifteenMentoremoveitfromitsPlace.'Tiswell!repliedZadig.ItoldyourExcellencethattheStonewouldbeaverymaterialEvidence.SincetheDefendantcanpointoutthePlacewheretheStonelies,hetacitlyconfesses,thatitwasuponthatStonetheMoneywasdeposited.TheJewthusunexpectedlyconfuted,wassoonoblig'dtoacknowledgetheDebt.TheJudgeorder'dthattheJewshouldbetiedfasttotheStone,withoutVictualsorDrink,tillheshouldadvancethefivehundredOuncesofSilver,whichweresoonpaidaccordingly,andtheJewreleas'd.TheSlaveZadig,andthisremarkableStone-Witness,wereingreatReputealloverArabia.

CHAP.X.

TheFUNERALPILE.

Setoc,transportedwithhisgoodSuccess,ofaSlavemadeZadighisFavouriteCompanionandConfident;hefoundhimasnecessaryintheConductofhisAffairs,astheKingofBabylonhadbeforedoneintheAdministrationofhisGovernment;andluckyitwasforZadigthatSetochadnoWife.

Hediscover'd,thathisMasterwasinhisTemperbenevolent,strictlyhonest,andaManofgoodnaturalParts.Zadigwasverymuchconcern'd,thatOneofsomuchSenseshouldpaydivineAdorationtoawholeHostofcreated,tho'CelestialBeings,thatistosay,theSun,Moon,andStars,accordingtotheantientCustomoftheArabians.Hetalk'd,atfirst,tohisMaster,withgreatPrecautiononsoimportantaTopick.Butatlasttoldhim,indirectTerms,thattheywerecreatedBodies,asothers,tho'oflessLustre,andthattherewasnomoreAdorationduetothem,thantoaStockoraStone.But,saidSetoc,theyareeternalBeingstowhomweareindebtedforalltheBlessingsweenjoy;theyanimateNature;theyregulatetheSeasons;theyare,inaWord,atsuchaninfinite

Distancefromus,thatitwouldbedownrightimpiousnottoadorethem.Youaremoreindebted,saidZadig,totheWatersoftheRedSea,whichtransportsomanyvaluableCommoditiesintotheIndies.Why,pray,maynottheybedeem'dasantientastheStars?AndifyouaresofondofpayingyourAdorationonAccountoftheirvastDistance;whydon'tyouadoretheLandoftheGangarides,whichliesintheutmostExtremitiesoftheEarth.No,saidSetoc,thereissomethingsosurprisinglymorebrilliantintheStarsthanwhatyouspeakof;thataManmustadorethemwhetherhewillornot.



AttheCloseoftheEvening,ZadigplantedalongRangeofCandlesintheFrontofhisTent,whereSetocandheweretosupthatNight:Andassoonasheperceiv'dhisPatrontobeattheDoor,hefellprostrateonhisKneesbeforetheWax-Lights.Oyeeverlasting,ever-shiningLuminaries,bealwayspropitioustoyourVotary,saidZadig.HavingrepeatedtheseWordssoloudasSetocmighthearthem,hesatdowntoTable,withouttakingtheleastNoticeofSetoc.What!saidSetoc,somewhatstartledathisConduct,artthouatthyPrayersbeforeSupper?Iactjustasinconsistently,Sir,asyoudo;IworshiptheseCandles;withoutreflectingontheirMakers,oryourself,whoaremymostbeneficentPatron.

SetoctooktheHint,andwasconsciousoftheReproofthatwasconceal'dsogenteelyunderaVail.ThesuperiorWisdomofhisSlaveenlightnedhisMind;andfromthatHourhewaslesslavishthaneverhehadbeen,ofhisIncensetothosecreatedBeings,andforthefuture,paidhisAdorationtotheeternalGodwhomadethem.

AtthatTimetherewasamosthideousCustominhighReputealloverArabia,whichcameoriginallyfromScythia;buthavingmetwiththeSanctionofthebigottedBrachmans,threatn'dtospreaditsInfectionallovertheEast.WhenamarriedManhappen'dtodie,ifhisdearlybelovedWidoweverexpectedtobeesteem'daSaint,shemustthrowherselfheadlonguponherHusband'sFuneral-Pile.

Thiswaslook'duponasasolemnFestival,andwascall'dtheWidow'sSacrifice.ThatTribewhichcouldboastofthegreatestNumberofburnt-Widows,waslook'duponasthemostmeritorious.AnArabian,whowasoftheTribeofSetoc,happen'djustatthatJuncture,tobedead,andhisWidow(AlmonabyName)whowasanotedDevotee,publish'dtheDay,nay,theHour,thatshepropos'dtothrowherself(accordingtoCustom)onherdeceasedHusband'sFuneralPile,andbeattendedbyaConcertofDrumsandTrumpets.ZadigremonstratedtoSetoc,whatashockingCustomthiswas,andhowdirectlyrepugnanttohumanNature;bypermittingyoungWidows,almosteveryDay,tobecomewilfulSelf-Murderers;whentheymightbeofServicetotheirCountry,eitherbytheAdditionofnewSubjects,orbytheEducationofsuchasdemandedtheirMaternal

Indulgence.And,byarguingseriouslywithSetocforsomeTime,heforc'dfromhimatlast,aningenuousConfession,thatthebarbarousCustomthensubsisting,ought,ifpossible,tobeabolish'd.'Tisnow,repliedSetoc,aboveathousandYearssincetheWidowsofArabiahavebeenindulg'dwiththisPrivilegeofdyingwiththeirHusbands;andhowshallanyonedaretoabrogateaLawthathasbeenestablish'dTimeoutofMind?IsthereanyThingmoreinviolablethanevenanantientError?But,repliedZadig,ReasonisofmoreantientDatethantheCustomyoupleadfor.DoyoucommunicatetheseSentimentstotheSovereignsofyourTribes,andinthemeanwhileI'llgo,andsoundtheWidow'sInclinations.

AccordinglyhepaidheraVisit,andhavinginsinuatedhimselfinto

herFavour,byafewComplimentsonherBeauty,afterurgingwhatapityitwas,thatayoungWidow,MistressofsomanyCharms,shouldmakeawaywithherselffornootherreasonbuttomingleherAsheswithaHusbandthatwasdead;he,notwithstanding,applaudedherforherheroicConstancyandCourage.Iperceive,Madam,saidhe,youwasexcessivelyfondofyourdeceasedSpouse.NotItruly,reply'dtheyoungArabianDevotee.HewasaBrute,infectedwithagroundlessJealousyofmyVirtue;and,inshort,aperfectTyrant.But,notwithstandingallthis,Iamdetermin'dtocomplywithourCustom.Surelythen,Madam,there'saSortofsecretPleasurein



takensomuchCare,thatnoMummywhatevercanequalit:AndwasIinmyownCountry,Icouldbefurnish'dwithwhatSumsoeverIpleas'd,wereIdispos'dtomortgageit.'TisastrangeThingthatNobodyherewilladvancesosmallaSumuponsovaluableaCommodity.Nosoonerhadheexpress'dhisResentment,buthewasgoingtocutupafineboil'dPullet,inordertomakeaMealon't,whenanIndianlaidholdofhisHand,andwithdeepConcern,criedout,ForGod'sSakewhatareyouabout?Why,saidtheEgyptian,IdesigntomakeaWingofthisFowlonePartofmySupper.Pray,goodSir,considerwhatyouaredoing,saidtheIndian.'Tisverypossible,thattheSoulofthedeceas'dLadymayhavetakenitsResidenceinthatFowl.Andyouwouldn'tsurelyruntheRisqueofeatingupyourAunt?ToboilaFowlis,doubtless,amostshamefulOutragedonetoNature.Pshaw!WhataPotheryoumakeabouttheboilingofaFowl,andflyingintheFaceofNature,repliedtheEgyptianinaPet;tho'weEgyptianspaydivineAdorationtotheOx;yetwecanmakeaheartyMealofaPieceofroastBeefforallthat.Isitpossible,Sir,thatyourCountry-menshouldactsoabsurdly,astopayanOxtheTributeofdivineWorship,saidtheIndian?Absurdasyouthinkit,saidtheother,theOxhasbeentheprincipalObjectofAdorationalloverEgypt,forthesehundredandthirtyfivethousandYears,andthemostabandon'dEgyptianhasneverbeenasyetsoimpiousastogain-sayit.Ay,Sir,anhundredthirtyfivethousandYears,sayyou,surelyyoumust

beoutalittleinyourCalculation.'TisbutaboutfourscorethousandYears,sinceIndiawasfirstinhabited.SureIam,weareamoreantientPeoplethanyouare,andourBramaprohibitedtheeatingofBeeflongbeforeyourNationevererectedanAltarinHonouroftheOx,oreverputoneuponaSpit.WhataRacketyoumakeaboutyourBrama!IsheabletostandtheleastinCompetitionwithourApis,saidtheEgyptian?Letushear,pray,whatmightyFeatshavebeendonebyyourboastedBrama?Why,repliedtheBramin,hefirsttaughthisVotariestowriteandread;and'tistohimalone,alltheWorldisindebtedfortheInventionofthenobleGameofChess.Youarequiteout,Sir,inyourNotion,saidaChaldean,whosatwithinHearing:AlltheseinvaluableBlessingswerederiv'dfromtheFishOannÃ©s;and'tis

thatalonetowhichtheTributeofdivineAdorationisjustlydue.AlltheWorldwilltellyou,that'twasadivineBeingwhoseTailwaspureGold,whoseHeadresembledthatofaMan,tho'indeedtheFeaturesweremuchmorebeautiful;andthathecondescendedtovisittheEarththreeHourseveryDay,fortheInstructionofMankind.HehadanumerousIssue,asisverywellknown,andallofthemwerepowerfulMonarchs.IhaveaPictureofitatHome,towhich,asinDutyIought,ISaymyPrayersatNightbeforeIgotoBed,andeveryMorningthatIrise.ThereisnoHarm,Sir,asIcanconceive,inpartakingofaPieceofroastBeef;but,doubtless,'tisamortalSin,aCrimeoftheblackestDye,totouchaPieceofFish.Besides,youcannotjustlyboastofsoillustriousanOrigin,andyouarebothofyoumereModerns,inComparisontousChaldeans,You

Egyptianslayclaimtonomorethan135,000Years,andyouIndians,butof80,000.WhereaswehaveAlmanacksthataredated4000Centuriesbackwards.TakemyWordforit;IspeaknothingbutTruth;renounceyourErrors,andI'llmakeeachofyouaPresentofafinePortraitofourOannÃ©s.

ANativeofCambalu,entringintotheDebate,said,IhaveaverygreatVeneration,notonlyfortheEgyptians,Chaldeans,Greeks,andCeltÃ¦;butforBrama,Apis,andtheOannÃ©s,butinmyhumbleOpinion,the*Li,oras'tisbysomecall'd,



the*Tien,isanObjectmoredeservingofdivineAdorationthananyOx,orFish,howmuchsoeveryoumayboastoftheirrespectivePerfections.AllIshallsay,inregardtomynativeCountry,'tisofmuchgreaterExtent,thanallEgypt,Chaldea,andtheIndiesputtogether.IshalllaynoStressontheAntiquityofmyCountry;forIimagine'tisofmuchgreaterImportancetobethehappiestPeople,thanthemostantientundertheSun.However,sinceyouweretalkingoftheAlmanacks,ImustbegtheLibertytotellyou,thatoursarelook'dupontobethebestalloverAsia;andthatwehadseveralverycorrectonesbeforetheArtofArithmetickwaseverheardofinChaldea.

*TheChineseTerm,Li,signifies,properlyspeaking,naturalLight,orReason;andTien,theHeavens,orthesupremeBeing.

