ZADIG;

OR, THE

Book of Fate.

AN

Oriental HISTORY,

Translated from the

French ORIGINAL

OF

MR. VOLTAIRE.

Quo fata trahunt, retrahuntque sequamur.

Per varios casus, per tot discrimina rerum,

Tendimus in Latium.       VIRG.

LONDON:

Printed for IOHN BRINDLEY, Bookseller

to His Royal Highness the Prince of

Wales, in New Bond-Street.

MDCCXLIX.

[i]

THE

DEDICATION

TO THE

SULTANA SHERAA,

BY

SADI.

The 18th of the Month Scheval, in the Year of the Hegira, 837.

Thou Joy of evry Eye! Thou Torment of every Heart! Thou Intellectual [ii]Light! I do not kiss the Dust of thy Feet; because thou seldom art seen out of the Seraglio, and when thou art, thou walkest only on the Carpets of Iran, or on Beds of Roses.

I here present you with a Translation of the Work of an ancient Sage, who having the Happiness of living free from all Avocations, thought proper, by Way of Amusement, to write the History of Zadig; a Performance, that comprehends in it more Instruction than, tis possible, you may at first be aware of. I beg you would indulge me so far [iii]as to read it over, and then pass your impartial Judgment upon it: For notwithstanding you are in the Bloom of your Life; tho evry Pleasure courts you; tho you are Natures Darling, and have internal Qualities in proportion to your Beauty; tho the World resounds your Praises from Morning till Night, and consequently you must have a just Title to a superior Degree of Understanding than the rest of your Sex; Yet your Wit is no ways flashy; Your Taste is refind, and I have had the Honour [iv]to hear you talk more learnedly than the wisest Dervise, with his venerable Beard, and pointed Bonnet: You are discreet, and yet not mistrustful; you are easy, but not weak; you are beneficent with Discretion; you love your Friends, and create yourself no Enemies. Your most sprightly Flights borrow no Graces from Detraction; you never speak a misbecoming Word, nor do an ill-naturd Action, tho tis always in your Power. In a Word, your Soul is as spotless as your Person. You have, moreover, a little Fund of Philosophy, [v]which gives me just Grounds to hope that youll relish this Historical Performance better than any other Lady of your Quality would do.

It was originally composd in the Chaldean Language, to which both you and my self are perfect Strangers. It was translated, however, into Arabic, for the Amusement of the celebrated Sultan OULOUG-BEG. It first appeard in Public, when the Arabian and Persian Tales of One Thousand and One Nights, and One Thousand and One Days, were most [vi]in Vogue: OULOUG chose rather to entertain himself with the Adventures of Zadig. The Sultanas indeed were more fond of the former. How can you, said the judicious OULOUG, be so partial, as to prefer a Set of Tales, that are no ways interesting or instructive, to a Work, that has a Variety of Beauties to recommend it? Oh! replied the Sultanas, the less Sense there is in them, the more they are in Taste; and the less their Merit, the greater their Commendation.

[vii]I flatter my self, thou Patroness of Wisdom, that thou wilt not copy after those thoughtless Sultanas, but give into the Sentiments of OULOUG. I am in hopes likewise, when you are tird with the Conversation of such as make those senseless Romances abovementiond their favourite Amusements, you will vouchsafe to listen for one Minute or two, to the Dictates of solid Sense. Had you been Thalestris in the Days of Scander, the Son of Philip; had you been the Queen of Sheba, in the Reign of Solomon, those Kings would [viii]have been proud to have taken a Tour to visit you.

May the Celestial Virtues grant, that your Pleasures may meet with no Interruption; your Charms know no Decay; and may your Felicity be everlasting!

SADI.

[ix]

THE

Approbation.

I, Who have subscribd my Name hereto, ambitious of being thought a Man of Wit and Learning, have perusd this MANUSCRIPT, which I find, to my great Mortification, amusing, moral, philosophical, and fit to be read, even by [x]those who have an utter Aversion to Romances; for which Reason, I have depretiated it, as it deserves, and have in direct Terms told the CADI-LESQUIER, that tis a most detestable Performance.

[xi]

THE

CONTENTS.

CHAP. I.

The blind Eye

page 1

CHAP. II.

The Nose

13

CHAP. III.

The Dog and the Horse,    &c.

20

CHAP. IV.

The Envious Man

33

CHAP. V.

The Force of Generosity

45

CHAP. VI.

The Just Judge

53

CHAP. VII.

The Force of Jealousy

63

[xii]CHAP. VIII.

The Threshd Wife

79

CHAP. IX.

The Captive

89

CHAP. X.

The Funeral Pile

100

CHAP. XI.

The Evenings Entertainment

111

CHAP. XII.

The Rendezvous

124

CHAP. XIII.

The Free-booter

135

CHAP. XIV.

The Fisherman

147

CHAP. XV.

The Basilisk

159

CHAP. XVI.

The Tournaments

187

CHAP. XVII.

The Hermit

205

CHAP. XVIII.

The Riddles, or AEnigmas

225

[1]

ZADIG:

AN

Oriental History.

CHAP. I.

The Blind EYE.

In the Reign of King Moabdar, there was a young Man, a Native of Babylon, by name Zadig; who was not only endowed by Nature with an uncommon Genius, but born of illustrious Parents, who bestowed on him an Education no [2]ways inferior to his Birth. Tho rich and young, he knew how to give a Check to his Passions; he was no ways self-conceited; he didnt always act up to the strictest Rules of Reason himself, and knew how to look on the Foibles of others, with an Eye of Indulgence. Every one was surprizd to find, that notwithstanding he had such a Fund of Wit, he never insulted; nay, never so much as rallied any of his Companions, for that Tittle Tattle, which was so vague and empty, so noisy and confusd; for those rash Reflections, those illiterate Conclusions, and those insipid Jokes; and, in short, for that Flow of unmeaning Words, which was calld polite Conversation in Babylon. He had learned from the first Book of Zoroaster, that Self-love is like a Bladder full blown, which when [3]once prickd, discharges a kind of petty Tempest. Zadig, in particular, never boasted of his Contempt of the Fair Sex, or of his Facility to make Conquests amongst them. He was of a generous Spirit; insomuch, that he was not afraid of obliging even an ungrateful Man; strictly adhering to that wise Maxim of Zoroaster. When you are eating, throw an Offal to the Dogs that are under the Table, lest they should be tempted to bite you. He was as wise as he could well be wishd; since he was fond of no Company, but such as were distinguishd for Men of Sense. As he was well-grounded, in all the Sciences of the antient Chaldeans, he was no Stranger to those Principles of Natural Philosophy, which were then known: And understood as much of Metaphysics as any one in all Ages [4]after him; that is to say, he knew little or nothing of the Matter. He was firmly convincd, that the Year consisted of 365 Days and an half, tho directly repugnant to the new Philosophy of the Age he livd in; and that the Sun was situated in the Center of the Earth; And when the Chief Magi told him, with an imperious Air, that he maintaind erroneous Principles; and that it was an Indignity offered to the Government under which he livd, to imagine the Sun should roll round its own Axis, and that the Year consisted of twelve Months, he knew how to sit still and quiet, without shewing the least Tokens of Resentment or Contempt.

As Zadig was immensely rich, and had consequently Friends without Number; and as he was a Gentleman of a robust Constitution, [5]and remarkably handsome; as he was endowed with a plentiful Share of ready and inoffensive Wit: And, in a Word, as his Heart was perfectly sincere and open, he imagind himself, in some Measure, qualified to be perfectly happy. For which Purpose he determind to marry a gay young Lady (one Semira by name) whose Beauty, Birth and Fortune, renderd her the most desirable Person in all Babylon. He had a sincere Affection for her, grounded on Honour, and Semira conceivd as tender a Passion for him. They were just upon the critical Minute of a mutual Conjunction in the Bands of Matrimony, when, as they were walking Hand in Hand together towards one of the Gates of Babylon, under the Shade of a Row of Palm-trees, that grew [6]on the Banks of the River Euphrates, they were beset by a Band of Ruffians, armd with Sabres, Bows and Arrows. They were the Guards, it seems, of young Orcan (Nephew of a certain Minister of State) whom the Parasites, kept by his Uncle, had buoyd up with a Permission to do, with Impunity, whatever he thought proper. This young Rival, tho he had none of those internal Qualities to boast of that Zadig had, yet he imagind himself a Man of more Power; and for that Reason, was perfectly outrageous to see the other preferrd before him. This Fit of Jealousy, the Result of mere Vanity, prompted him to think that he was deeply in Love with the fair Semira; and fird with that amorous Notion, he was determind to take her away from Zadig, by Dint of Arms. [7]The Ravishers rushd rudely upon her, and in the Transport of their Rage, drew the Blood of a Beauty, the Sight of whose Charms would have softend the very Tigers of Mount Imaus. The injurd Lady rent the very Heavens with her Exclamations. Wheres my dear Husband, she cried? They have torn me from the Arms of the only Man whom I adore. She never reflected on the Danger to which she was exposd; her sole Concern was for her beloved Zadig. At the same Time, he defended her, like a Lover, and a Man of Integrity and Courage. With the Assistance only of two domestic Servants, he put those Sons of Violence to Flight, and conducted Semira, bloody as she was, and in fainting Fits, to her own House. No sooner was she come to her self, but she fixd her lovely [8]Eyes on her Dear Deliverer. O Zadig, said she, I love thee as affectionately, as if I were actually thy Bride: I love thee, as the Man, to whom I owe my Life, and what is dearer to me, the Preservation of my Honour. No Heart sure could be more deeply smitten than that of Semira. Never did the Lips of the fairest Creature living utter softer Sounds; never did the most enamoured Lady breathe such tender Sentiments of Love and Gratitude for his signal Service; never, in short, did the most affectionate Bride express such Transports of Joy for the fondest Husband. Her Wounds, however, were but very superficial, and she was soon recoverd. Zadig receivd a Wound that was much more dangerous: An unlucky Arrow had grazd one of his Eyes, and the Orifice was [9]deep. Semira was incessant in her Prayers to the Gods that they might restore her Zadig. Her Eyes were Night and Day overwhelmd with Tears. She waited with Impatience for the happy Moment, when those of Zadig might dart their Fires upon her; but alas! the wounded Eye grew so inflamd and swelld, that she was terrified to the last Degree. She sent as far as Memphis for Hermes, the celebrated Physician there, who instantly attended his new Patient with a numerous Retinue. Upon his first Visit, he peremptorily declared that Zadig would lose his Eye; and foretold not only the Day, but the very Hour when that woful Disaster would befal him. Had it been, said that Great Man, his right Eye, I could have administred an infallible Specific; [10]but as it is, his Misfortune is beyond the Art of Man to cure. Tho all Babylon pitied the hard Case of Zadig, they equally stood astonishd at the profound Penetration of Hermes. Two Days after the Imposthume broke, without any Application, and Zadig soon after was perfectly recoverd. Hermes thereupon wrote a very long and elaborate Treatise, to prove that his Wound ought not to have been heald. Zadig, however, never thought it worth his while to peruse his learned Lucubrations; but, as soon as ever he could get abroad, determind to pay the Lady a Visit, who had testified such uncommon Concern for his Welfare, and for whose Sake alone he wishd for the Restoration of his Sight. Semira he found had been out of Town for three [11]Days; but was informd, by the bye, that his intended Spouse, having conceived an implacable Aversion to a one-eyd Man, was that very Night to be married to Orcan. At this unexpected ill News, poor Zadig was perfectly thunder-struck: He laid his Disappointment so far to Heart, that in a short Time he was become a mere Skeleton, and was sick almost to death for some Months afterwards. At last, however, by Dint of Reflection, he got the better of his Distemper; and the Acuteness of the Pain he underwent, in some Measure, contributed towards his Consolation.