YouareallofyouaParcelofilliterate,ignorantBigots,cry'daGrecian:'Tisplain,youknownothingoftheChaos,andthattheWorld,asitnowstands,isowingwhollytoMatterandForm.TheGreekranonforaconsiderableTime;butwasatlastinterruptedbyaCelt,whohavingdrankdeep,duringthewholeTimeofthisDebate,thoughthimselftenTimeswiserthananyofhisAntagonists;andwrappingoutagreatOath,insisted,thatalltheirGodswerenothing,ifsetinCompetitionwiththeTeutathortheMisletoeon

theOak.Asformypart,saidhe,IcarrysomeofitalwaysinmyPocket:AstomyAncestors,theywereScythians,andtheonlyMenworthtalkingofinthewholeWorld:'Tistrue,indeed,theywouldnowandthenmakeaMealoftheirCountry-men,butthatoughtnottobeurg'dasanyObjectiontohisCountry;and,inshort,ifanyoneofyou,orallofyou,shalldaretosayanythingdisrespectfulofTeutath,I'lldefenditsCausetothelastDropofmyBlood.TheQuarrelgrewwarmerandwarmer,andSetocexpectedthattheTablewouldbeoverset,andthatBlood-shedwouldensue.Zadig,whohadn'tonceopen'dhisLipsduringthewholeControversy,atlastroseup,andaddress'dhimselftotheCelt,inthefirstPlace,asbeingthemostnoisyandoutrageous.Sir,saidhe,YourNotionsinthisAffairareveryjust:GoodSir,obligemewithaBitofyour

Misletoe.Thenturningabout,heexpatiatedontheEloquenceoftheGrecian,andinaWord,soften'dinthemostartfulMannerallthecontendingParties.HesaidbutlittleindeedtotheCathayian;becausehewasmorecool,andsedatethananyoftheothers.Toconclude,headdress'dthemallingeneralTerms,tothisorthelikeEffect:MydearFriends,YouhavebeencontestingallthiswhileaboutanimportantTopick,inwhich'tisevident,youareallunanimouslyagreed.Agreed,quotha!theyallcried,inanangryTone,Howso,pray?Whysaidhetothehot,testyCelt,isitnottrue,thatyoudonotineffectadorethisMisletoe,butthatBeingwhocreatedthatMisletoeandtheOak,towhichitissocloselyunited?Doubtless,Sir,reply'dtheCelt.Andyou,Sir,saidhe,totheEgyptian,Yourevere,thro'yourvenerableApis,the

greatAuthorofeveryOx'sBeing.Wedoso,saidtheEgyptian.ThemightyOannÃ©s,tho'theSovereignoftheSea,continuedhe,mustgivePrecedencetothatPower,whomadeboththeSea,andeveryFishthatdwellstherein.Weallowit,saidtheChaldean.TheIndian,addshe,andtheCathayan,acknowledgeonesupremeBeing,orfirstCause,aswellasyou.AstowhatthatprofoundworthyGentlemantheGrecianhasadvanc'd,is,Imustown,alittleabovemyweakComprehension,butIamfullypersuaded,thathewillallowthereisasupremeBeingonwhomhisfavouriteMatterandFormareentirelydependent.TheGrecian,whowaslook'duponasaSageamongst



them,said,withAbundanceofGravity,thatZadig,hadmadeaveryjustConstructionofhisMeaning.Now,Gentlemen,Iappealtoyouall,saidZadig,whetheryouarenotunanimoustoaMan,intheDebateupontheCarpet,andwhetherthereareanyjustGroundsfortheleastDivisionsorAnimositiesamongstyou.ThewholeCompany,coolatonce,caress'dhim;andSetoc,afterhehadsoldoffallhisGoodsandMerchandizeataroundPrice,tookhisFriendZadigHomewithhimtotheLandofHoreb.Zadig,uponhisfirstArrivalwasinform'd,thataProsecutionhadbeencarriedonagainsthimduringhisAbsence,andthattheSentencepronounc'dagainsthimwas,thatheshouldbeburntalivebeforeaslowFire.

CHAP.XII.

TheRENDEZVOUS.

WhilstZadigattendedhisFriendSetoctoBalzora,thePriestsoftheStarsweredetermin'dtopunishhim.AsallthecostlyJewels,andothervaluableDecorations,inwhicheveryyoungWidowthatsacrificedherselfonherHusband'sFuneral-pile,weretheir

customaryFees,'tisnogreatWonder,indeed,thattheywereinclin'dtoburnpoorZadig,forplayingthemsuchascurvyTrick.Zadigtherefore,wasaccus'dofholdinghereticalanddamnableTenets,inregardtotheCelestialHost:Theydepos'd,andsworepoint-blank,thathehadbeenheardtoaver,thattheStarsneversatintheSea.ThishorridblasphemousDeclarationthunder-struckalltheJudges,andtheywerereadytorendtheirMantlesattheSoundofsuchanimpiousAssertion;andtheywouldhavemadeZadig,hadhebeenaManofSubstance,paidveryseverelyforhishereticalNotions.ButintheHeightoftheirPityandCompassionforevensuchanInfidel,theywouldlaynoFineuponhim;butcontentthemselveswithseeinghimroastedalivebeforeaslowFire.Setoc,tho'withoutHopesofSuccess,us'dalltheInteresthehad

tosavehisbosomFriendfromsoshockingaDeath;buttheyturn'dadeafEartoallhisRemonstrances,andoblig'dhimtoholdhisTongue.TheyoungWidowAlmona,whobythisTimewasnotonlyreconcil'dtolivingalittlelonger,buthadsomeTasteforthePleasuresofLife,andknewthatshewasentirelyindebtedtoZadigforit,resolv'd,ifpossible,tofreeherBenefactorfrombeingburnt,ashehadbeforeconvinc'dheroftheFollyofitinherCase.Sheponder'duponthisweightyAffairveryseriously;butsaidnothingtoanyonewhomsoever.ZadigwastobeexecutedthenextDay;andshehadonlyafewHourslefttocarryherProjectintoExecution.NowtheReadershallhearwithhowmuchBenevolenceandDiscretionthisamiableWidowbehav'donthisemergentOccasion.

InthefirstPlace,shemadeuseofthemostcostlyPerfumes;anddrestherselftotheutmostAdvantagetorenderherCharmsasconspicuousaspossible;Andthusgailyattir'd,demandedaprivateAudienceoftheHighPriestoftheStars.UponherfirstAdmittanceintohisaugustandvenerablePresence,sheaddress'dherselfinthefollowingTerms.Othoufirst-bornandwell-belovedSonoftheGreatBear,BrotheroftheBull,andfirstCousintotheDog,(theseyoumustknowwerethePontiff'shighTitles)Icometoconfessmyselfbeforeyou:MyConscienceismyAccuser,andIamterriblyafraidIhavebeenguiltyofamortalSin,bydecliningthestatedCustomof



burningmyselfonmyHusband'sFuneral-pile?Whatcouldtemptme,inshort,toaProlongationofmyLife,Ican'timagine,I,whoamgrownaperfectSkeleton,allwrinkledanddeform'd.Shepaus'd,andpullingoff,withanegligentbutartfulAir,herlongsilkGloves;Shedisplay'dasoft,plump,nakedArm,andwhiteasSnow:Yousee,Sir,saidshe,thatallmyCharmsareblasted.Blasted,Madam,saidthelusciousPontiff;No!YourCharmsarestillresistless:HisEyes,andhisMouth,withwhichhekiss'dherHand,confirm'dtheirPower:SuchanArm,Madam,bytheGreatOrasmades,Ineversawbefore.Alas!saidtheWidow,withamodestBlush;myArmSir,'tisprobable,mayhavetheAdvantageofanyhiddenPart;butsee,goodFather,whataNeckishere;asyellowasSaffron,anObjectnotworthregarding.Thenshedisplay'dsuchasnowy,pantingBosom,thatNaturecouldnotmendit.ARose-BudonanIvoryApple,would,ifsetinCompetitionwithherspotlessWhiteness,makenobetterAppearancethancommonMadderuponaShrub;andthewhitestWool,justoutoftheLaver,wereshebutby,wouldseembutofalight-brownHue.

HerNeck,herlargeblack,sparklingEyes,thatlanguishinglyroll'd,andseem'das'twere,onFire;herlovelyCheeks,glowingwithWhiteandRed,herNose,thatwasnotunliketheTowerofMountLebanon,herLips,whichwereliketwoBordersofCoral,inclosingtwoRowsofthebestPearlsintheArabianSea;sucha

Combination,Isay,ofCharms,madetheoldPontiffjudgeshewasscarcetwentyYearsofAge;andinakindofFlutter,tomakeheraDeclarationofhistenderRegardforher.Almona,perceivinghimenamour'd,begg'dhisInterestinFavourofZadig.Alas!mydearCharmer,myInterestalone,whenyourequesttheFavour,wouldbebutapoorCompliment;I'lltakecarehisAcquittanceshallbesignedbythreemoreofmyBrotherPriests.Doyousignfirst,however,saidAlmona.WithallmySoul,saidtheamorousPontiff,provided----you'llbekind,mydearest.YoudometoomuchHonour,saidAlmona;butshouldyougiveyourselftheTroubletopaymeaVisitafterSunset,andassoonastheStarSheattwinklesontheHorizon,youshallfindme,mostvenerableFather,repos'duponarosy-colour'dsilverSopha,whereyoushalluseyourPleasurewith

yourhumbleServant.WiththatshemadehimalowCourtesy;tookupZadig'sgeneralReleaseassoonasduelysign'd,andlefttheoldDoatardalloverLove,tho'somewhatdiffidentofhisownAbilities.TheResidueoftheDayhespentinhisBagnio;hedranklargeenliveningDraughtsofaWaterdistill'dfromtheCinnamonofCeilan,andthecostlySpicesofTidorandTernate,andwaitedwiththeutmostImpatiencefortheup-risingofthebrilliantSheat.

InthemeantimeAlmonawenttothesecondPontiff.Heassur'dherthattheSun,Moon,andallthestarryHostofHeav'n,werebutlanguidFirestoherbrightEyes.HeputtheQuestiontoher,inshort,atonce,andagreedtosignuponherCompliance.Shesuffer'd

herselftobeover-persuaded,andmadeanAssignationtomeethimatacertainPlace,assoonastheStarAlgenibshouldmakeitsAppearance.Fromhimsherepair'dtothethirdandfourthPontiff,takingcare,wherevershewent,toseeZadig'sAcquittanceduelysign'd,andmadefreshAppointmentsattheRisingofStarafterStar.

WhenshehadcarriedherPointthusfar,shesentaproperMessagetotheJudgesoftheCourt,whohadcondemn'dZadig,requestingthattheywouldcometoherHouse,thatshemightadvisewiththem



uponanAffairofthelastImportance.Theywaitedonheraccordingly;sheproduc'dZadig'sDischargedulysign'dbyfourseveralHands,andtoldthemtheDefinitiveTreatybetweenallthecontractingParties.EachofthepontificalGallantsobserv'dtheirSummonstoaMoment.EachwasstartledattheSightofhisRival;butperfectlythunderstrucktoseetheJudges,beforewhomtheWidowhadlaidopenherCase.Zadigprocur'danabsolutePardon,andSetocwassocharm'dwiththeartfulAddressofAlmona,thathemarriedherthenextDay.ZadigwentafterwardstothrowhimselfattheFeetofhisfairBenefactress.SetocandhetooktheirLeaveofeachotherwithTearsintheirEyes,andvowingthataneternalmutualFriendshipshouldbepreserv'dbetweenthem;and,inshort,shouldFortuneatanyTimeafterwardsprovemorepropitiousthancouldwellbeexpectedtoeitherParty;theothershouldpartakeofanequalShareofhisSuccess.

Zadigsteer'dhisCoursetowardsSyria;foreverponderingonthehardFateofthejustly-admir'dAstarte,andreflectingonhisownStarsthatsoobstinatelydarteddowntheirmalignantRays,andcontinu'ddailytotormenthim.What,saidhe!topayfourhundredOuncesofGoldforonlyseeingaBitchpassbyme;tobecondemn'dtobebeheadedforfourwitlessVersesinPraiseoftheKing;tobestrangledtoDeath,becauseaQueenwaspleas'dtolookuponme;tobemadeaPrisoner,andsoldasaSlaveforsavingayoungLadyfrom

beingsorelyabus'dbyaBruteratherthanaMan;andtobeupontheBrinkofbeingroastedalive,fornootherOffencethansavingforthefuturealltheWidowsinArabiafrombecomingidleBurnt-Offerings,andminglingtheirAsheswiththoseoftheirdeceasedworthlessHusbands.

CHAP.XIII.

TheFREE-BOOTER.

Zadig,arrivingattheFrontierswhichseparateArabiaPetrÃ¦afromSyria,andpassingbyaverystrongCastle,severalarm'dArabiansrush'doutuponhim,andsurroundinghim,criedout:WhateveryouhavebelongingtoyouisourProperty,butasforyourPerson,thatisentirelyatourSovereign'sDisposal.Zadig,insteadofmakinganyReply,drewhisSword,andashisAttendantwasaverycouragiousFellow,hedrewlikewise.Thosewholaidholdonthem,firstfellaSacrificetotheirFury:TheirNumbersredoubled:Yetstill,Bothdauntless,determin'dtoconquerortodie.WhentwoMendefendthemselvesagainstawholeGang,theContest,doubtless,cannotlastlong.TheMasteroftheCastle,oneArbogadbyName,havingbeenanEye-WitnessfromhisWindow,of

theIntrepidityandsurprisingExploitsofZadig,tookaFancytohim.HerandownthereforeinHaste,andgivingOrdershimselftohisVassalstodesist,deliver'dthetwoTravellersoutoftheirHands.WhateverGoodsorChattels,saidhe,comeuponmyTerritories,aremyEffects;andwhateverIfindlikewisethatisvaluableuponthePremisesofothers,ismyfreeBooty;but,asyouappear,Sir,tometobeaGentlemanofuncommonCourage,youshallproveanExceptiontomygeneralRule.Uponthis,heinvitedZadigintohismagnificentMansion,givinghisinferiorOfficersstrictOrderstousehimwithalldueRespect;andatNightArbogadwas