Since I have met with such an unexpected Repulse, said he, from a capricious Court-Lady, I am determind to marry some substantial Citizens Daughter. [12]He pitchd accordingly upon Azora, a young Gentlewoman extremely well-bred, an excellent Oeconomist, and one, whose Parents were very rich.

Their Nuptials accordingly were soon after solemnizd, and for a whole Month successively, no two Turtles were ever more fond of each other. In Process of Time, however, he perceivd she was a little Coquettish, and too much inclind to think, that the handsomest young Fellows were always the most virtuous and the greatest Wits.

[13]

CHAP. II.

The NOSE.

One Day Azora, as she was just returnd home from taking a short Country airing, threw herself into a violent Passion, and swelld with Invectives. What, in Gods Name, my Dear, said Zadig, has thus ruffled your Temper? What can be the Meaning of all these warm Exclamations? Alas! said she, you would have been disgusted as much as I am, had you been an Eye-witness of that Scene of Female Falshood, as I was Yesterday. I went, you must know, to visit the disconsolate Widow Cosrou, who has been these two Days erecting a Monument to the Memory of her [14]young deceased Husband, near the Brook that runs on one side of her Meadow. She made the most solemn Vow, in the Height of her Affliction, never to stir from that Tomb, as long as ever that Rivulet took its usual Course.Well! and wherein, pray, said Zadig, is the good Woman so much to blame? Is it not an incontestable Mark of her superior Merit and Conjugal-Affection? But, Zadig, said Azora, was you to know how her Thoughts were employd when I made my Visit, youd never forget or forgive her. Pray, my dearest Azora, what then was she about? Why, the Creature, said Azora, was studying, to be sure, to find out Ways and Means to turn the Current of the River.

Azora, in short, harangud so long, and, was so big with [15]her Invectives against the young Widow, that her too affected, vain Shew of Virtue, gave Zadig a secret Disgust.

Zadig had an intimate Friend, one Cador by Name, whose Spouse was perfectly honest, and had in reality a greater Regard for him, than all Mankind besides: This Friend Zadig made his Confident, and bound him to keep a Project of his entirely a Secret, by a Promise of some valuable Token of his Respect. Azora had been visiting a Female Companion for two Days together in the Country, and on the third was returning home: No sooner, however, was she in Sight of the House, but the Servants ran to meet her with Tears in their Eyes, and told her, that their Master dyd suddenly the Night before; that they durstnt carry [16]her the doleful Tidings, but were going to bury Zadig in the Sepulchre of his Ancestors, at the Bottom of the Garden. She burst into a Flood of Tears; tore her Hair; and vowd to die by his Side. As soon as it was dark, young Cador came, and beggd the Favour of being introducd to the Widow. He was so, and they wept together very cordially. Next Day the Storm was somewhat abated, and they dind together; Cador informd her, that his Friend had left him the much greater Part of his Effects, and gave her to understand, that he should think himself the happiest Creature in the World, if she would condescend to be his Partner in that Demise. The Widow wept, sobbd, and began to melt. More Time was spent in Supper than at Dinner. [17]They discoursed together with a little more Freedom. Azora was lavish of her Encomiums on Zadig; but then, twas true, she said, he had some secret Infirmities to which Cador was a Stranger. In the Midst of their Midnight Entertainment, Cador all on a sudden complaind that he was taken with a most violent pleuretic Fit, and was ready to swoon away. Our Lady being extremely concernd, and over-officious, flew to her Closet of Cordials, and brought down every Thing she could think of that might be of Service on this emergent Occasion. She was extremely sorry that the famous Hermes was gone from Babylon, and condescended to lay her warm Hand upon the Part affected, in which he felt such an agonizing Pain. Pray Sir, said she, in a soft, languishing [18]Tone, are you subject to this tormenting Malady? Sometimes, Madam, said Cador, so strong, that they bring me almost to Deaths Door; and there is but one Thing can infallibly cure me; and that is, the Application of a dead Mans Nose to the part affected. An odd Remedy truly, said Azora. Not stranger, Madam, said he, than the Great *Arnons* There was at this Time in Babylon, a famous Doctor, namd Arnon, who both curd Apoplectic Fits, and prevented them from affecting his Patients, as was frequently advertizd in the Gazettes, by a little never-failing Purse that he hung round their Necks. infallible Apoplectic Necklaces.

This Assurance of Success, together with Cadors personal Merit, determind Azora in his Favour. After all, said she, [19]when my Husband shall be about to cross the Bridge Tchimavar, from this World of Yesterday, to the other, of To-morrow, will the Angel Asrael, think you, make any Scruple about his Passage, should his Nose prove something shorter in the next Life than twas in this? She would venture, however, and taking up a sharp Razor, repaird to her Husbands Tomb; waterd it first with her Tears, and then intended to perform the innocent Operation, as he lay extended breathless, as she thought, in his Coffin. Zadig mounted in a Moment; securd his Nose with one Hand, and the Incision-Knife with the other. Madam, said he, never more exclaim against the Widow Cosrou. The Scheme for cutting my Nose off was much closer laid [20]than hers of throwing the River into a new Channel.

CHAP. III.

The DOG and the HORSE.

Zadig found, by Experience, that the first thirty Days of Matrimony (as tis written in the Book of Zend) is Honey-Moon; but the second is all Wormwood. He was obligd, in short, as Azora grew such a Termagant, to sue out a Bill of Divorce, and to seek his Consolation for the future, in the Study of Nature. Who is happier, said he, than the Philosopher, who peruses with Understanding that spacious Book, which the supreme Being has laid open before his Eyes? The Truths he discovers there, are [21]of infinite Service to him. He thereby cultivates and improves his Mind. He lives in Peace and Tranquility all his Days; he is afraid of Nobody, and he has no tender, indulgent Wife to shorten his Nose for him.

Wrapped up in these Contemplations, he retird to a little Country House on the Banks of the Euphrates; there he never spent his Time in calculating how many Inches of Water run thro the Arch of a Bridge in a second of Time, or in enquiring if a Cube Line of Rain falls more in the Mouse-Month, than in that of the Ram. He formd no Projects for making Silk Gloves and Stockings out of Spiders Webbs, nor of China-Ware out of broken Glass-Bottles; but he pryd into the Nature and Properties of Animals and Plants, [22]and soon, by his strict and repeated Enquiries, he was capable of discerning a Thousand Variations in visible Objects, that others, less curious, imagind were all alike.

One Day, as he was taking a solitary Walk by the Side of a Thicket, he espyd one of the Queens Eunuchs, with several of his Attendants, coming towards him, hunting about, in deep Concern, both here and there, like Persons almost in Despair, and seeking, with Impatience, for something lost of the utmost Importance. Young Man, said the Queens chief Eunuch, have not you seen, pray, her Majestys Dog? Zadig very cooly replied, you mean her Bitch, I presume. You say very right Sir, said the Eunuch, tis a Spaniel-Bitch indeed.And very small said Zadig: She has [23]had Puppies too lately; shes a little lame with her left Fore-foot, and has long Ears. By your exact Description, Sir, you must doubtless have seen her, said the Eunuch, almost out of Breath. But I have not Sir, notwithstanding, neither did I know, but by you, that the Queen ever had such a favourite Bitch.

Just at this critical Juncture, so various are the Turns of Fortunes Wheel! the best Palfrey in all the Kings Stable had broke loose from the Groom, and got upon the Plains of Babylon. The Head Huntsman with all his inferior Officers, were in Pursuit after him, with as much Concern, as the Eunuch about the Bitch. The Head Huntsman addressd himself to Zadig, and askd him, whether he hadnt seen the Kings Palfrey run by him. No [24]Horse, said Zadig, ever gallopd smoother; he is about five Foot high, his Hoofs are very small; his Tail is about three Foot six Inches long; the studs of his Bit are of pure Gold, about 23 Carats; and his Shoes are of Silver, about Eleven penny Weight a-piece. What Course did he take, pray, Sir? Whereabouts is he, said the Huntsman? I never sat Eyes on him, replyd Zadig, not I, neither did I ever hear before now, that his Majesty had such a Palfrey.

The Head Huntsman, as well as the Head Eunuch, upon his answering their Interrogatories so very exactly, not doubting in the least, but that Zadig had clandestinely conveyd both the Bitch and the Horse away, securd him, and carried him before the grand Desterham, who condemnd [25]him to the Knout, and to be confind for Life in some remote and lonely Part of Siberia. No sooner had the Sentence been pronouncd, but the Horse and Bitch were both found. The Judges were in some Perplexity in this odd Affair, and yet thought it absolutely necessary, as the Man was innocent, to recal their Decree. However, they laid a Fine upon him of Four Hundred Ounces of Gold, for his false Declaration of his not having seen, what doubtless he did: And the Fine was orderd to be deposited in Court accordingly: On the Payment whereof, he was permitted to bring his Cause on to a Hearing before the grand Desterham.

On the Day appointed for that Purpose he opend the Cause himself, in Terms to this or the like Effect.

[26]Ye bright Stars of Justice, ye profound Abyss of universal Knowledge, ye Mirrors of Equity, who have in you the Solidity of Lead, the Hardness of Steel, the Lustre of a Diamond, and the Resemblance of the purest Gold! Since ye have condescended so far, as to admit of my Address to this August Assembly, I here, in the most solemn Manner, swear to you by Orosmades, that I never saw the Queens illustrious Bitch, nor the sacred Palfrey of the King of Kings. Ill be ingenuous, however, and declare the Truth, and nothing but the Truth. As I was walking by the Thickets Side, where I met with her Majestys most venerable chief Eunuch, and the Kings most illustrious chief Huntsman, I perceivd upon the Sand the Footsteps of an Animal, and I [27]easily inferrd that it must be a little one. The several small, tho long Ridges of Land between the Footsteps of the Creature, gave me just Grounds to imagine it was a Bitch whose Teats hung down; and for that Reason, I concluded she had but lately puppd. As I observd likewise some other Traces, in some Degree different, which seemd to have grazd all the Way upon the Surface of the Sand, on the Side of the fore-Feet, I knew well enough she must have had long Ears. And forasmuch as I discernd; with some Degree of Curiosity, that the Sand was every where less hollowd by one Foot in particular, than by the other three, I conceivd that the Bitch of our most august Queen was somewhat lamish, if I may presume to say so.

[28]As to the Palfrey of the King of Kings, give me leave to inform you, that as I was walking down the Lane by the Thicket-side, I took particular Notice of the Prints made upon the Sand by a Horses Shoes; and found that their Distances were in exact Proportion; from that Observation, I concluded the Palfrey gallopd well. In the next Place, the Dust of some Trees in a narrow Lane, which was but seven Foot broad, was here and there swept off, both on the Right and on the Left, about three Feet and six Inches from the Middle of the Road. For which Reason I pronouncd the Tail of the Palfrey to be three Foot and a half long, with which he had whiskd off the Dust on both Sides as he ran along. Again, I perceivd under the Trees, which formd a [29]Kind of Bower of five Feet high, some Leaves that had been lately fallen on the Ground, and I was sensible the Horse must have shook them off; from whence I conjecturd he was five Foot high. As to the Bits of his Bridle, I knew they must be of Gold, and of the Value I mentiond; for he had rubbd the Studs upon a certain Stone, which I knew to be a Touch-stone, by an Experiment that I had made of it. To conclude, by the Prints which his Shoes had left of some Flint-Stones of another Nature, I concluded his Shoes were Silver, and of eleven penny Weight Fineness, as I before mentiond.