desirousofsuppingwithZadig.TheLordoftheMansionwasoneofthoseArabians,thatarecall'dFree-booters;butaManwhonowandthendidgoodActionsamongstaThousandbadones.Heplunder'dwithoutMercy;butwasliberalinhisBenefactions.WheninAction,intrepid;butinTraffick,easyenough;aperfectEpicureinhisEatingandDrinking,anabsoluteDebauchee,butveryfrankandopen.Zadigpleas'dhimextremely;hisConversationbeingverylively,prolong'dtheirRepast:Atlast,Arbogadsaidtohim;Iwouldadviseyou,Sir,toenlistyourselfinmyTroop;youcannotpossiblydoabetterThing:MyProfessionisnoneoftheworst;andinTime,youmaybecomeperhapsasgreataManasmyself.MayIpresume,Sir,toaskyouoneQuestion;howlongmayyouhavefollow'dthishonourableCalling?FrommyYouthupwards,repliedhisHost,IwasonlyaValetatfirsttoanArabian,whoindeedwascourteousenough;butServitudewasaStateofLifeIcouldnotbrook.Itmademestark-madtosee,inawideWorld,whichoughttobedividedfairlybetweenMankind,thatFatehadreserv'dformesoscantyaPortion.IcommunicatedmyGrievancetoanoldSageArabian.Son,saidhe,neverdespair;onceuponaTime,therewasaGrainofSand,thatbemoan'ditself,asbeingnothingmorethanaworthlessAtomoftheDeserts.AttheExpiration,however,ofafewYears,itbecamethatinestimableDiamond,whichatthisveryHour,istherichest,andmostadmir'dOrnamentoftheIndianCrown.TheoldMan'sDiscoursefir'dmewithsomeAmbition;Iwas

conscioustomyselfthatIwasatthatTimetheAtomhemention'd,butwasdetermin'd,ifpossible,tobecometheDiamond.Atmyfirstsettingout,IstoletwoHorses;thenIgotintoaGang;whereweplay'datsmallGame,andstopp'dthesmallCaravans;thusIgraduallylessen'dthewideDisproportion,whichtherewasatfirstbetweenmeandtherestofMankind:Ienjoy'dnotonlymyfullShareofthegoodThingsofthisLife,butenjoy'dthemwithUsury.Iwaslook'duponasaManofConsequence,andIprocur'dthisCastlebymymilitaryAtchievements.TheSatrapofSyriahadThoughtsofdispossessingme;butIwasthentoorichtobeanyWaysafraidofhim;IgavetheSatrapacertainSumofMoney,uponConditionthatIkeptquietPossessionofmyCastle.And,moreover,Iaggrandiz'dmyDomains;forheconstitutedme,atthesameTime,Treasurerof

theImportsthatArabiaPetrÃ¦apaidtotheKingofKings.IexecutedmyTrust,ineveryRespect,asIought,intheCapacityofaCollector;butIneverdid,norneverintendedtobalancemyAccounts.

ThegrandDesterhamofBabylonsenthither,intheNameoftheKingMoabdar,apettySatrap,withaCommissiontostrangleme.HeandhisAttendantsarriv'dherewithhisRoyalWarrant.Iwasappriz'dofthewholeAffair,and,accordingly,order'dhiswholeRetinue,consistingoffourinferiorOfficers,tobestrangledbeforehisFace,afterthesameManneraswasintendedformyExecution.Afterthis,Iask'dhimwhathethoughttheCommissionwithwhichhewasentrusted,mightreasonablybevaluedat;he

answer'd,thathepresum'dhisPremium(hadhesucceeded)mighthaveamountedtoaboutthreeHundredPiecesofGold.Imadehimsensible,thatitwouldbeforhisInteresttobeacommission'dOfficerunderme;ImadehimaccordinglyDeputyFree-booter.HeisatthisveryDaynotonlythebestOfficer,buttherichestIhaveinallmyCourt.IfmyWordmaybecredited,I'llraiseyourFortuneasIhavedonehis.NeverwasTradebriskerinourWay;forMoabdar,isknock'dontheHead,andallBabylonintheutmostConfusion.Moabdarkill'd,saidyou!cry'dZadig,andpray,Sir,whatisbecomeofhisRoyalConsort,Astarte?Iknownothingatallof



thatAffair,repliedArbogad,allthatIhavetosay,is,thatMoabdarbecameaperfectMadman,andhadhisBrainsbeatout;thatallthePeopleinBabylonarecuttingoneanother'sThroats,andthatthewholeEmpireislaidwaste;thatthereisstillanOpportunityformakingseveralboldPushes;andletmetellyou,Sir,IhavedonemyPart,andmadethemoston't.ButtheQueen,Sir,saidZadig;prayfavourmesofar,astoinformme,ifyouknowanyThingoftheQueen.IhaveheardgreatTalk,saidhe,ofacertainPrinceofHyrcania;'tisverypossible,shemayhavelistedherselfamongsthisConcubines,ifshehadthegoodFortunetoescapetheResentmentofthosepopularTumults;butmyHead,Sir,isbetterturn'dfortheHighwaythanforNews;IhavetakenseveralLadiesPrisonersintheCourseofmyExcursions;IkeepnoneofthemformyPart;andastosuchasarehandsomerthanordinary,ImakethebestMarketIcanofthem,withoutenquiringwhotheyare.TheirQualityorTitleswillfetchnoPriceatall;aQueen,ifshebehomely,isworthnothing.'Tisprobable,Sir,Ihavedispos'doftheLadymyself;and'tispossible,likewise,shemaybedead;'tisnoConcernofmine;andtomythinking,itshouldbeanAffairofnoMannerofImportancetoyou.AfterthisDeclaration,hedranksohard,andconfoundedhisIdeasinsuchaManner,thatZadigwasnotonewhitthewiser.Uponwhichhewasstruckdumb,confounded,andstoodasmotionlessasaStatue.Arbogad,inthemeanwhile,swill'ddownwholeBumpers,toldaHundredmerryTales,andsworea

thousandTimesover,thathewasthehappiestCreatureuponGod'sEarth;persuadingZadigtobeasmerry,andthoughtlessashimself.Atlast,beinggraduallyovercomebytheFumesofhisLiquor,hefellfastasleep.ZadigspenttheRemainderoftheNightindeepContemplation,andinalltheUneasinessofMindimaginable.What,saidhe,theKingfirstbecamecrazy,andthenwasmurder'd.IthinkIhavejustGroundsforComplaint.ThewholeEmpireisinConfusion,andtorntoPieces,andthisFree-booterisashappyasaKing.OFortune!OFate!aHighwaymanashappyasaMonarch!andthemostamiableCreaturethatNatureeverfram'dhassuffer'dperhaps,anignominiousDeath,orperhaps,isinaStateofLifeathousandTimesworsethanDeathitself!OAstarte!Astarte!Whatartthoubecome?

AssoonasitwasBreakofDayhewentout,andask'deveryonehesawiftheyknewanyThingofher:ButthewholeGangweretoointentuponotherMatters,toreturnhimanyAnswer.ByVirtueoftheirNight'sExcursions,theyhadbroughtinsomefreshBooty,andwerebusyindividingtheSpoil.AlltheFavourhecouldprocure,intheirHurryandTumult,was,togoawaywithouttheleastExamination.HetooktheAdvantageoftheirRemissness,andmov'doffthePremises,butmoreoverwhelm'dwithGriefanddeepReflectionthanever.

Zadig,inhisMarch,wasveryrestlessanduneasy.HisThoughtswereforeverrollingontheunfortunateAstarte,theKingof

Babylon,hisBosom-FriendCador,thehappyFree-booter,Arbogad,thefairCoquet,thatwastakenPrisonerontheConfinesofEgypt,bytheBabylonishCourier;inaWord,onthevariousScenesofMisfortunesandDisappointments,whichhehadsuccessivelymetwith.

CHAP.XIV.



TheFISHERMAN.

WhenZadighadtravelledsomefewLeaguesfromArbogad'sCastle,hefoundhimselfarriv'dattheBanksofalittleRiver;incessantlydeploring,ashewentalong,hisunhappyFate,andlookinguponhimselfastheveryPictureofillLuck.Heperceiv'datalittleDistanceaFisherman,reclin'donaverdantBankbytheRiver-side,trembling,scarceabletoholdhisNetinhisHand,(whichheseem'dbutlittletoregard)andwithupliftEyes,imploringHeaven'sAssistance.Iam,doubtless,saidthepoorFisherman,themostunhappyWretchthateverliv'd!NoMerchantinallBabylon,itisverywellknown,waseversonotedforsellingCream-Cheesesasmyself;andyetIamruin'dtoallIntentsandPurposes.NoManofmyProfessioneverhadahandsomer,morecompleatHousewife,thanmyDamewas;butIhavebeentreacherouslydepriv'dofher.Ihadstillleftapoor,pitifulCottage,butthatIsawplunder'danddestroy'd.Iamcubb'duphereinaCell;IhavenothingtodependuponbutmyFishery,andnotonesingleFishhaveIcaught.ThouunfortunateNet!I'llneverthrowtheeintotheWatermore:MuchsoonerwillIthrowmyselfin.NosoonerweretheWordsoutofhisMouth,buthestartedup,andrantotheRiver-side,likeonethatwasresolutelybenttoplungein,andgetridofamiserableLifeat

once.Isitpossible,saidZadig?IstherethentheManinBeingmorewretchedthanmyself?HisBenevolence,andgoodWilltosavethepoorMan'sLife,wasasquickastheReflectionhehadjustmade!HerantohisAssistance;helaidholdofhim;andask'dhim,withanAirofPityandConcern,theCauseofhisrashIntention.'Tisanoldsaying,thataPersonislessunhappywhenheseeshimselfnotsingularinMisfortune.ButifwewillcreditZoroaster,thisisnotfromaPrincipleofMalignity,buttheEffectofafatalNecessity.Hewasattracted,asitwere,toanyPersoninDistress,asbeingOneinthesameunhappyCircumstances.TheTransportofahappyMan,wouldbeaKindofInsult;buttwoPersonsinbadCircumstances,areliketwoweakShrubs,which,byproppingupeachother,arefenc'dagainstaStorm.Whyareyouthus

castdown,saidZadigtotheFisherman?NeversinkMan,undertheWeightofyourBurden.Ican'thelpit,saidthepoorFisherman;IhavenottheleastProspectofRedress.Iwasonce,Sir,thetip-topManofthewholeVillageofDerlbach,nearBabylon,whereIliv'd,andwiththeHelpofmyWife,madethebestCream-CheesesthatwereevereateninthePersianEmpire.HerMajesty,theQueenAstarte,andthefamousPrime-MinisterZadigwereveryfondofthem.Iserv'dtheCourtwithaboutsixHundredofthem,IwenttheotherDayinHopesofbeingpaid;butbeforeIhadwellgotintotheSuburbsofBabylon,Iwasinform'd,thatnotonlytheQueen,butZadigtoohadprivatelylefttheCourt:WhereuponIrandirectlytoZadig'sHouse,tho'IneversatEyeontheManinallmyLife.ThereIfoundtheCourt-MarshalsofthegrandDesterham,

plundering,byVirtueofhisMajesty'sMandate,allhisEffects,inthemostloyalManner.FromthenceImadethebestofmyWaytotheQueen'sKitchin;where,applyingmyselftotheStewardofherHousehold,andhisinferiorOfficers;oneofthemtoldmeshewasdead;another,thatshewasconfin'dinPrison;athird,indeed,saidthatshehadmadeherEscapebyFlight;allingeneral,however,assur'dmeformyComfort,thatmyCheeseswouldneverbepaidfor.FromthenceIwent,withmyWifeinmyHand,toLordOrcan's;whowasanotherofmyCourt-Customers;ofwhomwebegg'dforShelterandProtection:TheFavour,Iconfess,wasreadily



grantedtomyWife;butasformyownPart,Iwasabsolutelyrejected.Shewasfairer,Sir,thanthefairestCheeseIeversold;fromwhenceIdateallmyMisfortunes;andtheredthatadorn'dherblushingCheekswastenTimesmorelivelythananyTyrianScarlet.AndbetweenyouandI,Sir,thatwasthemainCauseofmyWife'sReception,andmyDisgrace.WhereuponIwroteadolefulLettertomyWife,inalltheAgoniesofoneinthedeepestDespair:'Tisverywell,saidshe,totheMessenger;IhavesomelittleKnowledgeoftheMan;IhaveheardsaynoonesellsbetterCream-Cheesesthanhedoes;desirehim,nextTimehecomes,tobringasmallParcelwithhim,andlethimknow,I'lltakecareheshallbepunctuallypaid.

IntheHeightofmyMisfortunes,Idetermin'dtoseekRedressinaCourtofEquity:IhadbutsixOuncesofGoldleft:TwowhereofwentforaFeetomyCounsellor;twotomyLawyer,whotookmyCauseinHand,andtheothertwototheJudge'sClerk.NotwithstandingwhatIhaddone,myCausewasnotsomuchascommenc'd;andIhadalreadydisburs'dmoreMoneythanallmyCheesesandmyWifewiththemwereworth.Ireturn'dthereforetomyNativeHabitation,withafullResolutiontosellitfortheRansomofmyWife.

MylittleCot,withtheAppurtenances,wereworthaboutthreescoreOuncesofGold:ButasthePurchasersfoundIwasnecessitous,anddrovetomylastShifts;thefirstwhomIapply'dto,offer'dme

thirtyOunces;thesecond,twenty;andthethird,butten:JustasIhadcometoTermsofAccommodationwithoneofthem,thePrinceofHyrcaniacametoBabylon,andsweptallbeforehim.MylittleCottage,withallitsFurniture,wasfirstplunder'dofallthatwasvaluable,andatlastreduc'dtoAshes.

HavingthuslostmyMoney,myWife,andmyHouse,IwithdrewtothisDesart,whereyouseeme.Ihavesinceendeavour'dtogetmyBreadbyFishing;buttheFish,aswellasallMankind,desertme.IscarcecatchoneinaDay;Iamhalfstarv'd;andhaditnotbeenforyourunexpectedBenevolenceandGenerosity,IhadbeenattheBottomoftheRiverbeforethis.

ThislongDetailofParticulars,however,wasnotdeliver'dwithoutseveralInterruptions;for,saidZadig,withAbundanceofWarmthandConfusion,Haveyouneverheard,Sir,ofwhatisbecomeoftheQueenAstarte?NoSir,notI,saidthedisconsolateFisherman;butthisIknow,tomySorrow,thatneithertheQueen,norZadig,everpaidmetheleastConsiderationintheWorldformyCreamCheeses;thatmydearSpouseistakenfromme;andthatIamdrovetotheveryBrinkofDespair.Iamverilypersuaded,saidZadig,thatyouwillnotloseallyourMoney.IhaveheardmuchtalkofthatsameZadig;theysayheisveryhonest,andthatifeverhereturnstoBabylon,as'tistobehop'dhewill,he'lldischargehisDebtswithInterest,likeaManofHonour.But,asforyourWife,whoappearstome,tobenobetterthanaWag-tail,nevertakethe

Trouble,ifyou'lltakemyAdvice,tohuntafterheranymore.Berul'd,andmakethebestofyourWaytoBabylon.Ishallbetherebeforeyou,asIshallride,andyouwillbeonFoot.MakeyourApplicationstotheillustriousCador;tellhimyoumethisFriendupontheRoad;andstaytherestillIcome.ObservemyOrders,and'tisveryprobableitmayturnouttoyourAdvantage.

OpuissantOrosmades,continu'dhe,youhavemademe,'tistrue,anInstrumentofComforttothispoorMan;butwhatFriendwillyouraiseforme,toalleviatemySorrows?Havingutter'dthisshort



Expostulation,hegavethedistrestFishermanonefullMoietyofalltheMoneyhebroughtwithhimoutofArabia.TheFisherman,thunder-struck,andtransportedwithJoyatsounexpectedaBenefaction,kiss'dtheFeetofCador'sFriend,andcriedout,sureyouareaMessengerofHeaven,sentdowntobemySaviour!

InthemeanTime,Zadigeverynowandthenask'dhimQuestions,andweptasheask'dthem.What!Sir,saidtheFisherman,canyou,whoaresobountifulaBenefactor,beinDistressyourself?Alas!saidhe,Friend,IamahundredTimesmoreunhappythanthouart.Butpray,Sir,saidthegoodMan,howcanitpossiblybe,thathe,whoissolavishofhisFavours,shouldbeoverwhelm'dwithgreaterMisfortunesthantheManhesogenerouslyrelieves?YourgreatestUneasiness,saidhe,arosefromtheNarrownessofyourCircumstances;butmineproceedsfromaninternal,andmuchdeeperCause.Pray,Sir,saidtheFisherman,hasOrcanrobb'dyouofyourWife?ThisInterrogatoryputZadiginaMomentuponaRetrospectionofallhispastAdventures.HerecollectedthewholeSeriesofhisMisfortunes;commencingfromthatoftheEunuchandtheHuntsman,tohisArrivalattheFree-booter'sCastle.Alas!saidhe,totheFisherman,Orcan,'tistrue,deservesseverelytobepunish'd:ButfortheGenerality,wefind,suchworthlessBarbariansaretheFavouritesofFortune.Bethat,however,asitwill,goasIbadeyou,tomyFriendCador,andwaittheretillIcome.TheytooktheirLeave;the

FishermanblessinghispropitiousStars,andZadigcursing,everyStephewent,theHourhewasborn.

CHAP.XV.

TheBASILISK.

AsZadigwastraversingaverdantMeadow,heperceiv'dseveralyoungFemaleSyrians,intentonsearchingforsomethingvery

curious,thatlayconceal'd,astheyimagin'd,intheGrass.HetooktheFreedomtoapproachoneofthem,andaskher,inthemostcourteousManner,ifhemighthavetheHonourtoassistherinherResearches.Haveacare,saidshe.Whatwearehuntingafter,Sir,isanAnimal,thatwillnotsufferitselftobetouch'dbyaMan.'Tissomewhatsurprizing,saidZadig.MayIbesobold,pray,astoaskyouwhatyouareinPursuitafter,thatshunstheTouchofanyThingbuttheHandsoftheFairSex.'Tis,Sir,saidshe,theBasilisk:ABasilisk,Madam,saidhe!Andpray,ifyouwillbesogoodastoinformme,withwhatView,areyousearchingafteraCreaturesoverydifficulttobemetwith?'Tis,Sir,saidshe,forourLordandMasterOgul,whoseCastle,yousee,situateontheRiver-side,attheBottomoftheMeadow.WeareallhisVassals.

Ogul,youmustknow,isinaverybadStateofHealth,andhisfirstPhysicianhasorder'dhim,asaSpecific,toeataBasilisk,boil'dinRosewater:AndasthatAnimalisveryhardtobecatch'd,andwillsuffernothingtoapproachit,butoneofourSex,ourdyingSovereignOgulhaspromis'dtohonourher,thatshallbesohappyastocatchitforhim,sofarastomakeherhisConsort.TheCase,beingthuscircumstantiated,Sir,Ihopeyouwillnotinterruptmeanylonger,lestmyRivalshereintheFieldshouldhappentocircumventme.



Zadigwithdrew,andlefttheSyrianLadiesinQuestoftheirimaginaryBooty,inordertopursuehisintendedJourney.ButashecametotheBanksofaRivulet,attheremotestpartoftheMeadow,heperceiv'danotheryoungLady,reclin'dontheGrass,andentirelydisengag'd.HerStatureseem'dmajestic,butherFacewascover'dwithaVail;andherEyeswerefixt,asoneatherLooking-glass,ontheRiver.EverynowandthenaSighburstout,asifherHeartwerebreaking.InherHandsheheldalittleWandorRod,withwhichshewastracingoutsomeCharactersonthedrySand,thatlaybetweentheflow'ryBankshesaton,andthepurlingCurrent.Zadig'sCuriosityinduc'dhim,unperceiv'd,toobserveherOperationsatsomeDistance.Butapproachingnearer,andperceivingverydistinctlythefirstCharactertobeanZ.thenextanA.andthethirdaD.hestarted;butwhenhesawtheadditionalCapitalsofIandG.hisAstonishmentwastoogreatforWordstoexpress.HestoodforsomeTimeperfectlythunder-struck,andasmotionlessasaStatue;Atlast,inasoft,faultringTone,hebrokeSilence:OgenerousLady,saidhe,forgiveaStranger,oneoverwhelm'dwithSorrowslikeyourself,ifheasksyou,bywhatamazingAccidenthefindstheNameofZadigdelineatedbysoangelickaHand.Thusunexpectedlyinterrupted,andattheSoundofthoseWords,sheturn'dherHead;andwithatremblingHand,liftingupherVail,sheespy'dZadighimself.Uponwhich,sheshriek'd;andasherHeartwasflutter'dbetweenthetwoExtreamsofTransportandSurprize,

shefaintedaway,andgentlydropp'dintohisArms.'Twas,itseemsAstarteherself;'twastheQueenofBabylon;'twastheveryGoddesswhomZadigador'd;'twas,inshort,theveryidenticalLady,whosehardFatehehadsolongdeplor'd;andforwhosesakehehadfeltsomanyagonizingPains.ForafewMinuteshestoodspeechless,anddepriv'd,asitwere,ofallhissenses,whilsthisEyeswerefixtonhisAstarte,whobegantorevive;andcastawishfulGlanceathim,attendedwithsomeConfusion.OyeimmortalPowers,criedhe,whopresideovertheDestinyofusfrailMortals!Yehaverestor'dmemyAstarte;butalas!atwhataConjuncture,inwhataPlace,andinwhataStateandConditiondoIviewher?HethrewhimselfprostrateontheGround,andkiss'dtheDustofherFeet.TheQueenofBabylonrais'dhimup,andoblig'dhimtosit

byherontheflow'ryBankwhereonshewasrepos'd.Everynowandthenshewip'dherEyes,astheTearstrickl'ddownafreshherlovelyCheeks.Twentytimessheendeavour'dtorenewherDiscourse;butwasinterruptedbyherSighs;sheask'dhimoverandovertorelatetohertheHardshipshehadranthro'sincetheirparting,andbywhatChancehecametotraversethatsolitaryMeadow;butpreventedhimatthesameTimefromreturninganyAnswer,byrepeatingQuestionuponQuestion.Atlast,shegavehimaparticularDetailofherownMisfortunes,andagainrequestedtoknowhis.Bothofthem,inshort,having,insomeMeasure,appeas'dtheTumultoftheirSouls;Zadig,inafewWords,inform'dheroftheMotivesthatbroughthimthither.

Buttellme,Ounfortunate,tho'ever-venerableQueen,howIcametofindyouout,recliningonthisverdantBank,dress'dinthisservileHabit,accompaniedbyotherFemaleSlaves,who,Ifind,havebeenallDaylonginQuestafteraBasilisk,which,asIunderstand,isbyOrderofacelebratedPhysician,tobedissolv'dinRose-water,asaspecificMedicineforhisdyingPatient.

WhilsttheybusyintheirfruitlessSearch,saidthebeauteousAstarte,I'lltellyouthewholeSeriesofSorrowswhichIhaveundergonesincelastweparted;andsinceHeav'nhasthus



unexpectedlyblestmyEyesoncemorewiththeSightofmydearZadig,I'llnolongerexclaimagainstmyimpropitiousStars.

Youarenotinsensible,thatthejealousKingmySpouse,wasdisgustedtofindyouthemostamiableofallMortals,andthatfornootherReasonhedetermin'dtostrangleyou,andpoisonme.Youknowverywelltoo,thatindulgentHeav'ninspir'd,asitwere,mylittleDwarf,withartfulMeanstogivemetimelyNoticeoftherashResolutionsoftheKing,mycruelHusband.

NosoonerhadthefaithfulCadoroblig'dyoutoobeymyOrders,andtoflytheCourt,butheventur'dtoentermyApartmentintheDeadofNightthro'aprivateDoor.Hesnatch'dmeup,andconvey'dmedirectlyintotheTempleofOrosmades,wheretheholyMagus,whowashisBrother,lock'dmeupinthataugustandawfulStatue,thatstandserectuponthePavementoftheTemple,andColossus-like,touchestheloftyCeilingwithhisHead.ThereIlayconceal'd,orratherburiedforsomeTime;tho'takenallimaginableCareof,andfurnish'dwithalltheNecessariesofLifebythatvenerable,andloyalPriest.InthemeanTime,hisApothecaryenter'datBreakofDayintomyApartment,withaPotioninhisHand,compos'dofOpium,blackHellebore,Aconite,andotherIngredientsstillmorebaneful.WhilstthismercenaryOfficeroftheKing'sVengeancewasthusemploy'd,anotherasinhumanashimself,wenttoyourLodgingswith

thesilkenCord.Both,however,weredisappointed,asbothofuswerefled.Cador,veryofficious,flewtotheKing,inorderthemoreartfullytoblindhim;andinafeign'dPassion,rail'datusboth,andcharg'dusbothasperfidiousTraitors.AsforthatVillainZadig,saidhe,hehastakenhisFlighttowardsIndia;andyourfalse,ungratefulConsort,Sire,saidhe,isfledtoMemphis.TheGuardswereorder'dthatMomenttopursueusboth.