The whole Bench of Judges stood astonishd at the Profundity of Zadigs nice Discernment. The News was soon [30]carried to the King and the Queen. Zadig was not only the whole Subject of the Courts Conversation; but his Name was mentiond with the utmost Veneration in the Kings Chambers, and his Privy-Council. And notwithstanding several of their Magi declard he ought to be burnt for a Sorcerer; yet the King thought proper, that the Fine he had deposited in Court, should be peremptorily restord. The Clerk of the Court, the Tipstaffs, and other petty Officers, waited on him in their proper Habit, in order to refund the four Hundred Ounces of Gold, pursuant to the Kings express Order; modestly reserving only three Hundred and ninety Ounces, part thereof, to defray the Fees of the Court. And the Domesticks [31]swarmd about him likewise, in Hopes of some small Consideration.

Zadig, upon winding up of the Bottom, was fully convincd, that it was very dangerous to be over-wise; and was determind to set a Watch before the Door of his Lips for the future.

An Opportunity soon offerd for the Trial of his Resolution. A Prisoner of State had just made his Escape, and passd under the Window of Zadigs House. Zadig was examind thereupon, but was absolutely dumb. However, as it was plainly provd upon him, that he did look out of the Window at the same Time, he was sentencd to pay five Hundred Ounces of Gold for that Misdemeanor; and [32]moreover, was obligd to thank the Court for their Indulgence; a Compliment which the Magistrates of Babylon expect to be paid them. Good God! said he, to himself, have I not substantial Reason to complain, that my impropitious Stars should direct me to walk by a Woods-Side, where the Queens Bitch and the Kings Palfrey should happen to pass by? How dangerous is it to pop ones Head out of ones Window? And, in a Word, how difficult is it for a Man to be happy on this Side the Grave?

[33]

CHAP. IV.

The ENVIOUS MAN.

As Zadig had met with such a Series of Misfortunes, he was determind to ease the Weight of them by the Study of Philosophy, and the Conversation of select Friends. He was still possessd of a little pretty Box in the Out-parts of Babylon, which was furnishd in a good Taste; where every Artist was welcome, and wherein he enjoyd all the rational Pleasures that a virtuous Man could well wish for. In the Morning, his Library was always open for the Use of the Learned; at Night his Table was filld with the most agreeable Companions; but he was [34]soon sensible, by Experience, how dangerous it was to keep learned Men Company. A warm Dispute arose about a certain Law of Zoroaster; which prohibited the Eating of Griffins: But to what Purpose said some of the Company, was that Prohibition, since there is no such Animal in Nature? Some again insisted that there must; for otherwise Zoroaster could never have been so weak as to give his Pupils such a Caution. Zadig, in order to compromize the Matter, said; Gentlemen, If there are such Creatures in Being, let us never touch them; and if there are not, we are well assurd we cant touch them; so in either Case we shall comply with the Commandment.

A learned Man at the upper End of the Table, who had composd thirteen Volumes, expatiating [35]on every Property of the Griffin, took this Affair in a very serious Light, which would greatly have embarrassd Zadig, but for the Credit of a Magus, who was Brother to his Friend Cador. From that Day forward, Zadig ever distinguishd and preferrd good, before learned Company: He associated with the most conversible Men, and the most amiable Ladies in all Babylon; he made elegant Entertainments, which were frequently preceded by a Concert of Musick, and enlivend by the most facetious Conversation, in which, as he had felt the Smart of it, he had laid aside all Thoughts of shewing his Wit, which is not only the surest Proof that a Man has none, but the most infallible Means to spoil all good Company.

[36]Neither the Choice of his Friends, nor that of his Dishes, was the Result of Pride or Ostentation. He took Delight in appearing to be, what he actually was, and not in seeming to be what he was not; and by that Means, got a greater real Character than he actually aimd at.

Directly opposite to his House livd Arimazes, one puffd up with Pride, who not meeting with Success in the World, sought his Revenge in railing against all Mankind. Rich as he was, it was almost more than he could accomplish, to procure evn any Parasites about him. Tho the rattling of the Chariots which stoppd at Zadigs Door was a perfect Nuisance to him; yet the good Character which every Body gave him was still a higher Provocation. He would sometimes intrude [37]himself upon Zadig, and set down at his Table without any Invitation; when there, he would most certainly interrupt the Mirth of the Company, as Harpies, they say, infect the very Carrion that they eat.

Arimazes took it in his Head one Day to invite a young Lady to an Entertainment; but she, instead of accepting of his Offer, spent the Evening at Zadigs. Another Time, as Zadig and he were chatting together at Court, a Minister of State came up to them, and invited Zadig to Supper, but took no Notice of Arimazes. The most implacable Aversions have frequently no better Foundations. This Gentleman, who was calld the envious Man, would have taken away the Life of Zadig if he could because most People distinguishd him by the Title of the Happy [38]Man. An Opportunity of doing Mischief, says Zoroaster, offers itself a hundred Times a Day; but that of doing a Friend a good Office but once a Year.

Arimazes went one Day to Zadigs House, when he was walking in his Garden with two Friends, and a young Lady, to whom he said Abundance of fine Things, with no other Design but the innocent Pleasure of saying them. Their Conversation turnd on a War that the King had happily put an End to, between him and his Vassal, the Prince of Hyrcania. Zadig having signalizd himself in that short War, commended his Majesty very highly, but was more lavish of his Compliments on the Lady. He took out his Pocket Book, and wrote four extempore Verses on that Occasion, and gave them the [39]Lady to read. The Gentlemen then present beggd to be obligd with a Sight of them, as well as the Lady, But either thro Modesty, or rather a self-Consciousness that he hadnt happily succeeded, he gave them a flat Denial. He was sensible, that a sudden poetic Flight must prove insipid to every one but the Person in whose Favour it is written, whereupon he snapt the Table in two whereon the Lines were wrote, and threw both Pieces into a Rose-bush, where they were hunted for, but to no Purpose. Soon after it happened to rain, and all the Company flew into the House, but Arimazes. Notwithstanding the Shower, he continued in the Garden, and never quitted it, till he had found one Moiety of the Tablet, which was unfortunately broke in such a Manner, [40]that even the half Lines were good sense, and good Metre, tho very short. But what was still more remarkably unfortunate, they appeard at first View, to be a severe satyr upon the King: The Words were these:

To flagrant Crimes

His Crown he owes;

To peaceful Times

The worst of Foes.

This was the first Moment that ever Arimazes was happy. He had it now in his Power to ruin the most virtuous and innocent of Men. Big with his execrable Joy, he flew to his Majesty with this virulent Satyr of Zadigs under his own Hand. Not only Zadig, but his two Friends and the Lady were immediately close confind. His Cause was soon over; for the Judges turnd a deaf Ear to what he had to say. [41]When Sentence of Condemnation was passd upon him, Arimazes, still spiteful, was heard to say, as he went out of Court, with an Air of Contempt, that Zadigs Lines were Treason indeed, but nothing more. Tho Zadig didnt value himself on Account of his Genius for Poetry; yet he was almost distracted to find himself condemnd for the worst of Traitors, and his two Friends and the Lady lockd up in a Dungeon for a Crime, of which he was no ways guilty. He wasnt permitted to speak one Word for himself. His Pocket-Book was sufficient Evidence against him. So strict were the Laws of Babylon! He was carried to the Place of Execution, through a Croud of Spectators, who durstnt condole with him, and who flockd about him, to observe whether his [42]Countenance changd, or whether he died with a good Grace. His Relations were the only real Mourners; for there was no Estate in Reversion for them; three Parts of his Effects were confiscated for the Kings Use, and the fourth was devoted, as a Reward, to the use of the Informer.

Just at the Time that he was preparing himself for Death, the Kings Parrot flew from her Balcony, into Zadigs Garden, and alighted on a Rose-bush. A Peach, that had been blown down, and drove by the Wind from an adjacent Tree, just under the Bush, was glewd, as it were, to the other Moiety of the Tablet. Away flew the Parrot with her Booty, and returnd to the Kings Lap. The Monarch, being somewhat curious, read the Words on the broken Tablet, [43]which had no Meaning in them as he could perceive, but seemd to be the broken Parts of a Tetrastick. He was a great Admirer of Poetry; and the odd Adventure of his Parrot, put him upon Reflection. The Queen who recollected full well the Lines that were wrote on the Fragment of Zadigs Tablet, orderd that Part of it to be producd: Both the broken Pieces being put together, they answered exactly the Indentures; and then the Verses which Zadig had written, in a Flight of Loyalty, ran thus,

Tyrants are prone to flagrant Crimes;

To Clemency his Crown he owes;

To Concord and to peaceful Times,

Love only is the worst of Foes.

Upon this the King orderd Zadig to be instantly brought before him; and his two Friends [44]and the Lady to be that Moment dischargd. Zadig, as he stood before the King and Queen, fixd his Eyes upon the Ground, and beggd their Majestys Pardon for his little worthless, poetical Attempt. He spoke, however, with such a becoming Grace, and with so much Modesty and good Sense, that the King and the Queen, ordered him to be brought before them once again. He was brought accordingly, and he pleasd them still more and more. In short, they gave him all the immense Estate of Arimazes, who had so unjustly accusd him; but Zadig generously returnd the wicked Informer the Whole to a Farthing. The envious Man, however, was no ways affected, but with the Restoration of his Effects. Zadig every Day grew more and more in Favour at [45]Court. He was made a Party in all the Kings Pleasures, and nothing was done in the Privy-Council without him. The Queen, from that very Hour, shewd him so much Respect, and spoke to him in such soft and endearing Terms, that in Process of Time, it provd of fatal Consequence to herself, her Royal Consort, to Zadig, and the whole Kingdom. Zadig now began to think it was not so difficult a Thing to be happy as at first he imagind.

CHAP. V.

The Force of Generosity.

The Time now drew near for the Celebration of a [46]grand Festival, which was kept but once in five Years. Twas a constant Custom in Babylon at the Expiration of the Term above-mentiond, to distinguish that Citizen from all the Rest, in the most solemn Manner, who had done the most generous Action; and the Grandees and Magi always sat as Judges. The Satrap informd them of every praise-worthy Deed that occurrd within his District. All were put to the Vote, and the King himself pronouncd the Definitive Sentence. People of all Ranks and Degrees came from the remotest Part of the Kingdom to be present at this Solemnity. The Victor, whoever he was, receivd from the Kings own Hand a golden Cup, enrichd with precious Stones, and upon the Delivery, the King made use of the following Salutation. [47]Receive this Reward of your Generosity, and may the Gods grant me Thousands of such valuable Subjects!

Upon this memorable Day, the King appeard in all the Pomp imaginable on his Throne of State, surrounded by his Grandees, the Magi, and the Deputies, from all the surrounding Nations, of every Province that attended these public Sports, where Honour was to be acquird, not by the Velocity of the best Race-Horse, or by bodily Strength, but by intrinsic Merit. The principal Satrap proclaimd, with an audible Voice, such Actions as would entitle the Victor to the inestimable Prize; but never mentiond one Word of Zadigs Greatness of Soul, in returning his invidious Neighbour all his Estate, notwithstanding he would have taken away [48]his Life: That was but a Trifle, and not worth speaking of.

The first that was set up for the Prize, was a Judge, that had occasiond a Citizen to lose a very considerable Cause, through some Mistake, for which he was no ways responsible, and made him Restitution out of his private Purse.