TheCouriers,whoflewafterme,knewnothingofme.Ihadneverexpos'dmyFaceunveil'dtoanyonebutyourself,andthattoointhePresence,andbytheexpressOrderofmyRoyalMaster.AstheyhadnootherMarkstodistinguishmefromothersbutmyStature,asithadbeendescrib'd,ayoungLady,justofmySize,butinall

Probabilitymuchmorehandsome,presentedherselftotheirView,ontheFrontiersofEgypt.Shewasfoundalone,andinaverydisconsolateCondition.ThisLadymust,doubtless,saidtheytothemselves,betheQueenofBabylon:AndwithoutlistningtoherComplaints,convey'dherinstantlytomyHusbandMoabdar.TheirgrossBlunderatfirstincens'dhisMajestytothelastDegree;butafterhehadview'dtheLadywithanattentiveEye,hefoundshewasextremelypretty,andwassoonpacify'd.HerNamewasMissouf.Ihavebeensinceinform'd,thatherNameintheEgyptianLanguagesignifiestheFairCoquet.AndinEffect,shewasso:ShehadasmuchArt,however,asCaprice.Forshepleas'dtheKingofKings:Inshort,shehadsuchanAscendancyoverhim,thathedidn'tscrupleinpublicktoownherashisWife.Whenshehadsecur'dhimthusfar

inherToils,sheneverconceal'dherPower,butplay'dthePartofaperfectHumourist.Sheindulg'dherselfineveryWhimthatcameinherHead,withoutFearofbeingbrow-beat.InthefirstPlace,SheinsistedthattheChiefMagus,whowasoldandgouty,shoulddanceaSarabandbeforeher;anduponhismodestRefusaltocomplywithsopreposterousaRequest,shepersecutedhimwithoutMercy:NothingwouldserveherTurn,inthenextPlace,buthisMajesty'sgrandMasteroftheHorsemustmakeheraMinc'd-pye.TheGentlemantooktheLibertytoletherknow,thathewasnoprofess'dCook;aTart,however,hemustmakeforher,andshegothimturn'doutofhis



Placeforbeingsomonstrouslycareless,astoburnoneCorneroftheCrust.WhereuponshegavehisPosttoherfavouriteDwarf,andmadeherFopofaPagetheKeeperofhisMajesty'sgreatSeal,andConfidence.Thusshereign'darbitrary,andwastheFemaleTyrantofBabylon.AlltheWorlddeplor'dtheLossofmetheirformerQueen.TheKing,whoneveractedthePartofaTyrant,tilltheMomenthewouldhaveimprison'dme,andstrangledyou,seem'dtohavedrown'dallhisgoodQualitiesinhisDotageonthatcapriciousEnchantress.HecametotheTempleonthesolemnFestivalofthesacredFire.IsawhimprostrateonthePavementbeforetheStatue,whereinIwasenclos'd,imploringtheGodstoshow'rdowntheirchoicestBlessingsonhisbeauteousMissouf.I,withanaudibleanddistinct,buthollowTone,address'dmyselfthus,likeanOracle,totheKingofKings.TheGodsrejecttheVowsofaMonarch,thatactstheTyranto'erhisSubjects;One,whocouldthinkofmurderinganinnocentWife;andadmitofaworthlessBeautytosupplyherPlace.MoabdarwassostartledatthisunexpectedAnswerfromtheGodheador'd,thathewasjustatthePointofDistraction.TheOraclethatIhaddeliver'd,andthetyrannicalProceedingsofhisnewSpouseMissouf,wereenoughtodeprivehimofhisSenses.Inshort,inafewDayshebecameaperfectMad-man.HerCaprice,whichseem'daJudgementfromabove,portendedasuddenRevolution.HisSubjectsaccordinglyrevolted,andwereinstantlyupinArms.Babylon,thathadsolongindulg'dherselfinIndolenceandEase,

becametheSeat,orTheatreofabloodyCivilWar.WhereuponIwastakenfrommymagnificentPrison,theBowelsofhisGod,andsetupattheHeadofaverypowerfulParty.YourFriendCadorflewtoMemphisinhopestofindyouthere,andbringyoubacktoBabylon.ThePrinceofHyrcania,hearingoftheseintestineBroils,return'dwithapowerfulArmy,inordertoformathirdParty,amongtheBabylonians.Heattack'dtheKing,whofledwithhisfair,butfickleEgyptianbeforehim.Moabdar,however,wassocloselypursu'd,thathedy'doftheWoundshereceiv'dinhisRetreat.MissoufbecamethefairVictimoftheConqueror.AsformyownPart,IhadtheMisfortunetobeover-power'dlikewise,andtakenPrisonerbyanHyrcanianParty,whobroughtmeintothePresenceoftheyoungPrince,attheveryJuncturewhenMissouf

stoodbeforehim.You'llsmile,doubtless,whenItellyouthePrincelook'duponmeasthemostamiableCaptiveofthetwo;butthen,Ipresumeyouwillbesorrytohear,thatmyhardFatedoom'dmetobeaVassalinhisSeraglio.Hetoldme,indirectTerms,thatassoonashehadputanhappyIssuetooneMilitaryExpedition,whichwouldnot,heflatter'dhimself,belongunexecuted,hewouldhonourmewithaVisit.JudgethedreadfulApprehensionsIwasunder,uponhismakingsuchaperemptoryDeclaration.MyObligationstoMoabdarwereallcancell'd,andIwasfreetobetheBrideofZadig;butinsteadofthat,IfellintotheToilsofaBarbarian.Ianswer'dhimwithalltheResentmentbecomingoneofmyhighCharacterandunspottedVirtue.Ihadalwaysheardsay,thatHeav'nbestow'donPersonsofmyRank,suchapeculiarMarkof

MajestyandGrandeur,thatwithabareWord,ortheGlanceofanangryEye,theycouldbringdown,andabasethePrideofthoseaudaciousCreaturesthatdursttothwarttheirInclinations.Italk'dasbigasaQueen;butIwastreatedlikethemostservileDomestic.ThesaucyHyrcanian,withoutsomuchasvouchsafingmeoneSingleWord,turn'dtohisblackEunuch,andtoldhimthatIwasveryimpertinent;butyethecouldnothelpthinkingIwasverypretty.HegavehimthereforeparticularOrderstotakecareofme,andputmeunderthesameRegimen,withrespecttomyDiet,asoneofhisFavourites,inorderthatImightrecovermyColour,which



wassomewhattoolanguid;inaWord,thatImightbecomeworthyinalittleTimeofhisRoyalFavours,andbeduelyqualifiedtoreceivehim,whenheshouldhonourmesofarastofixtheDay.Itoldhim,Iwoulddiefirst:Hereplied,withaSneer,thatyoungLadies,likeme,seldomkill'dthemselves,andthattheyweremadeforEnjoyment;andthenturn'duponhisHeel,withascarelessanAir,asaManwouldpartwithhisParoquet,whenhehadshutherupcloseinhergildedCage.WhatashockingStatewasIinforthefirstQueenoftheUniverse!Nay,I'llsaymore,foraHeartthatwaswhollydevotedtoherZadig!

AttheseendearingWords,ZadigthrewhimselfatherFeet,andbath'dthemwithhisTears.Astarteimmediatelyrais'dhiminthemostcourteousandengagingManner,andthuscontinu'dherNarration.--Itooplainlyperceiv'd,thatIwassubjecttotheTyrannyofaBarbarian,andtheRivalofaCoquet,thatwasaSlavelikemyself.SherelatedtomeallherpastAdventuresinEgypt.FromtheDescriptionshegaveofherGallant,theTimeandPlace,theDromedaryhewasmountedon,andfromeveryotherminuteCircumstance,Iimagin'ditwasyourselfthatplay'dtheHeroinherFavour.AsImadenoDoubtbutthatyouresidedsomewhereinMemphis,Idetermin'dtogothithermyself,butinDisguise.BeauteousMissouf,saidI,youareofamuchsprightlierDispositionthanIam;youwillbeabletoamusethegayyoung

PrinceofHyrcaniaathousandTimesbetterthanIshall.FindoutsomeWaythereforeformyEscape;bywhichyouwillbesoleLadyRegent.YouwillobligemetothelastDegree,byyourfriendlyAssistance,andatthesameTimegetridofaRival.Missouf,(cajol'dwiththeHint)cameintomyMeasuresdirectly.Shetookcaretosendmepackingforthwith,withnootherAttendantthananoldEgyptianSlave.

NosoonerhadIreach'dtheBordersofArabia,butanotoriousFree-booter,(oneArbogadbyName)pick'dmeup,asIwasstrollingalong,andsoldmetosomeMerchants,whoconvey'dmetoyonderCastle,themagnificentResidenceoftheEmirOgul.Hepurchas'dmeatallAdventures,withoutenquiringwhat,orwhoI

was.HeisaperfectDebauchee;hissoleDelightliesingoodEating,Wine,andWomen;andisone,whoimagines,thattheAlmightysenthimintotheWorldfornootherPurposebuttogratifyhisunrulyAppetites.Heisexcessivelyfat,andpuffsandblowseveryMoment,likeonehalfchoak'd.Whenhehasgorg'dhimselfsounmercifullythatheisreadytoburst,hischiefPhysiciancanpersuadehimtotakeanyThingforhisRelief;tho'helaughsathim,anddespiseshisAdvicewhenhe'swellandsober.Hehasintimatedtohim,thatatpresenthisLife'sinDanger,andnothingwillrestorehimbutaBasilisk,boil'dinRose-Water.WhereuponthegrandOgulhaspromis'dhislastFavourstothatSlave,whoevershebe,thatshallbesofortunateastocatchaBasilisk,forhim,sinceitseemstheyaresoseldomtobemetwith.YouseeI

haveotherstostrugglefortheHonourpropos'd,andIneverhadalessInclinationtofindoutthisBasiliskthanatpresent,sinceIhaveoncemoremetwithmydearestZadig.

AfterthisDeclaration,AstarteandZadigrenew'dwithWarmththevirtuousAffectionwhichtheyhadlongconceiv'dforeachother;andreciprocallyutter'dallthetenderestExpressionsthatLoveinDistresscouldpossiblydevise.AndtheGenii,whopresideoverallthesoftPassions,waftedtheirmutualVowsofeternalConstancyandTruthtotheSphereofVenus.



ThewholeTrainofSlaves,afteralongfruitlessSearch,attendedonOgul,toinformhimthatalltheirstrictestSearchwasfruitless.ZadigdesiredthathemighthavetheHonourtobeintroduc'dintohisPresence.Accordinglyhewas,andhisAddresswastothisorthelikeEffect.MayimmortalHealthdescendfromHeaventopreserveaLife,Sir,sopreciousasyoursis.IamaPhysicianbyProfession.IflewtoyourPalace,onthefirstNewsofthedangerousSituationyouwerein,andhavebroughtaBasiliskwithme,distill'dinRose-Water.IcanhavenoHopesoftheHonourofyourBed,inCaseIsucceedinmyApplication:AlltheFavourIrequest,is,theReleaseofoneofyourBabylonishSlaves,whohasbeeninyourHighness'sRetinueforsomeTime.AndIamwillingtobeyourBond-slaveinherStead,ifIfailofrestoringthemostillustriousandmagnificentOgultohispristineStateofHealth.

ThePropositionwasreadilyembrac'd.Astartewasinstantlydischarg'd,andsetoutforBabylon,withaproperAttendant,accordingtoZadig'sDirection;assuringherthatsheshouldheareveryDay,byaspecialCourier,ofhisProceedingswithhisnewPatient.TheFarewelwhichtheytookofeachother,wasveryaffectionateandtender,expressiveofthestrongestObligationstoeachother.TheMomentsofMeeting,andthoseofParting,are(asitiswritteninthesacredBookofZend)thetwomostremarkable

EpochasofaLover'sLife.Zadig'srepeatedProtestationsofAffectionfortheQueenwereperfectlysincere,andthepureDictatesofhisHeart;andtheQueen'sLoveforZadighadmadeadeeperImpressiononhers,thanshethoughtpropertodiscover.

InthemeanTime,Zadig,againaddressinghimselftoOgul,said;myBasilisk,Sir,asothersare,isnottobedrestoreaten;butallitsVirtuesmustpenetrateyourwholeFabrick,thro'yourPores;Ihaveinclos'dmynever-failingSudorificinaBladder,full-blownandcarefullycover'dwiththesoftestLeather.YoumustkickthisBladder,Sir,onceaDayaboutyourHallforawholeHourtogether,withalltheVigourandActivityyoupossiblycan.ThisMedicinemustberepeatedeveryMorning,andI'llattendthe

Operation:UponyourdueObservanceoftheRegimenIshallputyouunder,Idoubtnot,butwiththeBlessingofHeav'nonmyhonestEndeavours,IshallgiveyouampleDemonstrationofmybeinganAdeptinPhysick.Ogul,uponmakingthefirstExperiment,wasreadytoexpireforwantofBreath,andthoughtheshoulddiewiththeFatigue.ThesecondDaydidnotprovealtogethersoirksome,andhesleptmuchbetteratNightthanhehaddonebefore.Inshort,ourDoctorinabouteightDaysTime,perform'danabsoluteCure.HisPatientwasasbrisk,activeandgay,asOneintheBloomofhisYouth.

Now,Sir,saidZadig,I'llbeingenuouswithyou,anddisclosetoyoutheimportantSecret.Youhaveplay'datFoot-balltheseeight

Dayssuccessively;andyouhaveliv'dallthatTime,withintheBoundsofSobrietyandModeration.Know,Sir,thatthereisnosuchAnimalinNatureasaBasilisk;thatHealthistobesecur'dbyTemperanceandExercise;andthattheArtofmakingHealthconsistentwithLuxury,isaltogetherasimpracticable,andanArt,inallRespects,asidleandchimerical,asthoseofthePhilosopher'sStone,judicialAstrology,oranyotherReveriesofthelikeairyandfantasticNature.

Ogul'sHead-Physician,apprehensivethatthisunexpectedCure,



thuswroughtbyaStranger,throughsuchanAnti-medicinalPreparation,mightpossiblynotonlyrenderhimselftheObjectofContemptintheEyeofhisgreatMaster,butcastaKindofSluringeneralonhiswholeFraternity,conven'daSetofpettyDoctorsandApothecaries,whowerehisVassals,andentirelydevotedtohisInterest,tofindoutsomesureWaysandMeanstocutoffinprivatehisdreadfulRival;butwhilsttheirwickedPlotwashatching,Zadigreceiv'daCourierfromtheQueenAstarte.

CHAP.XVI.

TheTOURNAMENTS.

TheQueenwasreceiv'datBabylonwithalltheTransportsofJoythatcouldpossiblybeexpress'dforthesafeReturnofsoillustriousandsobeautifulaPersonage,thathadrunthro'suchalongSeriesofMisfortunes.BabylonatthatTimeseem'dtobeperfectlysereneandquiet.AsfortheyoungPrinceofHyrcania,hewasslaininBattle.TheBabylonians,whoweretheVictors,declar'dthatAstarteshouldmarrythatCandidatefortheCrown,

whoshouldgainitbyafairandimpartialElection.Theyweredetermin'd,thatthemostvaluablePostofHonourintheWorld,namely,thatofbeingtheRoyalConsortofAstarte,andtheSovereignofBabylon,shouldbetheResultofMeritonly;andnotbeprocur'dbyanyParty-FactionsorCourt-Intrigues.AsolemnOathwasvoluntarilytakenbyallParties,thathewhoshoulddistinguishhimselfbyhissuperiorValourandWisdom,shouldunanimouslybeacknowledg'dtheSovereign-Elect.

AspaciousList,orCircus,waspitchedupon,surroundedwithcommodiousSeats,erectedinanAmphitheatricalManner,andrichlyembellish'dsomefewLeaguesfromtheCity.ThithertheCombatants,orChampionsweretorepair,compleatlyaccoutred.Eachofthemhad

adistinctApartmenttohimselfbehindtheLists,wherenoSoulcouldeitherseethem,orknowwhotheywere.TheyweretoentertheListsfourseveralTimes.ThosewhoweresohappyastoconquerfourCompetitors,wereafterwardstoengageeachotherinsingleCombat;inorderthathewhoshouldremainMasteroftheFieldshouldbeproclaim'dthehappyVictor.

FourDaysafterwards,theyweretomeetagain,accoutredasbefore,andtoexplainallsuchÃnigmas,orRiddles,astheMagishouldthinkpropertopropose.IftheirQueriesshouldprovetoointricateandperplextforthemtoresolve,theyweretohaveRecoursetotheListsagain,andafterthat,tofreshÃnigmas,beforetheycouldbeentitledtotheElection:Sothatthe

Tournamentsweretobecontinu'dtillOneoftheCandidatesshouldbetwiceaVictor,andshineasconspicuous,withrespecttohisinternalQualities,astohisDexterityandAddressinheroicAtchievements.TheQueen,inthemeanTime,wastobenarrowlywatch'd,andallow'donlytobeaSpectatorofboththeirAmusements,atsomeconsiderableDistance;andmoreover,tobecover'dwithaVail:Norwassheindulg'dsofarastospeakonesingleWordtoanyCandidatewhomsoever,inordertopreventtheleastJealousyorSuspicioneitherofPartialityorInjustice.



Astartetookcare,bytheCourier,toinformherLoverofallthePreliminaryArticlesabovemention'd,notdoubtingbutthathewouldexertbothhisCourageandUnderstandingforherSake,beyondanyoftheotherCompetitors.

ZadigaccordinglysetoutforBabylon,andbesoughttheGoddessVenus,notonlytofortifyhisCourage,buttoilluminatehisMindwithWisdomonthisimportantOccasion.

TheNightbeforethesemartialAtchievementsweretocommence,ZadigarrivedupontheBanksoftheEuphrates.Heinscrib'dhisDeviceamongsttheListofCombatants;concealing,atthesameTime,bothhisPersonandName,astheLawsoftheElectionrequired;andaccordingly,withdrewtotheApartmentthatwasprovidedforhim,accordingtohisLot.

Cador,whowasjustreturn'dtoBabylon,havinghuntedallEgyptovertonoPurpose,inHopestofindhisFriendZadig,broughtacompleatsetofArmourintohisLodge,byexpressOrdersfromtheQueen:ShesenthimlikewiseOneofthefinestHorsesinallPersia.ZadigknewthatthesePresentscouldcomefromNo-bodybuthisdearAstarte,whichredoubledhisVigourandhisHopes.

ThenextMorningtheQueenbeingseatedunderaCanopyofState,enrich'dwithpreciousStones;andtheAmphitheatresbeingcrowdedwithGentlemenandLadiesofallRanksandConditionsfromBabylon;theCompetitorsmadetheirpersonalAppearanceintheCircus:EachofthemwentuptothegrandMagus,andlaiddownhisparticularDeviceathisFeet.TheDevicesweredrawnbyLot:ThatofZadigwasthelast.Thefirstthatadvanc'dwasaGrandee,oneItabodbyName,immenselyrich,indeed,andveryhaughty;butnowayscouragious;exceedinglyawkward,andaManofnoacquir'dParts.TheSycophantsthathover'droundabouthimflatter'dhim,thataManofhisMeritcouldn'tfailofbeingKing:Heimperiouslyreplied,OneofmyMeritmustbeKing:Whereuponhewasarm'dCap-a-pee.HisArmourwasmadeofpureGold,enamell'd

withGreen.TheHousingsofhisSaddleweregreen,andhisLanceembellish'dwithgreenRibbands.EveryOnewassensible,atfirstSight,byItobad'sMannerofmanaginghisHorse,thathewasnottheManwhomHeav'nhadpitch'dupontoswaytheBabylonishScepter.ThefirstCombatantthattiltedwithhim,threwhimoutoftheSaddle;thesecondflunghimquiteovertheCrupper,andlaidhimsprawlingontheGround,withhisHeelsquiv'ringintheAir.Itobad,'tistrue,remounted,butwithsoillaGrace,thatanuniversalLaughwentroundtheAmphitheatre.Thethird,disdainingtousehisLance,madeonlyaFeintathim:Thencatch'dholdofhisRightLeg,andwhirlinghimround,threwhimflatupontheSand.TheEsquires,whoweretheAttendants,rantohisAssistance,andwithaSneerremountedhim.ThefourthCombatantcatch'dholdofhisLeft

Leg,andunhors'dhimagain.Hewasconvey'dthro'thehissingMultitudetohisLodge,where,accordingtotheLawinthatCaseprovided,hewastopasstheNight.Andashehobbledalong,saidhe,totheEsquires,whatasadMisfortuneisthistoOneofmyBirthandCharacter!

TheotherChampionsplay'dtheirPartsmuchbetter;andallcameoffwithCredit.Someconquer'dtwooftheirAntagonists,andothersweresofarsuccessfulastogetthebetterofthree.Noneofthem,however,exceptPrinceHottam,vanquish'dfour.Zadig,atlast,



enter'dtheLists,anddismountedallhisfourOpponents,oneaftertheother,withtheutmostEase,andwithsuchanAirandGrace,asgain'dhimuniversalApplause.AstheCasestoodthus,ZadigandHottamweretoclosetheDay'sEntertainmentinasingleCombat.TheArmourofthelatterwasofablueColourmixtwithGold,andtheHousingsofhisSaddlewereofthesame.ThoseoftheformerwhiteasSnow.TheMultitudeweredividedintheirWishes.TheKnightinbluewastheFavouriteofsomeoftheLadies;andothersagainwereAdmirersoftheCavalierinwhite.TheQueen,whoseHeartwasinaperfectPalpitation,putuphersecretPrayerstoVenustoassistherdarlingHero.

ThetwoChampionsmakingtheirPassesandtheirVolta's,withtheutmostDexterityandAddress,andkeepingfirmintheirSaddles,gaveeachothersuchRebuffswiththeirLances,thatalltheSpectators(theQueenonlyexcepted)wish'dfortwoKingsofBabylon.Atlast,theirHorsesbeingtired,andboththeirLancesbroke,ZadigmadeuseofthefollowingStratagem,whichhisAntagonistwasn'tanywaysappriz'dof.Hegotartfullybehindhim,andshootingwithaSpringonhisHorsesButtocks,grasp'dhimclose,threwhimheadlongontheSand,thenjump'dintohisSeat,andwheel'droundPrinceHottam,whilehelaysprawlingontheGround.AlltheSpectatorsingeneral,withloudAcclamations,criedout,Victory!Victory!infavouroftheChampioninwhite.Hottam,

incens'dtothelastDegree,gotup,anddrewhisSword.ZadigsprangfromhisHorsewithhisSabreinhisHand.Now,beholdthetwoChieftainsupontheirLegs,commencinganewTrialofSkill!wheretheyseem'dtogetthebetterofeachotheralternately;forbothwerestrong,andbothwereactive.TheFeathersoftheirHelmets,theStudsoftheirBracelets,theirCoatsofMail,flewaboutinPieces,thro'thedryBlowswhichtheyathousandTimesrepeated.TheystruckateachothersometimeswiththeEdgeoftheirSwords,atotherTimestheypush'd,asOccasionoffer'd:NowontheRight,thenontheLeft;nowontheHead,thenattheBreast;theyretreated;theyadvanc'd;theykeptataDistance;theyclos'dagain;theygrasp'deachother,turningandtwistingliketwoSerpents,andengag'deachotherasfiercelyastwoLibyanLions

fightingfortheirPrey:TheirSwordsstruckFirealmostateveryBlow.Atlast,Zadig,inordertorecoverhisBreath,foraMomentortwostoodstill,andafterwards,makingaFeintatthePrince,threwhimonhisBack,anddisarm'dhim.Hottam,thereupon,criedout,OthouKnightofthewhiteArmour!'Tisyouonlyaredestin'dtobetheKingofBabylon.TheQueenwasperfectlytransported.ThetwoChampionswerereconductedtotheirseparateLodges,astheothershadbeenbeforethem,inConformitytotheLawsprescrib'd.SeveralMuteswereorder'dtowaitontheChampions,andcarrythemsomeproperRefreshment.We'llleavetheReadertojudgewhethertheQueen'sDwarfwasnotappointedtowaitonZadigonthishappyOccasion.AfterSuppertheMuteswithdrew,andlefttheCombatantstoresttheirweariedLimbstillthenextMorning;atwhichTimethe

VictorwastoproducehisDevice,beforetheGrandMagus,inordertoconferNotes,anddiscovertheHerowhoeverhemightbe.

Zadigsleptverysound,notwithstandinghisamorousRegardfortheQueen,beingperfectlyfatigu'd.Itabod,wholayintheLodgecontiguoustohis,couldnotonceclosehisEyesforVexation.HegotupthereforeintheDeadoftheNight,stoleimperceptiblyintoZadig'sApartment,tookhiswhiteArmourandDeviceawaywithhim,andsubstitutedhisgreenOneinitsPlace.



AssoonastheDaybegantodawn,herepair'd,withaseeminglyundauntedCourage,totheGrandMagus,toinformhim,thathewasthemightyHero,thehappyVictor.WithouttheleastHesitation,hegain'dhisPoint,andwasproclaim'dVictorbeforeZadigwasawake.Astarte,astonish'datthisunexpectedDisappointment,return'dwithaHeartoverwhelm'dwithDespair,totheCourtofBabylon.AlmostalltheSpectatorsweremov'dofffromtheAmphitheatrebeforeZadigwak'd:HehuntedforhisArms;butcouldfindnothingbutthoseingreen.Hewasoblig'd,tho'sorelyagainsthisWill,toputiton,havingnothingelseinhisLodgetoappearin:Confounded,andbigwithResentment,hedresthimself,andmadehispersonalAppearanceinthatdespicableEquipage.ThePopulacethatwereleftbehindintheCircus,hiss'dhimeveryStephetook,theymadeaRingabouthim,andtreatedhimwithalltheMarksofIgnominyandContempt.ThemostcowardlyWretchbreathingwasneversuresosweated,orhunteddownaspoorZadig!HegrewquiteoutofPatienceatlast,andcuthisWaythro'theinsultingMob,withhisRival'sSabre;buthedidnotknowwhatMeasurestopursue,orhowtorectifysogrossaMistake.ItwasnotinhisPowertohaveaSightoftheQueen;hecouldneverrecoverthewhiteArmouragainwhichShehadsenthim;ThatwastheCompromise,ortheEngagement,towhichtheCombatantshadallunanimouslyagreed:Thus,ashewasontheoneHand,plung'dinanAbyssofSorrow;soontheother,hewasalmostdrovedistractedwithVexationand

Resentment.Hewithdrewtherefore,inasolitaryMood,totheBanksoftheEuphrates,nowfullypersuaded,thathisimpropitiousStarhadsheditsmostbalefulInfluenceonhim,andthathisMisfortuneswereirretrievable,revolvinginhisMind,allhisDisappointmentsfromhisfirstAdventurewiththeCourt-Coquet,whohadentertain'danutterAversiontoablindEye,downtohislateLossofhiswhiteArmour.See!saidhe,thefatalConsequenceofbeingaSluggard!HadIbeenmorevigilant,IhadbeenKingofBabylon;butwhatismore,IhadbeenhappyintheEmbracesofmydearestAstarte.AlltheKnowledgeofBooksorMankind;allthepersonalValourthatIcanboastof,hasonlyprov'danAggravationofmySorrows.HecarriedthePointsofaratlast,astomurmurattheunequalDispensationsofDivineProvidence;andwastemptedtobelieve,that

allOccurrencesweregovern'dbyamalignantDestiny,whichneverfail'dtooppresstheVirtuous,andalwayscrown'dtheActionsofsuchVillainsasthegreenKnight,withuncommonSuccess.InoneofhisfrantickFits,heputonthegreenArmour,thathadcreatedhimsuchaWorldofDisgrace.AMerchanthappeningtopassby,hesoldittohimforaTrifle,andtookinExchangenothingmorethanaMantle,andaCap.InthisDisguise,hetookasolitaryWalkalongtheBanksoftheEuphrates,everyMinutereflectinginhisMindonthepartialProceedingsofProvidence,whichneverceas'dtotormenthim.