The next Candidate was a Youth, that tho violently in Love with one that he intended shortly to make his Spouse, yet resignd her to his Friend, who was just expiring at her Feet; and moreover, gave her a Portion at the same Time.

After this appeard a Soldier, who, in the Hyrcanian War, had done a much more glorious Action than the Lover. A Gang of Hyrcanians having taken his Mistress from him, he fought [49]them bravely, and rescued her out of their Hands: Soon after, he was informd, that another Band of the same Party had hurried away his Mother to a Place not far distant; he left his Mistress, all drownd in Tears, and ran to his Mothers Assistance: After that Skirmish was over, he returned to his Sweet-heart, and found her just expiring. He would fain have plungd a Dagger into his Heart that Moment; but his Mother remonstrated to him, that, should he die, she should be entirely helpless, and upon that Account only he had Courage to live a little longer.

The Judges seemd very much inclind to give their Votes for the Soldier; but the King prevented them, by saying, that the Soldiers Action was praise-worthy enough, and so were those of the [50]rest, but none of them give me any Surprize. What Zadig did Yesterday perfectly struck me with Astonishment. Ill mention another Instance. I had some few Days ago, as a Testimony of my Resentment, banishd my Prime-Minister, and Favourite Coreb from the Court. I complaind of his Conduct in the warmest Terms; and all my Sycophants about me, told me that I was too merciful; and loaded him with the sharpest Invectives. I askd Zadig what his Opinion was of Coreb; and he dard to give him the best of Characters. I must confess, I have read in our publick Records, indeed, of Instances where Restitution have been generally made, for Injuries committed by Mistake; where a Mistress has been resignd; and where a Mother has been preferrd [51]to a Mistress; but I never read of a Courtier, that would speak to the Advantage of a Minister in Disgrace, and against whom the Sovereign was highly incensd. Ill give 20,000 Pieces of Gold to every Candidate that has been this Day proclaimd, but Ill give the Cup to no one but Zadig.

Sire, said Zadig, tis your Majesty alone, that deserves the Cup; tis you alone who have done an Action of Generosity, never heard of before; since you, who are King of Kings, wasnt exasperated against your Slave, when he contradicted you in the Heat of your Passion. Every Body gazd with Eyes of Admiration on the King and Zadig. The Judge, who had generously made Restitution for his Error; the Lover, who had married his Mistress to his Friend; [52]the Soldier, who had preferrd the Welfare of his Mother to that of his Mistress; received the promisd Donation from the Monarch, and saw their Names registerd in the Book of Fame: But Zadig had the Cup. The King got the universal Character of a good Prince, which he did not long preserve. This joyful Day was solemnizd with Festivals beyond the Time by Law establishd. Tragedies were acted there that drew Tears from the Spectators; and Comedies that made them laugh; Entertainments, that the Babylonians were perfect Strangers to: The Commemoration of it is still preservd in Asia. Now, said Zadig, I am happy at last; but he was grosly mistaken.

[53]

CHAP. VI.

The JUDGMENTS.

Young as Zadig was, he was constituted chief Judge of all the Tribunals throughout the Empire. He filld the Place, like one, whom the Gods had endowd with the strictest Justice, and the most solid Wisdom. It was to him, the Nations round about were indebted for that generous Maxim; that tis much more Prudence to acquit two Persons, tho actually guilty, than to pass Sentence of Condemnation in one that is virtuous and innocent. It was his firm Opinion, that the Laws were intended to be a Praise to those who did well, as much as to be a Terror to Evildoers. [54]It was his peculiar Talent to render Truth as obvious as possible: Whereas most Men study to render it intricate and obscure. On the very first Day of his Entrance into his High Office, he exerted this peculiar Talent. A rich Merchant, and a Native of Babylon, died in the Indies. He had made his Will, and appointed his two Sons Joint-Heirs of his Estate, as soon as they had settled their Sister, and married her with their mutual Approbation. Moreover, he left a specific Legacy of 30,000 Pieces of Gold to that Son, who should, after his Decease, be provd to love him best. The Eldest erected to his Memory a very costly Monument: The Youngest appropriated a considerable Part of his Bequest to the Augmentation of his Sisters Fortune: Every one, without [55]Hesitation, gave the Preference to the Elder, allowing the Younger to have the greatest Affection for his Sister. The Legacy therefore was doubtless due to the Eldest.

Their Cause came before Zadig, and he examind them apart. To the former, said Zadig, Your Father, Sir, is not dead, as is reported, but being happily recoverd, is on his Return to Babylon. God be praised, said the young Man! but I hope the Expence I have been at in raising this superb Monument will be considerd. After this, Zadig repeated the same Story to the Younger. God be praised, said he! I will immediately restore all that he has left me; but I hope my Father will not recal the little Present I have made my Sister. You have nothing to restore, Sir; you shall have [56]the Legacy of the thirty thousand Pieces; for tis you that have the greatest Veneration for your deceased Father.

A young Lady that was very rich, had entred into a Marriage-Contract with two Magis; and having receivd Instructions from both Parties for some Months, she provd with Child. They were both ready and willing to marry her. But, said she, he shall be my Husband, that has put me into a Capacity of serving my Country, by adding one to it. Tis I, Madam, that have answered that valuable End, said one; but the other insisted twas his Operation. Well! said she, since this is a Moot-point, Ill acknowledge him for the Father of the Child, that will give him the most liberal Education. In a short Time after, my Lady was brought to Bed of [57]a hopeful Boy. Each of them insisted on being Tutor, and the Cause was brought before Zadig. The two Magi were orderd to appear in Court. Pray Sir, said Zadig to the first, what Method of Instruction do you propose to pursue for the Improvement of your young Pupil? He shall first be grounded, said this learned Pedagogue, in the Eight Parts of Speech; then Ill teach him Logic, Astrology, Magick, the wide Difference between the Terms Substance and Accident, Abstract and Concrete, &c. &c. As for my Part, Sir, I shall take another Course, said the second; Ill do my utmost to make him an honest Man, and acceptable to his Friends. Upon this, Zadig said, you, Sir, shall marry the Mother, let who will be the Father.

[58]There came daily Complaints to Court against the Itimadoulet of Media, whose Name was Irax. He was a Person of Quality, who was possessd of a very considerable Estate, notwithstanding he had squanderd away a great Part of it, by indulging himself in all Manner of expensive Pleasures. It was but seldom that an Inferior was sufferd to speak to him; but not a Soul durst contradict him: No Peacock was more gay; no Turtle more amorous; and no Tortoise more indolent and inactive. He made false Glory and false Pleasures his sole Pursuit.

Zadig, undertaking to cure him, sent him forthwith, as by express Order from the King, a Musick-Master with twelve Voices, and 24 Violins, as his Attendants; a Head Steward, with six Men Cooks, and 4 Chamberlains, [59]who were never to be out of his Sight. The King issued out his Writ for the punctual Observance of his Royal Will; and thus the Affair proceeded.

The first Morning, as soon as the voluptuous Irax had opend his Eyes, his Musick-Master, with the Voices and Violins, entred his Apartment. They sang a Cantata, that lasted two Hours and three Minutes. Every three Minutes the Chorus, or Burthen of the Song, was to this Effect.

Tisnt in Words to speak your Praise;

What mighty Honours are your Due!

To worth like yours we Altars raise,

No Monarchs happier, Sir, than you.

After the Cantata was over, the Chamberlain addressd him in a formal Harangue for three Quarters of an Hour without [60]ceasing; wherein he took Occasion to extol every Virtue to which he was a perfect Stranger; when the Oration was over, he was conducted to Dinner, where the Musicians were all in waiting, and playd, as soon as he was seated at his Table. Dinner lasted three Hours before he condescended to speak a Word. When he did; you say Right, Sir, said the chief Chamberlain; scarce had he utterd four Words more, but Right, Sir, said the second. The other two Chamberlains Time was taken up in laughing with Admiration at Iraxs Smart Repartees, or at least such as he ought to have made. After the Cloth was taken away, the adulating Chorus was repeated.

This first Day Irax was all in Raptures; he imagind, that this Honour done him by the King [61]of Kings, was the sole Result of his exalted Merit. The second wasnt altogether so agreeable; The third provd somewhat troublesome; the fourth insupportable; the fifth was tormenting; and at last, he was perfectly outrageous at the continual Peal in his Ears of No Monarchs happier Sir, than you, You say right, &c. and at being daily harangud at the same Hour. Whereupon he wrote to Court, and beggd of his Majesty to recal his Chamberlain, his Musick-Master, and all his Retinue, his Head Steward and his Cooks, and promisd, in the most submissive Manner, to be less vain, and more industrious for the future. Tho he didnt require so much Adulations, nor such grand Entertainments, he was much more happy; for, as Sadder has it, One continued [62]Scene of Pleasure, is no Pleasure at all.

Zadig every Day gave incontestable Proofs of his wondrous Penetration, and the Goodness of his Heart; he was adord by the People, and was the Darling of the King. The little Difficulties that he met with in the first Stage of his Life, servd only to augment his present Felicity. Every Night, however, he had some unlucky Dream or another, that gave him some Disturbance. One while, he imagind himself extended on a Bed of witherd Plants, amongst which there were some that were sharp pointed, and made him very restless and uneasy; another Time, he fancied himself reposd on a Bed of Roses, out of which rushd a Serpent, that stung him to the Heart with his envenomd Tongue. Alas! [63]said he, waking, I was one while upon a Bed of hard and nauseous Plants, and just this Moment reposd on a Bed of Roses. But then the Serpent.

CHAP. VII.

The Force of JEALOUSY.

The Misfortunes that attended Zadig proceeded, in a great Measure, from his Preferment; but more from his intrinsic Merit. Every Day he had familiar Converse with the King, his Royal Master, and his august Consort, Astarte. And the Pleasure arising from thence was greatly enhancd from an innate Ambition of pleasing, which, in regard to Wit, is the same, as Dress is to Beauty. His Youth, and graceful Deportment, had a [64]greater Influence on Astarte, than she was at first aware of. Tho her Affection for him daily encreasd; yet she was perfectly innocent. Astarte would say, without the least Reserve or Apprehension of Fear, that she was extreamly pleasd with the Company of one, who was, not only a Favourite of her Husband, but the Darling of the whole Empire. She was continually speaking in his Commendation before the King: He was the Subject of her whole Discourse amongst her Ladies of Honour, who were as lavish of their Praises as herself. Such repeated Discourses, however innocent, made a deeper Impression on her Heart, than she at that Time apprehended. She would every now and then send Zadig some little Present or another; which he construed as [65]the Result of a greater Value for him than she intended. She said no more of him, as she thought, than a Queen might innocently do, who was perfectly assurd of his Attachment to her Husband; sometimes, indeed, she would express her self with an Air of Tenderness and Affection.

Astarte was much handsomer than either his Mistress Semira, who had such a natural Antipathy to a one-eyed Lord, or Azora, his late loving Spouse, that would innocently have cut his Nose off. The Freedoms which Astarte took, her tender Expressions, at which she began to blush, the Glances of her Eye, which she would turn away, if perceivd, and which she fixd upon his, kindled in the Heart of Zadig a Fire, which struck him with Amazement. [66]He did all he could to smother it; he calld up all the Philosophy he was Master of to his Aid; but all in vain, for no Consolation arose from those Reflections.