CHAP.XVII.

TheHERMIT.

AsZadigwastravellingalong,hemetwithaHermit,whosegreyandvenerableBearddescendedtohisGirdle.HehadinhisHandalittleBook,onwhichhisEyeswerefix'd.ZadigthrewhimselfinhisWay,andmadehimaprofoundBow.TheHermitreturn'dthe



ComplimentwithsuchanAirofMajestyandBenevolence,thatZadig'sCuriositypromptedhimtoconversewithsoagreeableaStranger.Pray,Sir,saidhe,whatmaybetheContentsoftheTreatiseyouarereadingwithsuchAttention.'Tiscall'd,saidtheHermit,theBookofFate;willyoupleasetolookatit.HeputtheBookintotheHandsofZadig,who,tho'hewasaperfectMasterofseveralLanguages,couldn'tdecypheronesingleCharacter.Thisrais'dhisCuriositystillhigher.Youseemdejected,saidthegoodFathertohim.Alas!IhaveCauseenough,saidZadig.Ifyou'llpermitmetoaccompanyyou,saidtheoldHermit,perhapsImaybeofsomeServicetoyou.Ihavesometimesinstill'dSentimentsofConsolationintotheMindsoftheAfflicted.ZadighadasecretRegardfortheAiroftheoldMan,forhisBeard,andhisBook.Hefound,byconversingwithhim,thathewasthemostlearnedPersonhehadevermetwith.TheHermitharangu'donDestiny,Justice,Morality,thesovereignGood,theFrailtyofNature;onVirtueandVice,insuchalivelyManner,andinsuchaFlowofWords,thatZadigwasattach'dtohimbyaninvincibleCharm.Hebegg'dearnestlythathewouldfavourhimwithhisCompanytoBabylon.ThatFavourIwasgoingtoaskmyself,saidtheoldMan.SweartomebyOrosmades,thatyouwon'tleaveme,forsomeDaysatleast,letmedowhatIplease.ZadigtooktheOathrequir'd,andbothpursu'dtheirJourney.

ThetwoTravellersarriv'dthatEveningatasuperbCastle.TheHermitbegg'dforanhospitableReceptionofhimselfandhisyoungComrade.ThePorter,whomanyOnemighthavetakenforsomeGrandee,letthemin,butwithakindofColdnessandContempt.However,heconductedthemtotheHead-Steward,whowentwiththemthro'everyrichApartmentofhisMaster'sHouse.TheywereseatedatSupperafterwardsatthelowerEnd,indeed,oftheTable,andwheretheyweretakenlittleornoNoticeofbytheHost;buttheywereserv'dwithasmuchDelicacyandProfusion,asanyoftheotherGuests.WhentheyarosefromTable,theywash'dtheirHandsinaGoldenBasonsetwithEmeralds,andothercostlyStones.When'twasTimetogotoRest,theywereconductedintoaBed-chamberrichlyfurnish'd;andthenextMorningtwoPiecesofGoldwerepresentedtohimfor

theirmutualService,byaValetinwaiting;andthentheyweredismiss'd.

TheProprietorofthisCastle,saidZadig,astheywereupontheRoad,seemstometobeaveryhospitableGentleman;tho'somewhattoohaughtyindeed,andtooimperious:TheWordswerenosooneroutofhisMouth,butheperceiv'dthatthePocketofhisComrade'sGarment,tho'verylarge,wasswell'd,andgreatlyextended:HesoonsawwhatwastheCause,andthathehadclandestinelybroughtofftheGoldenLaver.HedurstnotimmediatelytakeNoticeoftheFact;butwasreadytosinkattheveryThoughtson't.AboutNoon,theHermitrapp'datapettyCottagewithhisStaff,thebeggarlyResidenceofanold,richMiser.Hedesir'dthatheandhis

CompanionmightrefreshthemselvesthereforafewHours.Anold,shabbyDomesticklettheminindeed,butwithvisibleReluctance,andcarriedthemintotheStable,wherealltheirFarewasafewmustyOlives,andaDraughtortwoofsowersmallBeer.TheHermitseem'dascontentwithhisRepast,ashewastheNightbefore.Atlast,risingofffromhisSeat,hepaidhisComplimentstotheoldValet(whohadaswatchfulanEyeoverthemalltheTime,asiftheyhadbeenaBraceofThieves,andintimatedeverynowandthenthathefear'dtheywouldbebenighted)andgavehimthetwoPiecesofGold,hehadbutjustreceiv'dthatMorning,asaTokenofhis



GratitudeforhiscourteousEntertainment.Headdedmoreover,IwouldwillinglyspeakoneWordwithyourMasterbeforeIgo.TheValet,thunder-struckathisunexpectedGratuity,comply'dwithhisRequest:MosthospitableSir,saidtheHermit,Icouldn'tgoawaywithoutreturningyoumygratefulAcknowledgmentsforthefriendlyReceptionwehavemetwiththisAfternoon.Bepleas'dtoacceptthisGoldenBasonasasmallTokenofmyGratitudeandEsteem.TheMiserstarted,andwasreadytofalldownbackwardsattheSightofsovaluableaPresent.TheHermitgavehimnoTimetorecoveroutofhisSurprise,butmarch'doffthatMomentwithhisyoungComrade.Father,saidZadig,WhatisallthisthatIhaveseen?YouseemtometoactinaquitedifferentMannerfromtheGeneralityofMankind.YouplunderOne,whoentertain'dyouwithallthePompandProfusionintheWorld,toenrichacovetous,sordidWretch,whotreatedyouinthemostunworthyManner.Son,saidtheoldMan,thatGrandee,whoreceivesVisitsofStrangers,withnootherViewthantogratifyhisPride,andtoraisetheirAstonishmentattheFurnitureofhisPalace,willhenceforwardlearntobewiser;andtheMisertobemoreliberalfortheTimetocome.Don'tbesurpris'd,butfollowme.Zadigwasatastandatpresent;andcouldn'twelldeterminewhetherhisCompanionwasaManofgreaterWisdomthanordinary,oraMad-man.ButtheHermitassum'dsuchanAscendencyoverhim,exclusiveoftheOathhehadtaken,thathecouldn'ttellhowtoleavehim.AtNighttheycametoaHousevery

commodiouslybuilt,butneatandplain;wherenothingwaswanting,andyetnothingprofuse.TheMasterwasaPhilosopher,thathadretir'dfromthebusyWorld,inordertoliveinPeace,andformhisMindtoVirtue.Hewaspleas'dtobuildthislittleBoxfortheReceptionofStrangers,inahandsomeManner,butwithoutOstentation.HecameinPersontomeetthemattheDoor,andforaTime,advis'dthemtositdownandrestthemselvesinacommodiousApartment.AftersomeRespite,heinvitedthemtoafrugal,yetelegantRepast;duringwhich,hetalk'dveryintelligentlyaboutthelateRevolutionsinBabylon.Heseem'dentirelytobeintheQueen'sInterest,andheartilywish'dthatZadighadentredtheListsfortheregalPrize:ButBabylon,saidhe,don'tdeserveaKingofsomuchMerit.AmodestBlushappear'dinZadig'sFaceat

thisunexpectedCompliment,whichinnocentlyaggravatedhisMisfortunes.Itwasagreed,onallHands,thattheAffairsofthisWorldtooksometimesaquitedifferentTurnfromwhatthewisestPatriotswouldwishthem.TheHermitreplied,theWaysofProvidenceareoftenveryintricateandobscure,andMenweremuchtoblameforcastingReflectionsontheConductoftheWhole,uponthebareInspectionoftheminutestPart.

ThenextTopicktheyentreduponwasthePassions.Alas!saidZadig,howfatalintheirConsequences!However,saidtheHermit,theyaretheWindsthatswelltheSailoftheVessel.Sometimes,'tistrue,theyoversetit;butthereisnosuchThingassailingwithoutthem.Phlegm,indeed,makesMenpeevishandsick;butthen

thereisnolivingwithoutit.Tho'everyThingherebelowisdangerous,yetAllarenecessary.

InthenextPlace,theirDiscourseturn'donsensualPleasures;andtheHermitdemonstrated,thattheyweretheGiftsofHeaven;for,saidhe,MancannotbestoweitherSensationsorIdeasonhimself;hereceivesthemall;hisPainandPleasure,aswellashisBeing,proceedfromasuperiorCause.

Zadigstoodastonish'd,tothinkhowaManthathadcommittedsuch



vileActions,couldarguesowellonsuchMoralTopicks.AttheproperHour,afteranEntertainment,notonlyinstructive,butev'rywayagreeable,theirHostconductedthemtotheirBed-chamber,thankingHeavenfordirectingtwosuchpoliteandvirtuousStrangerstohisHouse.Heoffer'dthematthesameTimesomeSilver,todefraytheirExpencesontheRoad;butwithsuchanAirofRespectandBenevolence,that'twasimpossibletogivetheleastDisgust.TheHermit,however,refus'dit,andtookhisleave,ashepropos'dtosetforwardforBabylonbyBreakofDay.TheirPartingwasveryaffectionateandfriendly;Zadig,inparticular,express'damorethancommonRegardforaManofsoamiableaBehaviour.WhentheHermitandhewerealone,andpreparingforBed,theytalk'dlonginPraiseoftheirnewHost.AssoonasDay-lightappear'd,theoldHermitwak'dhisyoungComrade.'TisTimetobegone,saidhe;butasalltheHousearefastasleep,I'llleaveaTokenbehindmeofmyRespectandAffectionfortheMasterofit.NosoonerweretheWordsoutofhisMouth,buthestruckaLight,kindledaTorch,andsettheBuildinginaFlame:Zadig,intheutmostConfusion,shriek'dout,andwould,ifpossible,havepreventedhimfrombeingguiltyofsuchamonstrousActofIngratitude.TheHermitdragg'dhimaway,byasuperiorForce.TheHousewassooninaBlaze:WhentheyhadgotataconvenientDistance,theHermit,withanamazingSedateness,turn'dbackandsurvey'dthedestructiveFlames.Behold,saidhe,ourfortunateFriend!IntheRuins,hewillfindanimmense

Treasure,thatwillenablehim,fromhenceforth,toexerthisBeneficence,andrenderhisVirtuesmoreandmoreconspicuous.Zadig,tho'astonish'dtothelastDegree,attendedhimtotheirlastStage,whichwastotheCottageofaveryvirtuousandwell-dispos'dWidow,whohadaNephewofaboutfourteenYearsofAge.HewasahopefulYouth,andtheDarlingofherHeart.Sheentertain'dhertwoGuestswiththebestProvisionsherlittleHouseafforded.IntheMorningsheorder'dherNephewtoattendthemtoanadjacentBridge,which,havingbeenbrokendownsomefewDaysbefore,render'dthePassagedangeroustoStrangers.

TheLad,beingveryattentivetowaitonthem,wentformost.WhentheyweregotupontheBridge;comehither,myprettyBoy,saidthe

Hermit,ImustgiveyourAuntsomesmallTokenofmyRespectforherlastNight'sFavours.Uponthat,hetwistedhisFingersintheHairofhisHead,andthrewhim,verycalmly,intotheRiver.DownwentthelittleLad;hecameuponceagaintotheSurfaceoftheWater;butwassoonlostintherapidStream.OthouMonster!thouworstofVillains,cry'dZadig!Didn'tyoupromise,saidtheHermit,toviewmyConductwithPatience?Knowthen,thathadthatBoyliv'dbutoneYearlonger,hewouldhavemurder'dhisFoster-Mother.Whotoldyouso,youbarbarousWretch,saidZadig?AndwhendidyoureadthatinhumanEventinyourBlack-BookofFate?WhogaveyouPermissionpray,todrownsoinnocentaYouth,thathadneverdisoblig'dyou?

NosoonerhadouryoungBabylonianceas'dhissevereReflections,butheperceiv'dthattheoldHermit'slongBeardgrewshorterandshorter;thattheFurrowsinhisFacebegantofillup,andthathisCheeksglow'dwithaRose-colouredRed,asifhehadbeenintheBloomofFifteen.HisMantlewasvanish'datonce;andonhisShoulders,whichwerebeforecover'd,appear'dfourangelicWings,eachrefulgentastheSun.OthouMessengerofHeaven!OthouangelicForm!cry'dZadig,andfellprostrateathisFeet;thouartdescendedfromtheEmpireum,Ifind,toinstructsuchapoorfrailMortalasIam,howtosubmittotheMysteriesofFate.