Duty, Gratitude, and an injurd Monarch, presented themselves before his Eyes, as avenging Deities: He bravely struggled; he triumphd indeed; but this Conquest over his Passions, which he was obligd to check every Moment, cost him many a deep Sigh and Tear. He durst not talk with the Queen any more, with that Freedom which was too engaging on both Sides; his Eyes were obnubilated; his Discourse was forcd and unconnected; he turnd his Eyes another Way; and when, against his Inclination, they met with those of the Queen, he found, that tho [67]drownd in Tears, they darted Flames of Fire: They seemd in Silence to intimate, that they were afraid of being in love with each other; and that both burnd with a Fire which both condemnd.

Zadig flew from her Presence, like one beside himself, and in Despair; his Heart was over-chargd with a Burthen, too great for him to bear: In the Heat of his Conflicts, he disclosd the Secrets of his Heart to his trusty Friend Cador, as one, who, having long groand under the Weight of an inexpressible Anguish of Mind, at once makes known the Cause of his Torments by the Groans, as it were, extorted from him, and by the Drops of a cold Sweat, that trickled down his Cheeks.

[68]Cador said to him; tis now some considerable Time since, I have discoverd that secret Passion which you have fosterd in your Bosom, and yet endeavourd to conceal even from your self. The Passions carry along with them such strong Impressions, that they cannot be conceald. Tell me ingenuously Zadig; and be your own Accuser, whether or no, since I have made this Discovery, the King has not shewn some visible Marks of his Resentment. He has no other Foible, but that of being the most jealous Mortal breathing. You take more Pains to check the Violence of your Passion, than the Queen herself does; because you are a Philosopher; because, in short, you are Zadig; Astarte is but a weak Woman; [69]and tho her Eyes speak too visibly, and with too much Imprudence; yet she does not think her self blame-worthy. Being conscious of her Innocence, to her own Misfortune, as well as yours, she is too unguarded. I tremble for her; because I am sensible her Conscience acquits her. Were you both agreed, you might conceal your Regard for each other from all the World: A rising Passion, that is smotherd, breaks out into a Flame; Love, when once gratified, knows how to conceal itself with Art. Zadig shudderd at the Proposition of ungratefully violating the Bed of his Royal Benefactor; and never was there a more loyal Subject to a Prince, tho guilty of an involuntary Crime. The Queen, however, repeated the Name of [70]Zadig so often, and her Cheeks glowd with such a red, when ever she utterd it; she was one while so transported, and at another, so dejected, when the Discourse turnd upon him in the Kings Presence; she was in such a Reverie, so confusd and stupid, when he went out of the Presence, that her Deportment made the King extremely uneasy. He was convincd of every Thing he saw, and formd in his Mind an Idea of a thousand Things he did not see. He observd, particularly, that Astartes Sandals were blue; so Zadigs were blue likewise; that as the Queen wore yellow Ribbands, Zadigs Turbet was of the same Colour: These were shocking Circumstances for a Monarch of his Cast of Mind to reflect on! To a Mind, in [71]short, so distemperd as his was, Suspicions were converted into real Facts.

All Court Slaves, and Sycophants, are so many Spies on Kings and Queens: They soon discoverd that Astarte was fond, and Moabdar jealous. Arimazius, his envious Foe, who was as incorrigible as ever; for Flints will never soften; and Creatures, that are by Nature venemous, forever retain their Poison. Arimazius, I say, wrote an anonymous Letter to Moabdar, the infamous Recourse of sordid Spirits, who are the Objects of universal Contempt; but in this Case, an Affair of the last Importance; because this Letter tallied with the baneful Suggestions that Monarch had conceivd. In short, his Thoughts were now wholly bent upon Revenge. He determind to [72]poison Astarte on a certain Night, and to have Zadig strangled by Break of Day. Orders for that Purpose were expressly given to a merciless, inhuman Eunuch, the ready Executioner of his Vengeance. At that critical Conjuncture, there happend to be a Dwarf, who was dumb, but not deaf, in the Kings Apartment. Nobody regarded him: He was an Eye and Ear-witness of all that passd, and yet no more suspected than any irrational Domestic Animal. This little Dwarf had conceivd a peculiar Regard for Astarte and Zadig: He heard, with equal Horror and Surprize, the Kings Orders to destroy them both. But how to prevent those Orders from being put into Execution, as the Time was so short, was all his Concern. He [73]could not write, tis true, but he had luckily learnt to draw, and take a Likeness. He spent a good Part of the Night in delineating with Crayons, on a Piece of Paper, the imminent Danger that thus attended the Queen. In one Corner, he represented the King highly incensd, and giving his cruel Eunuch the fatal Orders; in another, a Bowl and a Cord upon a Table; in the Center was the Queen, expiring in the Arms of her Maids of Honour, with Zadig strangled, and laid dead at her Feet. In the Horizon was the rising Sun, to denote, that this execrable Scene was to be exhibited by Break of Day. No sooner was his Design finishd, but he ran with it to one of Astartes Female Favourites, then in waiting, calld her up, and gave [74]her to understand, that she must carry the Draught to Astarte that very Moment.

In the mean Time, the Queens Attendants, tho it was Dead of Night, knockd at the Door of Zadigs Apartment, wakd him, and deliverd into his Hands a Billet from the Queen. At first he could not well tell whether he was only in a Dream or not, but soon read the Letter, with a trembling Hand, and a heavy Heart: Words cant express his Surprise, and the Agonies of Despair which he was in upon his perusal of the Contents. Fly, said she, Dear Zadig, this very Moment; for your Lifes in the utmost Danger: Fly, Dear Zadig, I conjure you, in the Name of that fatal Passion, with which I have long struggled, and which I now venture to discover, [75]as I am to make Atonement for it, in a few Moments, by the Loss of my Life. Tho I am conscious to myself of my Innocence, I find I am to feel the Weight of my Husbands Resentment, and die the Death of a Traitor.

Zadig was scarce able to speak. He orderd his Friend Cador to be instantly calld, and gave him the Letter the Moment he came, without opening his Lips. Cador pressd him to regard the Contents, and to make the best of his Way to Memphis. If you presume, said he, to have an Interview with her Majesty first, you inevitably hasten her Execution; or if you wait upon the King, the fatal Consequence will be the same: Ill prevent her unhappy Fate, if possible; you follow but your own: Ill [76]give it out, that you are gone to the Indies: Ill wait on you as soon as the Hurricane is blown over, and Ill let you know all that occurs material in Babylon.

Cador, that Instant, orderd two of the fleetest Dromedaries that could be got, to be in readiness at a private Back-Door belonging to the Court; he helpd Zadig to mount his Beast, tho ready to drop into the Earth. He had but one trusty Servant to attend him, and Cador, overwhelmd with Grief, soon lost Sight of his dearly beloved Friend.

This illustrious Fugitive soon reachd the Summit of a little Hill, that afforded him a fair Prospect of the whole City of Babylon: But turning his Eyes back towards the Queens Palace, he fainted away; and [77]when he had recoverd his Senses, he drownd his Eyes in a Flood of Tears, and with Impatience wishd for Death. To conclude, after he had reflected, with Horror, on the deplorable Fate of the most amiable Creature in the Universe, and of the most meritorious Queen that ever livd; he for a Moment commanded his Passion, and with a Sigh, made the following Exclamations: What is this mortal Life! O Virtue, Virtue, of what Service hast thou been to me! Two young Ladies, a Mistress, and a Wife, have provd false to me; a third, who is perfectly innocent, and ten thousand Times handsomer than either of them, has sufferd Death, tis probable, before this, on my Account! All the Acts of Benevolence which I have shewn, have been the [78]Foundation of my Sorrows, and I have been only raisd to the highest Spoke of Fortunes Wheel, for no other Purpose than to be tumbled down with the greater Force. Had I been as abandond as some Miscreants are, I had like them been happy. His Head thus overwhelmd with these melancholy Reflections, his Eyes thus sunk in his Head, and his meagre Cheeks all pale and languid; and, in a Word, his very Soul thus plungd in the Abyss of deep Despair, he pursud his Journey towards Egypt.

[79]

CHAP. VIII.

The Thrashd WIFE.

Zadig steerd his Course by the Stars that shone over his Head. The Constellation of Orion, and the radiant Dog-star directed him towards the Pole of Canope. He reflected with Admiration on those immense Globes of Light, which appeard to the naked Eye no more than little twinkling Lights; whereas the Earth he was then traversing, which, in Reality, is no more than an imperceptible Point in Nature, seemd, according to the selfish Idea we generally entertain of it, something very immense, and very magnificent. He then reflected on the whole Race of Mankind, and lookd upon [80]them, as they are in Fact, a Parcel of Insects, or Reptiles, devouring one another on a small Atom of Clay. This just Idea of them greatly alleviated his Misfortunes, recollecting the Nothingness, if we may be allowd the Expression, of his own Being, and even of Babylon itself. His capacious Soul now soard into Infinity, and he contemplated, with the same Freedom, as if she was disencumberd from her earthly Partner, on the immutable Order of the Universe. But as soon as she cowerd her Wings, and resumed her native Seat, he began to consider that Astarte might possibly have lost her Life for his Sake; upon which, his Thoughts of the Universe vanishd all at once, and no other Objects appeard before his distemperd Eyes, but his Astarte giving up the Ghost, [81]and himself overwhelmd with a Sea of Troubles: As he gave himself up to this Flux and Reflux of sublime Philosophy and Anxiety of Mind, he was insensibly arrivd on the Frontiers of Egypt: And his trusty Attendant had, unknown to him, stept into the first Village, and sought out for a proper Apartment for his Master and himself. Zadig in the mean Time made the best of his Way to the adjacent Gardens; where he saw, not far distant from the High-way, a young Lady, all drownd in Tears, calling upon Heaven and Earth for Succour in her Distress, and a Man, fird with Rage and Resentment, in pursuit after her. He had now just overtaken her, and she fell prostrate at his Feet imploring his Forgiveness. He loaded her with a thousand Reproaches; nor did he spare to [82]chastise her in the most outrageous Manner. By the Egyptians cruel Deportment towards her, he concluded that the Man was a jealous Husband, and that the Lady was an Inconstant, and had defild his Bed: But when he reflected, that the Woman was a perfect Beauty, and to his thinking something like the unfortunate Astarte, he perceivd his Heart yearn with Compassion towards the Lady, and swell with Indignation against her Tyrant. For Heavens sake, Sir, assist me, said she, to Zadig, sobbing as if her Heart would break, Oh! deliver me out of the Hands of this Barbarian: Save, Sir, O save my Life. Upon these her shocking Outcries, Zadig threw himself between the injurd Lady and the inexorable Brute. And as he had some smattering of the Egyptian [83]Tongue, he expostulated with him in his own Dialect, and said: Dear Sir, if you are endowd with the least Spark of Humanity, let me conjure you to have some Pity and Remorse for so beautiful a Creature; have some Regard, Sir, to the Weakness of her Sex. How can you treat a Lady, who is one of Natures Master-pieces, in such a rude and outrageous Manner, one who lies weeping at your Feet for Forgiveness, and one who has no other Recourse than her Tears for her Defence? Oh! Oh! said the jealous-pated Fellow in a Fury to Zadig, What! You are one of her Gallants, I suppose. Ill be revengd of thee, thou Villain, this Moment. No sooner were the Words out of his Mouth, but he quits hold of the Lady, in whose Hair he had twisted his [84]Fingers before, takes up his Lance in a Fury, and endeavours to the utmost of his Powr to plunge it in the Strangers Heart: Zadig, however, being cool, warded the intended Blow with Ease. He laid fast hold of his Lance towards the Point. One strove to recover it, and the other to snatch it away by Force. They broke it between them. Whereupon the Egyptian drew his Sword. Zadig drew his: They fought: The former made a hundred rash Passes one after another, which the latter parried with the utmost Dexterity. The Lady sat herself upon a Grass-plat, adjusting her Head-dress, and looking on the Combatants. The Egyptian was too strong for Zadig, but Zadig was more nimble and active. The latter fought as a Man whose Hand was guided by [85]his Head; the former as a Mad-man who dealt about his Blows at random. Zadig took the Advantage, made a Plunge at him, and disarmd him. And forasmuch as he found that the Egyptian was hotter than ever, and endeavourd all he could to throw him down by Dint of Strength, Zadig laid fast hold of him, flew upon him, and trippd up his Heels: After that, holding the Point of his Sword to his Breast, like a Man of Honour, gave him his Life. The Egyptian, fird with Rage, and having no Command of his Passion, drew his Dagger, and wounded Zadig like a Coward, whilst the Victor generously forgave him. Upon that unexpected Action, Zadig, being incensd to the last Degree, plungd his Sword deep into his Bosom. The Egyptian fetchd a hideous Groan, and [86]died upon the Spot. Zadig then approachd the Lady, and with a kind of Concern, in the softest Terms told her, that he was obligd to kill her Insulter, tho against his Inclinations. I have avengd your Cause, and deliverd you out of the merciless Hands of the most outrageous Man I ever saw. Now, Madam, let me know your farther Will and Pleasure with me. You shall die, you Villain! You have murderd my Love. Oh! I could tear your Heart out. Indeed, Madam, said Zadig, you had one of the most hot-headed, oddest Lovers I ever saw. He beat you most unmercifully, and would have taken away my Life because you calld me in to your Assistance. Would to God he was but alive to beat me again, said she, blubbering and roaring; I deservd to be beat. I gave him too just Occasion [87]to be jealous of me. Would to God that he had beat me, and you had died in his Stead! Zadig more astonishd, and more exasperated than ever he was in all his Life, said to her: Really, Madam, you put on such extravagant Airs, that you tempt me, pretty as you are, to thresh you most cordially in my Turn; but I scorn to concern my self any more about you. Upon this, he remounted his Dromedary, and made the best of his Way towards the Village: But before he had got near a hundred Yards, he returnd upon an Out-cry that was made by four Couriers from Babylon. They rode full Speed. One of them, spying the young Widow, cried out. There she is, Thats she. She answers in every Respect to the Description we had of her. [88]They never took the least Notice of her dead Gallant, but securd her directly. Oh! Sir, cried she to Zadig, again and again, dear Sir, most generous Stranger, once more deliver me from a Pack of Villains. I most humbly beg your Pardon for my late Conduct and unjust Complaint of you. Do but stand my Friend, at this critical Conjuncture, and Ill be your most obedient Vassal till Death. Zadig had now no Inclination to fight for one so undeserving any more. Find some other to be your Fool now, Madam; you shant impose upon me a second Time. Ill assure you, Madam, I know better Things. Besides he was wounded; and bled so fast that he wanted Assistance himself: And tis very probable, that the Sight of the Babylonian Couriers, who were dispatchd from King [89]Moabdar, might discompose him very much. He made all the Haste he could towards the Village, not being able to conceive what should be the real Cause of the young Ladys being securd by those Babylonish Officers, and as much at a Loss, at the same Time, what to think of such a Termagant and a Coquet.

CHAP. IX.

The CAPTIVE.

No sooner was Zadig arrivd at the Egyptian Village before-mentiond, but he found himself surrounded by a Croud. The People one and all cried out! See! See! theres the Man that ran away with the beauteous Lady Missouf, and murderd Cletofis. Gentlemen, [90]said he, God forbid that I should ever entertain a Thought of running away with the Lady you speak of: She is too much of a Coquet: And as to Cletofis, I did not murder him, but killd him in my own Defence. He endeavourd all he could to take my Life away, because I entreated him to take some Pity and Compassion on the beauteous Missouf, whom he beat most unmercifully. I am a Stranger, who am fled hither for Shelter, and tis highly improbable, that upon my first Entrance into a Country, where I came for Safety and Protection, I should be guilty of two such enormous Crimes, as that of running away with another Mans Partner, and that of clandestinely murdering him on her Account.

The Egyptians at that Time were just and humane. The [91]Populace, tis true, hurried Zadig to the Town-Goal; but they took care in the first Place to stop the Bleeding of his Wounds, and afterwards examind the supposd Delinquents apart, in order to discover, if possible, the real Truth. They acquitted Zadig of the Charge of wilful and premeditated Murder; but as he had taken a Subjects Life away, tho in his own Defence, he was sentencd to be a Slave, as the Law directed. His two Beasts were sold in open Market, for the Service of the Hamlet; What Money he had was distributed amongst the Inhabitants; and he and his Attendant were exposd in the Market-place to public Sale. An Arabian Merchant, Setoc by Name, purchad them both; but as the Valet, or Attendant, was a robust Man, and better cut out [92]for hard Labour than the Master, he fetchd the most Money. There was no Comparison to be made between them. Zadig therefore was a Slave subordinate to his Valet; they securd them both, however, by a Chain upon their Legs; and so linkd they accompanied their Master home. Zadig, as they were on the Road, comforted his Fellow-Slave, and exhorted him to bear his Misfortunes with Patience: But, according to Custom, he made several Reflections on the Vicissitudes of human Life. I am now sensible, said he, that my impropitious Fortune has some malignant Influence over thine; every Occurrence of my Life hitherto has provd strangely odd and unaccountable. In the first Place, I was sentencd to die at Babylon, for writing a short Panegyrick [93]on the King, my Master. In the next, I narrowly escapd being strangled, for the Queen his Royal Consorts speaking a little too much in my Favour; and here I am a joint-Slave with thy self; because a turbulent Fellow of a Gallant would beat his Lady. However, Comrade, let us march on boldly; let not our Courage be cast down; all this may possibly have a happier Issue than we expect. Tis absolutely necessary that these Arabian Merchants should have Slaves, and why should not you and I, as we are but Men, be Slaves as Thousands of others are? This Master of ours may not prove inexorable. He must treat his Slaves with some Thought and Consideration, if he expects them to do his Work. This was his Discourse to his Comrade; but his Mind was [94]more attentive to the Misfortunes of the Queen of Babylon.

Two Days afterwards Setoc set out with his two Slaves and his Camels, for Arabia Deserta. His Tribe livd near the Desert of Horeb. The Way was long and tedious. Setoc, during the Journey, paid a much greater Regard to Zadigs Valet, than to himself; because the former was the most able to load the Camels; and therefore what little Distinctions were made, they were in his Favour. It so happend that one of the Camels died upon the Road: The Load which the Beast carried was immediately divided, and thrown upon the Shoulders of the two Slaves; Zadig had his Share. Setoc, couldnt forbear laughing to see his two Slaves crouching under their Burthen. Zadig took the Liberty to explain the Reason [95]thereof; and convincd him of the Laws of the Equilibrium. The Merchant was a little startled at his philosophical Discourse, and lookd upon him with a more favourable Eye than at first. Zadig, perceiving he had raisd his Curiosity, redoubled it, by instructing him in several material Points, which were in some Measure, advantageous to him in his Way of Business: Such as, the specific Weight of Metals, and other Commodities of various Kinds, of an equal Bulk; the Properties of several useful Animals, and the best Ways and Means to make Such as were wild, tame by Degrees, and fit for Service: In short, Zadig was lookd upon by his Master, as a perfect Oracle. Setoc now thought the Master the much better Man of the two. He usd him courteously, [96]and had no Room to repent of his Indulgence towards him.

Being got to their Journeys End, the first Step that Setoc took was to claim a Debt of five hundred Ounces of Silver of a Jew, who had borrowd it in the Presence of two Witnesses; but both of them were dead; and as the Jew was conscious he couldnt be cast for Want of Evidence, appropriated the Merchants Money to his own Use, and thankd God that it lay in his Power for once to bite an Arabian with Impunity. Setoc discoverd to Zadig the unhappy Situation of his Case, as he was now become his Confident. Where was it, pray, said Zadig, that you lent this large Sum to that ungrateful Infidel? Upon a large Stone, said the Merchant, at the Foot of Mount [97]Horeb. What sort of a Man is your Debtor, said Zadig? Oh! he is as errand a Rogue as ever breathd, replyd Setoc. That I take for granted; but, says Zadig, is he a lively, active Man, or is he a dull heavy-headed Fellow? He is one of the worst of Pay-masters in the World, but the merriest, most sprightly Fellow I ever met with. Very well! said Zadig, let me be one of your Council when your Cause comes to be heard. In short, he summond the Jew to attend the Court; where, when the Judge was sat, Zadig opend the Cause: Thou impartial Judge of this Court of Equity, I am come here, in behalf of my Master, to demand of the Defendant five hundred Ounces of Silver, which he refuses to pay, and would fain traverse the Debt. Have you, Friend, your Witnesses [98]ready to prove the Loan, said the Judge? No, they are dead; but there is a large Stone still subsisting, on which the Money was deposited; and if your Excellence, will be pleasd to order the Stone to be brought in Court, I dont doubt but the Evidence it will give, will be Proof sufficient of the Fact. I hope your Excellence will order, that the Jew and myself shall be obligd to attend the Court, till the Stone comes, and Ill dispatch a special Messenger to fetch it, at my Masters Expence. Your Request is very reasonable, said the Judge. Do as you propose; and so calld another Cause.

When the Court was ready to break up, Well! said the Judge to Zadig, is your Stone come yet? The Jew, with a Sneer, replied, your Excellence may wait here till this Time To-morrow, [99]before the Stone will appear in Court; for tis above six Mile off, and it will require fifteen Men to remove it from its Place. Tis well! replied Zadig. I told your Excellence that the Stone would be a very material Evidence. Since the Defendant can point out the Place where the Stone lies, he tacitly confesses, that it was upon that Stone the Money was deposited. The Jew thus unexpectedly confuted, was soon obligd to acknowledge the Debt. The Judge orderd that the Jew should be tied fast to the Stone, without Victuals or Drink, till he should advance the five hundred Ounces of Silver, which were soon paid accordingly, and the Jew releasd. The Slave Zadig, and this remarkable Stone-Witness, were in great Repute all over Arabia.

[100]

CHAP. X.

The FUNERAL PILE.

Setoc, transported with his good Success, of a Slave made Zadig his Favourite Companion and Confident; he found him as necessary in the Conduct of his Affairs, as the King of Babylon had before done in the Administration of his Government; and lucky it was for Zadig that Setoc had no Wife.

He discoverd, that his Master was in his Temper benevolent, strictly honest, and a Man of good natural Parts. Zadig was very much concernd, that One of so much Sense should pay divine Adoration to a whole Host of created, tho Celestial Beings, that is to say, the Sun, [101]Moon, and Stars, according to the antient Custom of the Arabians. He talkd, at first, to his Master, with great Precaution on so important a Topick. But at last told him, in direct Terms, that they were created Bodies, as others, tho of less Lustre, and that there was no more Adoration due to them, than to a Stock or a Stone. But, said Setoc, they are eternal Beings to whom we are indebted for all the Blessings we enjoy; they animate Nature; they regulate the Seasons; they are, in a Word, at such an infinite Distance from us, that it would be downright impious not to adore them. You are more indebted, said Zadig, to the Waters of the Red Sea, which transport so many valuable Commodities into the Indies. Why, pray, may not [102]they be deemd as antient as the Stars? And if you are so fond of paying your Adoration on Account of their vast Distance; why dont you adore the Land of the Gangarides, which lies in the utmost Extremities of the Earth. No, said Setoc, there is something so surprisingly more brilliant in the Stars than what you speak of; that a Man must adore them whether he will or not.