Mankindingeneral,saidtheAngelJesrad,judgeoftheWhole,byonlyviewingthehitherLinkoftheChain.Thou,ofallthehumanRace,wasttheonlyManthatdeserv'dtohavethyMindenlighten'd.Zadig,begg'dLeavetospeak.Iamsomewhatdiffidentofmyself,'tistrue;butmayIpresume,Sir,tobegtheSolutionofoneScruple?Woulditnothavebeenbettertohavechastiz'dtheLad,andbythatMeansreform'dhim,thantohavecuthimoffthusunprepar'dinaMoment.Jesrad,replied,hadhebeenvirtuous,andhadheliv'd,'twashisFatenotonlytobemurder'dhimself,buthisWife,whomhewouldafterwardshavemarried,andthelittleInfant,thatwastohavebeenthePledgeoftheirmutualAffection.Isitnecessarythen,venerableGuide,thatthereshouldbeWickednessandMisfortunesintheWorld,andthatthoseMisfortunesshouldfallwithWeightontheHeadsoftheRighteous?TheWicked,repliedJesrad,arealwaysunhappy.MisfortunesareintendedonlyasaTouch-stone,totryasmallNumberoftheJust,whoarethinlyscatter'daboutthisterrestrialGlobe:Besides,thereisnoEvilundertheSun,butsomeGoodproceedsfromit:But,saidZadig,SupposetheWorldwasallGoodness,andtherewasnosuchThinginNatureasEvil.Then,thatWorldofyours,saidJesrad,wouldbeanotherWorld;theChainofEventswouldbeanotherWisdom;andthatotherOrder,whichwouldbeperfect,mustofNecessitybetheeverlastingResidenceofthesupremeBeing,whomnoEvilcanapproach.ThatgreatandfirstCausehascreatedaninfiniteNumber

ofWorlds,andnotwoofthemalike.ThisvastVarietyisanAttributeofhisOmnipotence.TherearenottwoLeavesontheTreesthroughouttheUniverse,noranytwoGlobesofLightamongsttheMyriadofStarsthatdecktheinfiniteExpanseofHeaven,whichareperfectlyalike.AndwhateveryouseeonthatsmallAtomofEarth,whereofyouareaNative,mustexistinthePlace,andattheTimeappointed,accordingtotheimmutableDecreesofhimwhocomprehendstheWhole.Mankindimagine,thattheLad,whomIplung'dintotheRiver,wasdrown'dbyChance;andthatourgenerousBenefactor'sHousewasreduc'dtoAshesbythesameChance;butknow,thereisnosuchThingasChance,allMisfortunesareintended,eitherassevereTrials,Judgments,orRewards;andaretheResultofForeknowledge.Youremember,Sir,thepoorFishermaninDespair,

thatthoughthimselfthemostunhappyMortalbreathing.ThegreatOrasmades,sentyoutoamendhisSituation.FrailMortal!Ceasetocontendwithwhatyououghttoadore.But,saidZadig--whilsttheSoundoftheWordButdweltuponhisTongue,theAngeltookhisFlighttowardsthetenthSphere.ZadigsunkdownuponhisKnees,andacknowledg'danover-rulingProvidencewithalltheMarksoftheprofoundestSubmission.TheAngel,ashewassoaringtowardstheClouds,criedoutindistinctAccents;MakethyWaytowardsBabylon.

CHAP.XVIII.

TheÃNIGMAS,orRIDDLES.

Zadig,asonebesidehimself,andperfectlythunder-struck,beathisMarchatrandom.Heentred,however,intotheCityofBabylon,onthatveryDay,whenthoseCombatantswhohadbeenbeforeengag'dintheListorCircus,werealreadyassembledinthespaciousOuter-CourtofthePalace,inordertosolvetheÃnigmas,andgive



thewisestAnswerstheycouldtosuchQuestions,astheGrandMagusshouldpropose.AllthePartiesconcern'dwerepresent,excepttheKnightoftheGreenArmour.NosoonerhadZadigmadehisAppearanceintheCity,butthePopulaceflock'droundabouthim:NoEyewassatisfiedwithgazingathim:AllingeneralwerelavishoftheirPraises,andintheirHeartswish'dhimtheirSovereign,excepttheenviousMan,whoashepass'dby,fetch'dadeepSigh,andturn'dhisHeadaside.ThePopulacewithloudAcclamationsattendedhimtothePalace-Gate.TheQueen,whohadheardofhisArrival,wasintheutmostAgony,betweenHopeandDespair.HerVexationhadalmostbroughthertoDeath'sDoor;shecouldn'tconceivewhyZadigshouldappearwithouthisAccoutrements,norimaginewhichWayItobadcouldprocurethesnow-whiteArmour.AttheSightofZadigaconfus'dMurmurranthro'thewholePlace.EveryEyewassurpriz'd,tho'charm'datthesameTimetoseehimagain:ButthennoneweretobeadmittedintotheAssembly-RoomexcepttheKnights.

Ihavefoughtassuccessfullyasanyoneofthemall,saidZadig,tho'anotherappearscladinmyArmour;butinthemeanTime,beforeIcanpossiblyprovemyAssertion,IinsistuponbeingadmittedintoCourt,inordertogivemySolutionstosuchÃnigmasasshallbepropos'd.'TwasputtotheVote.AstheReputationofhisbeingaManofthestrictestHonourandVeracitywassostronglyimprinted

ontheirMinds,theMotionofhisAdmittancewascarriedintheAffirmative,withouttheleastOpposition.

ThefirstQuestiontheGrandMaguspropos'dwasthis:WhatisthelongestandyettheshortestThingintheWorld;themostswiftandthemostslow;themostdivisible,andthemostextended;theleastvalu'd,andthemostregretted;Andwithoutwhichnothingcanpossiblybedone:Which,inaWord,devourseveryThinghowminutesoever,andyetgivesLifeandSpirittoeveryObjectorBeing,howeverGreat?

ItobadhadtheHonourtoanswerfirst.Hisreplywas,thataManofhisMerithadsomethingelsetothinkon,thanidleRiddles;

'twasenoughforhim,thathewasacknowledg'dtheHerooftheCircus.Onesaid,theSolutionoftheÃnigmapropos'dwasFortune;otherssaidtheEarth;andothersagaintheLight:ButZadigpronouncedittobeTime.Nothing,saidhe,canbelonger,since'tistheMeasureofEternity;Nothingisshorter,sincethereisTimealwayswantingtoaccomplishwhatweaimat.NothingpassessoslowlyasTimetohimwhoisinExpectation;andnothingsoswiftasTimetohimwhoisintheperfectEnjoymentofhisWishes.It'sExtentistoInfinity,intheWhole;anddivisibletoInfinityinpart.AllMenneglectitinthePassage;andallregrettheLossofitwhen'tispast.Nothingcanpossiblybedonewithoutit;itburiesinOblivionwhateverisunworthyofbeingtransmitteddowntoPosterity;anditrendersallillustriousActionsimmortal.The

AssemblyagreedunanimouslythatZadigwasintheRight.

ThenextQuestionthatwasstarted,was,WhatistheThingwereceive,withoutbeingeverthankfulforit;whichweenjoy,withoutknowinghowwecamebyit;whichwegiveawaytoothers,withoutknowingwhere'tistobefound;andwhichwelose,withoutbeinganywaysconsciousofourMisfortune?

Eachpass'dhisVerdict.ZadigwastheonlyPersonthatconcludeditwasLIFE.Hesolv'deveryÃnigmapropos'd,withequalFacility.



Itobad,whenheheardtheExplications,alwayssaidthatnothingintheWorldwasmoreeasy,thantosolvesuchobviousQuestions;andthathecouldinterpretathousandofthemwithouttheleastHesitation,wereheinclin'dtotroublehisHeadaboutsuchTrifles.OtherQuestionswerepropos'dinregardtoJustice,thesovereignGood,andtheArtofGovernment.Zadig'sAnswersstillcarriedthegreatestWeight.WhatPity'tis,saidsomewhowerepresent,thatoneofsocomprehensiveaGenius,shouldmakesuchascurvyCavalier?

MostillustriousGrandees,saidZadig,IwasthePersonthathadtheHonourofbeingVictoratyourCircus;thewhiteArmour,mostpuissantLords,wasmine.ThatawkwardWarriorthere,LordItobad,dress'dhimselfinitwhilstIwasasleep.Heimagin'd,itisplain,thatitwoulddohimmoreHonourthanhisownGreenone.UnaccoutredasIam,Iamready,beforethisaugustAssembly,togivethemincontestableProofofmysuperiorSkill;toengagewiththeUsurperoftheWhiteArmourwithmySwordonlyinmyMantleandBonnet;andtotestifythatIonlywasthehappyVictorofthejustlyadmiredHottam.

ItobadacceptedoftheChallengewithalltheAssuranceofSuccessimaginable.Hedidnotdoubt,butbeingproperlyaccoutredwithhisHelmet,hisCuirass,andhisBracelets,heshouldbeabletohue

downanAntagonist,inhisMantleandCap,andnothingtoskreenhimfromhisResentment,butasingleSabre.ZadigdrewhisSword,andsalutedtheQueenwithit,whoview'dhimwithTransportmix'dwithFear.Itobaddrewhis,butpaidhisComplimentstoNobody.Heapproach'dZadig,asone,whomheimagin'dincapableofmakinganyconsiderableResistance.Heconcluded,'twasinhisPowertocutZadigintoAtoms.Zadig,however,knewhowtoparrytheBlow,bydexterouslyreceivingituponhisFort(astheSwords-mencallit)bywhichMeansItobad'sSwordwassnaptintwo.WiththatZadiginanInstantclos'dhisAdversary,andbyhissuperiorStrength,aswellasSkill,laidhimsprawlingonhisBack.ThenholdingthePointofhisSwordtotheopeningofhisCuirass,Submittobestripp'dofyourborrow'dPlumes,oryouareadeadManthisMoment.

Itobad,alwayssurpriz'd,thatanyDisappointmentshouldattendaManofsuchexaltedMeritashimself,verytamelypermittedZadigtodisrobehimbyDegreesofhispompousHelmet,hissuperbCuirass,hisrichBracelets,hisbrilliantCuisses,orArmourforhisThighs,andotherMartialAccoutrements.WhenZadighadequipp'dhimselfCap-a-pee,inhisnowrecover'dArmour,heflewtoAstarte,andthrewhimselfprostrateatherFeet.Cadorprov'd,withoutanygreatDifficulty,thattheWhiteArmourwasZadig'sProperty.Hewasthereuponacknowledg'dKingofBabylon,bytheunanimousContentoftheWholeCourt;butmoreparticularlywiththeApprobationofAstarte,whoaftersuchalongSeriesofMisfortunes,nowtastedtheSweetsofseeingherdarlingZadigthoughtworthy,intheOpinionofthewholeWorld,tobethePartner

ofherroyalBed.Itobadwithdrew,andcontentedhimselfwithbeingcall'dmyLordwithinthenarrowCompassofhisownDomesticks.Zadig,inshort,waselectedKing,andwasashappyasanyMortalcouldbe.

NowhebegantoreflectonwhattheAngelJesradhadsaidtohim:Nay,hereflectedsofarbackastheStoryoftheArabianAtomofDustmetamorphosedintoaDiamond.TheQueenandHeador'dtheDivineProvidence.ZadigpermittedMissouf,theFairCoquet,tomakeherConquestswhereshecould.HesentCourierstobringthe



Free-booterArbogadtoCourt,andgavehimanHonourableMilitaryPostinhisArmy,withafartherPromiseofPromotiontothehighestDignity;butuponthisexpressCondition,thathewouldactforthefutureasaSoldierofHonour;butassur'dhimatthesameTime,thathe'dmakeapublickExampleofhim,ifhefollow'dhisProfessionofFree-bootingforthefuture.

SetocwassentforfromthelonelyDesartsofArabia,togetherwiththefairAlmonza,hisnewBride,topresideoverthecommercialAffairsofBabylon.Cadorwasadvanc'dtoaPostnearhimself,andwashisFavouriteMinisteratCourt,asthejustRewardofhispastServices.Hewas,inshort,theKing'srealFriend;andZadigwastheonlyMonarchintheUniversethatcouldboastofsuchanAttendant.TheDwarf,tho'dumb,wasnotwhollyforgotten.TheFishermanwasputintothePossessionofaveryhandsomeHouse;andOrcanwassentenc'd,notonlytopayhimaveryconsiderableSumfortheInjusticedonehimindetaininghisWife;buttoresignherlikewisetotheproperOwner:TheFisherman,however,grownwisebyExperience,soften'dtheRigouroftheSentence,andtooktheMoneyonlyinfullofallAccounts.

Hedidn'tleavesomuchasSemirawhollydisconsolate,tho'shehadsuchanAversiontoablindEye;norAzoracomfortless,notwithstandingheraffectionateIntentiontoshortenhisNose;for

hesooth'dtheirSorrowsbyverymunificentPresents.TheenviousInformerindeed,diedwithShameandVexation.TheEmpirewasgloriousabroad,andinthefullEnjoymentofTranquility,PeaceandPlenty,athome:This,inshort,wasthetruegoldenAge.ThewholeCountrywassway'dbyLoveandJustice.EveryoneblestZadig;andZadigblestHeav'nforhisunexpectedSuccess.

FINIS.

Transcriber'sNotes:

Spellingandpunctuationareasfound(forexample,Itabod/Itobadwasleftasprinted),withoneexception:theoriginalreads"purcha'd"in"AnArabianMerchant,SetocbyName,purchas'dthemboth;"

Hyphenatedwordsareclosedupifallotherexamplesareclosed,otherwisenot.Ifthereisamixofbrokenandnot,thenitwasleftwithahyphen.

Italicpossessiveswerechangedforclarity(forexample,Zadig'snotZadig's).