At the Close of the Evening, Zadig planted a long Range of Candles in the Front of his Tent, where Setoc and he were to sup that Night: And as soon as he perceivd his Patron to be at the Door, he fell prostrate on his Knees before the Wax-Lights. O ye everlasting, ever-shining Luminaries, be always propitious to your Votary, said Zadig. Having repeated these [103]Words so loud as Setoc might hear them, he sat down to Table, without taking the least Notice of Setoc. What! said Setoc, somewhat startled at his Conduct, art thou at thy Prayers before Supper? I act just as inconsistently, Sir, as you do; I worship these Candles; without reflecting on their Makers, or yourself, who are my most beneficent Patron.

Setoc took the Hint, and was conscious of the Reproof that was conceald so genteely under a Vail. The superior Wisdom of his Slave enlightned his Mind; and from that Hour he was less lavish than ever he had been, of his Incense to those created Beings, and for the future, paid his Adoration to the eternal God who made them.

At that Time there was a most hideous Custom in high [104]Repute all over Arabia, which came originally from Scythia; but having met with the Sanction of the bigotted Brachmans, threatnd to spread its Infection all over the East. When a married Man happend to die, if his dearly beloved Widow ever expected to be esteemd a Saint, she must throw herself headlong upon her Husbands Funeral-Pile. This was lookd upon as a solemn Festival, and was calld the Widows Sacrifice. That Tribe which could boast of the greatest Number of burnt-Widows, was lookd upon as the most meritorious. An Arabian, who was of the Tribe of Setoc, happend just at that Juncture, to be dead, and his Widow (Almona by Name) who was a noted Devotee, publishd the Day, nay, the Hour, that she proposd to throw herself [105](according to Custom) on her deceased Husbands Funeral Pile, and be attended by a Concert of Drums and Trumpets. Zadig remonstrated to Setoc, what a shocking Custom this was, and how directly repugnant to human Nature; by permitting young Widows, almost every Day, to become wilful Self-Murderers; when they might be of Service to their Country, either by the Addition of new Subjects, or by the Education of such as demanded their Maternal Indulgence. And, by arguing seriously with Setoc for some Time, he forcd from him at last, an ingenuous Confession, that the barbarous Custom then subsisting, ought, if possible, to be abolishd. Tis now, replied Setoc, above a thousand Years since the Widows [106]of Arabia have been indulgd with this Privilege of dying with their Husbands; and how shall any one dare to abrogate a Law that has been establishd Time out of Mind? Is there any Thing more inviolable than even an antient Error? But, replied Zadig, Reason is of more antient Date than the Custom you plead for. Do you communicate these Sentiments to the Sovereigns of your Tribes, and in the mean while Ill go, and sound the Widows Inclinations.

Accordingly he paid her a Visit, and having insinuated himself into her Favour, by a few Compliments on her Beauty, after urging what a pity it was, that a young Widow, Mistress of so many Charms, should make away with herself [107]for no other reason but to mingle her Ashes with a Husband that was dead; he, notwithstanding, applauded her for her heroic Constancy and Courage. I perceive, Madam, said he, you was excessively fond of your deceased Spouse. Not I truly, replyd the young Arabian Devotee. He was a Brute, infected with a groundless Jealousy of my Virtue; and, in short, a perfect Tyrant. But, notwithstanding all this, I am determind to comply with our Custom. Surely then, Madam, theres a Sort of secret Pleasure in being burnt alive. Alas! with a Sigh, cried Almona, tis a Shock indeed to Nature; but must be complied with for all that. I am a professd Devotee, and should I shew the least Reluctance, my Reputation would [108]be lost for ever; all the World would laugh at me, should I not burn myself on this Occasion: Zadig having forcd her ingenuously to confess, that she parted with her Life more out of Regard to what the World would say of her, and out of Pride and Ostentation, than any real Love for the deceasd, he talkd to her for some considerable Time so rationally, and usd so many prevailing Arguments with her to justify her due Regard for the Life which she was going to throw away, that she began to wave the Thought, and entertain a secret Affection for her friendly Monitor. Pray, Madam, tell me, said Zadig, how would you dispose of yourself, upon the Supposition, that you could shake off this vain and barbarous [109]Notion? Why, said Dame, with an amorous Glance, I think verily I should accept of yourself for a second Bed-fellow.

The Memory of Astarte had made too strong an Impression on his Mind, to close with this warm Declaration: He took his leave, however, that Moment, and waited on the Chiefs. He communicated to them the Substance of their private Conversation, and prevailed with them to make it a Law for the future, that no Widow should be allowd to fall a Victim to a deceased Husband, till after she had admitted some young Man to converse with her in private for a whole Hour together. The Law was passd accordingly, and not one Widow in all Arabia, [110]from that Day to this, ever observd the Custom. Twas to Zadig alone that the Arabian Dames were indebted for the Abolition, in one Hour, of a Custom so very inhuman, that had been practisd for such a Number of Ages. Zadig, therefore, with the strictest Justice, was lookd upon by all the Fair Sex in Arabia, as their most bountiful Benefactor.

[111]

CHAP. XI.

The Evenings Entertainment.

Setoc, who would never stir out without his Bosom-Friend (in whom alone, as he thought, all Wisdom centerd) resolvd to take him with him to Balzora Fair, whither the richest Merchants round the whole habitable Globe, usd annually to resort. Zadig was delighted to see such a Concourse of substantial Tradesmen from all Countries, assembled together in one Place. It appeard to him, as if the whole Universe was but one large Family, and all happily met together at Balzora. On the second Day of the Fair, he sat down to Table with an Egyptian, an Indian, that livd [112]on the Banks of the River Ganges, an Inhabitant of Cathay, a Grecian, a Celt, and several other Foreigners, who by their frequent Voyages towards the Arabian Gulf, were so far conversant with the Arabic Language, as to be able to discourse freely, and be mutually understood. The Egyptian began to fly into a Passion; what a scandalous Place is this Balzora, said he, where they refuse to lend me a thousand Ounces of Gold, upon the best Security that can possibly be offerd. Pray, said Setoc, what may the Commodity be that you would deposit as a Pledge for the Sum you mention. Why, the Corpse of my deceased Aunt, said he, who was one of the finest Women in all Egypt. She was my constant Companion; but unhappily died upon the Road. [113]I have taken so much Care, that no Mummy whatever can equal it: And was I in my own Country, I could be furnishd with what Sum soever I pleasd, were I disposd to mortgage it. Tis a strange Thing that Nobody here will advance so small a Sum upon so valuable a Commodity. No sooner had he expressd his Resentment, but he was going to cut up a fine boild Pullet, in order to make a Meal ont, when an Indian laid hold of his Hand, and with deep Concern, cried out, For Gods Sake what are you about? Why, said the Egyptian, I design to make a Wing of this Fowl one Part of my Supper. Pray, good Sir, consider what you are doing, said the Indian. Tis very possible, that the Soul of the deceasd Lady may have taken its Residence in that Fowl. And you wouldnt surely [114]run the Risque of eating up your Aunt? To boil a Fowl is, doubtless, a most shameful Outrage done to Nature. Pshaw! What a Pother you make about the boiling of a Fowl, and flying in the Face of Nature, replied the Egyptian in a Pet; tho we Egyptians pay divine Adoration to the Ox; yet we can make a hearty Meal of a Piece of roast Beef for all that. Is it possible, Sir, that your Country-men should act so absurdly, as to pay an Ox the Tribute of divine Worship, said the Indian? Absurd as you think it, said the other, the Ox has been the principal Object of Adoration all over Egypt, for these hundred and thirty five thousand Years, and the most abandond Egyptian has never been as yet so impious as to gain-say it. Ay, Sir, an hundred [115]thirty five thousand Years, say you, surely you must be out a little in your Calculation. Tis but about fourscore thousand Years, since India was first inhabited. Sure I am, we are a more antient People than you are, and our Brama prohibited the eating of Beef long before your Nation ever erected an Altar in Honour of the Ox, or ever put one upon a Spit. What a Racket you make about your Brama! Is he able to stand the least in Competition with our Apis, said the Egyptian? Let us hear, pray, what mighty Feats have been done by your boasted Brama? Why, replied the Bramin, he first taught his Votaries to write and read; and tis to him alone, all the World is indebted for the Invention of the noble Game of Chess. You are quite out, [116]Sir, in your Notion, said a Chaldean, who sat within Hearing: All these invaluable Blessings were derivd from the Fish Oannes; and tis that alone to which the Tribute of divine Adoration is justly due. All the World will tell you, that twas a divine Being whose Tail was pure Gold, whose Head resembled that of a Man, tho indeed the Features were much more beautiful; and that he condescended to visit the Earth three Hours every Day, for the Instruction of Mankind. He had a numerous Issue, as is very well known, and all of them were powerful Monarchs. I have a Picture of it at Home, to which, as in Duty I ought, I Say my Prayers at Night before I go to Bed, and every Morning that I rise. There is no Harm, Sir, as I can conceive, [117]in partaking of a Piece of roast Beef; but, doubtless, tis a mortal Sin, a Crime of the blackest Dye, to touch a Piece of Fish. Besides, you cannot justly boast of so illustrious an Origin, and you are both of you mere Moderns, in Comparison to us Chaldeans, You Egyptians lay claim to no more than 135,000 Years, and you Indians, but of 80,000. Whereas we have Almanacks that are dated 4000 Centuries backwards. Take my Word for it; I speak nothing but Truth; renounce your Errors, and Ill make each of you a Present of a fine Portrait of our Oannes.

A Native of Cambalu, entring into the Debate, said, I have a very great Veneration, not only for the Egyptians, Chaldeans, Greeks, and Celtae; but for [118]Brama, Apis, and the Oannes, but in my humble Opinion, the *Li, * The Chinese Term, Li, signifies, properly speaking, natural Light, or Reason; and Tien, the Heavens, or the supreme Being. or as tis by some calld, the *Tien, is an Object more deserving of divine Adoration than any Ox, or Fish, how much soever you may boast of their respective Perfections. All I shall say, in regard to my native Country, tis of much greater Extent, than all Egypt, Chaldea, and the Indies put together. I shall lay no Stress on the Antiquity of my Country; for I imagine tis of much greater Importance to be the happiest People, than the most antient under the Sun. However, since you were talking of the Almanacks, I must beg the Liberty [119]to tell you, that ours are lookd upon to be the best all over Asia; and that we had several very correct ones before the Art of Arithmetick was ever heard of in Chaldea.

You are all of you a Parcel of illiterate, ignorant Bigots, cryd a Grecian: Tis plain, you know nothing of the Chaos, and that the World, as it now stands, is owing wholly to Matter and Form. The Greek ran on for a considerable Time; but was at last interrupted by a Celt, who having drank deep, during the whole Time of this Debate, thought himself ten Times wiser than any of his Antagonists; and wrapping out a great Oath, insisted, that all their Gods were nothing, if set in Competition with the Teutath or the Misletoe on the Oak. As for my part, said he, I carry some of [120]it always in my Pocket: As to my Ancestors, they were Scythians, and the only Men worth talking of in the whole World: Tis true, indeed, they would now and then make a Meal of their Country-men, but that ought not to be urgd as any Objection to his Country; and, in short, if any one of you, or all of you, shall dare to say any thing disrespectful of Teutath, Ill defend its Cause to the last Drop of my Blood. The Quarrel grew warmer and warmer, and Setoc expected that the Table would be overset, and that Blood-shed would ensue. Zadig, who hadnt once opend his Lips during the whole Controversy, at last rose up, and addressd himself to the Celt, in the first Place, as being the most noisy and outrageous. Sir, said he, Your Notions in this Affair [121]are very just: Good Sir, oblige me with a Bit of your Misletoe. Then turning about, he expatiated on the Eloquence of the Grecian, and in a Word, softend in the most artful Manner all the contending Parties. He said but little indeed to the Cathayian; because he was more cool, and sedate than any of the others. To conclude, he addressd them all in general Terms, to this or the like Effect: My dear Friends, You have been contesting all this while about an important Topick, in which tis evident, you are all unanimously agreed. Agreed, quotha! they all cried, in an angry Tone, How so, pray? Why said he to the hot, testy Celt, is it not true, that you do not in effect adore this Misletoe, but that Being who created that Misletoe and the Oak, to which it is so closely [122]united? Doubtless, Sir, replyd the Celt. And you, Sir, said he, to the Egyptian, You revere, thro your venerable Apis, the great Author of every Oxs Being. We do so, said the Egyptian. The mighty Oannes, tho the Sovereign of the Sea, continued he, must give Precedence to that Power, who made both the Sea, and every Fish that dwells therein. We allow it, said the Chaldean. The Indian, adds he, and the Cathayan, acknowledge one supreme Being, or first Cause, as well as you. As to what that profound worthy Gentleman the Grecian has advancd, is, I must own, a little above my weak Comprehension, but I am fully persuaded, that he will allow there is a supreme Being on whom his favourite Matter and Form are entirely dependent. The Grecian, [123]who was lookd upon as a Sage amongst them, said, with Abundance of Gravity, that Zadig, had made a very just Construction of his Meaning. Now, Gentlemen, I appeal to you all, said Zadig, whether you are not unanimous to a Man, in the Debate upon the Carpet, and whether there are any just Grounds for the least Divisions or Animosities amongst you. The whole Company, cool at once, caressd him; and Setoc, after he had sold off all his Goods and Merchandize at a round Price, took his Friend Zadig Home with him to the Land of Horeb. Zadig, upon his first Arrival was informd, that a Prosecution had been carried on against him during his Absence, and that the Sentence pronouncd against him was, that he should [124]be burnt alive before a slow Fire.

CHAP. XII.

The RENDEZVOUS.

Whilst Zadig attended his Friend Setoc to Balzora, the Priests of the Stars were determind to punish him. As all the costly Jewels, and other valuable Decorations, in which every young Widow that sacrificed her self on her Husbands Funeral-pile, were their customary Fees, tis no great Wonder, indeed, that they were inclind to burn poor Zadig, for playing them such a scurvy Trick. Zadig therefore, was accusd of holding heretical and damnable Tenets, in regard to [125]the Celestial Host: They deposd, and swore point-blank, that he had been heard to aver, that the Stars never sat in the Sea. This horrid blasphemous Declaration thunder-struck all the Judges, and they were ready to rend their Mantles at the Sound of such an impious Assertion; and they would have made Zadig, had he been a Man of Substance, paid very severely for his heretical Notions. But in the Height of their Pity and Compassion for even such an Infidel, they would lay no Fine upon him; but content themselves with seeing him roasted alive before a slow Fire. Setoc, tho without Hopes of Success, usd all the Interest he had to save his bosom Friend from so shocking a Death; but they turnd a deaf Ear to all his Remonstrances, and obligd him to hold his Tongue. The young [126]Widow Almona, who by this Time was not only reconcild to living a little longer, but had some Taste for the Pleasures of Life, and knew that she was entirely indebted to Zadig for it, resolvd, if possible, to free her Benefactor from being burnt, as he had before convincd her of the Folly of it in her Case. She ponderd upon this weighty Affair very seriously; but said nothing to any one whomsoever. Zadig was to be executed the next Day; and she had only a few Hours left to carry her Project into Execution. Now the Reader shall hear with how much Benevolence and Discretion this amiable Widow behavd on this emergent Occasion.

In the first Place, she made use of the most costly Perfumes; and drest herself to the utmost Advantage to render her Charms [127]as conspicuous as possible; And thus gaily attird, demanded a private Audience of the High Priest of the Stars. Upon her first Admittance into his august and venerable Presence, she addressd herself in the following Terms. O thou first-born and well-beloved Son of the Great Bear, Brother of the Bull, and first Cousin to the Dog, (these you must know were the Pontiffs high Titles) I come to confess myself before you: My Conscience is my Accuser, and I am terribly afraid I have been guilty of a mortal Sin, by declining the stated Custom of burning my self on my Husbands Funeral-pile? What could tempt me, in short, to a Prolongation of my Life, I cant imagine, I, who am grown a perfect Skeleton, all wrinkled and deformd. She pausd, and [128]pulling off, with a negligent but artful Air, her long silk Gloves; She displayd a soft, plump, naked Arm, and white as Snow: You see, Sir, said she, that all my Charms are blasted. Blasted, Madam, said the luscious Pontiff; No! Your Charms are still resistless: His Eyes, and his Mouth, with which he kissd her Hand, confirmd their Power: Such an Arm, Madam, by the Great Orasmades, I never saw before. Alas! said the Widow, with a modest Blush; my Arm Sir, tis probable, may have the Advantage of any hidden Part; but see, good Father, what a Neck is here; as yellow as Saffron, an Object not worth regarding. Then she displayd such a snowy, panting Bosom, that Nature could not mend it. A Rose-Bud on an Ivory Apple, would, if set in Competition [129]with her spotless Whiteness, make no better Appearance than common Madder upon a Shrub; and the whitest Wool, just out of the Laver, were she but by, would seem but of a light-brown Hue.

Her Neck, her large black, sparkling Eyes, that languishingly rolld, and seemd as twere, on Fire; her lovely Cheeks, glowing with White and Red, her Nose, that was not unlike the Tower of Mount Lebanon, her Lips, which were like two Borders of Coral, inclosing two Rows of the best Pearls in the Arabian Sea; such a Combination, I say, of Charms, made the old Pontiff judge she was scarce twenty Years of Age; and in a kind of Flutter, to make her a Declaration of his tender Regard for her. Almona, perceiving him enamourd, beggd [130]his Interest in Favour of Zadig. Alas! my dear Charmer, my Interest alone, when you request the Favour, would be but a poor Compliment; Ill take care his Acquittance shall be signed by three more of my Brother Priests. Do you sign first, however, said Almona. With all my Soul, said the amorous Pontiff, provided youll be kind, my dearest. You do me too much Honour, said Almona; but should you give your self the Trouble to pay me a Visit after Sunset, and as soon as the Star Sheat twinkles on the Horizon, you shall find me, most venerable Father, reposd upon a rosy-colourd silver Sopha, where you shall use your Pleasure with your humble Servant. With that she made him a low Courtesy; took up Zadigs general Release as soon as duely signd, and [131]left the old Doatard all over Love, tho somewhat diffident of his own Abilities. The Residue of the Day he spent in his Bagnio; he drank large enlivening Draughts of a Water distilld from the Cinnamon of Ceilan, and the costly Spices of Tidor and Ternate, and waited with the utmost Impatience for the up-rising of the brilliant Sheat.

In the mean time Almona went to the second Pontiff. He assurd her that the Sun, Moon, and all the starry Host of Heavn, were but languid Fires to her bright Eyes. He put the Question to her, in short, at once, and agreed to sign upon her Compliance. She sufferd herself to be over-persuaded, and made an Assignation to meet him at a certain Place, as soon as the Star Algenib should make its Appearance. [132]From him she repaird to the third and fourth Pontiff, taking care, wherever she went, to see Zadigs Acquittance duely signd, and made fresh Appointments at the Rising of Star after Star.

When she had carried her Point thus far, she sent a proper Message to the Judges of the Court, who had condemnd Zadig, requesting that they would come to her House, that she might advise with them upon an Affair of the last Importance. They waited on her accordingly; she producd Zadigs Discharge duly signd by four several Hands, and told them the Definitive Treaty between all the contracting Parties. Each of the pontifical Gallants observd their Summons to a Moment. Each was startled at the Sight of his Rival; but perfectly thunderstruck [133]to see the Judges, before whom the Widow had laid open her Case. Zadig procurd an absolute Pardon, and Setoc was so charmd with the artful Address of Almona, that he married her the next Day. Zadig went afterwards to throw himself at the Feet of his fair Benefactress. Setoc and he took their Leave of each other with Tears in their Eyes, and vowing that an eternal mutual Friendship should be preservd between them; and, in short, should Fortune at any Time afterwards prove more propitious than could well be expected to either Party; the other should partake of an equal Share of his Success.

Zadig steerd his Course towards Syria; forever pondering on the hard Fate of the justly-admird Astarte, and reflecting on his own Stars that so obstinately [134]darted down their malignant Rays, and continud daily to torment him. What, said he! to pay four hundred Ounces of Gold for only seeing a Bitch pass by me; to be condemnd to be beheaded for four witless Verses in Praise of the King; to be strangled to Death, because a Queen was pleasd to look upon me; to be made a Prisoner, and sold as a Slave for saving a young Lady from being sorely abusd by a Brute rather than a Man; and to be upon the Brink of being roasted alive, for no other Offence than saving for the future all the Widows in Arabia from becoming idle Burnt-Offerings, and mingling their Ashes with those of their deceased worthless Husbands.

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CHAP. XIII.

The FREE-BOOTER.

Zadig, arriving at the Frontiers which separate Arabia Petraea from Syria, and passing by a very strong Castle, several armd Arabians rushd out upon him, and surrounding him, cried out: Whatever you have belonging to you is our Property, but as for your Person, that is entirely at our Sovereigns Disposal. Zadig, instead of making any Reply, drew his Sword, and as his Attendant was a very couragious Fellow, he drew likewise. Those who laid hold on them, first fell a Sacrifice to their Fury: Their Numbers redoubled: Yet still, Both dauntless, determind to [136]conquer or to die. When two Men defend themselves against a whole Gang, the Contest, doubtless, cannot last long. The Master of the Castle, one Arbogad by Name, having been an Eye-Witness from his Window, of the Intrepidity and surprising Exploits of Zadig, took a Fancy to him. He ran down therefore in Haste, and giving Orders himself to his Vassals to desist, deliverd the two Travellers out of their Hands. Whatever Goods or Chattels, said he, come upon my Territories, are my Effects; and whatever I find likewise that is valuable upon the Premises of others, is my free Booty; but, as you appear, Sir, to me to be a Gentleman of uncommon Courage, you shall prove an Exception to my general Rule. Upon this, he invited Zadig [137]into his magnificent Mansion, giving his inferior Officers strict Orders to use him with all due Respect; and at Night Arbogad was desirous of supping with Zadig. The Lord of the Mansion was one of those Arabians, that are calld Free-booters; but a Man who now and then did good Actions amongst a Thousand bad ones. He plunderd without Mercy; but was liberal in his Benefactions. When in Action, intrepid; but in Traffick, easy enough; a perfect Epicure in his Eating and Drinking, an absolute Debauchee, but very frank and open. Zadig pleasd him extremely; his Conversation being very lively, prolongd their Repast: At last, Arbogad said to him; I would advise you, Sir, to enlist yourself in my Troop; you cannot possibly do a better [138]Thing: My Profession is none of the worst; and in Time, you may become perhaps as great a Man as myself. May I presume, Sir, to ask you one Question; how long may you have followd this honourable Calling? From my Youth upwards, replied his Host, I was only a Valet at first to an Arabian, who indeed was courteous enough; but Servitude was a State of Life I could not brook. It made me stark-mad to see, in a wide World, which ought to be divided fairly between Mankind, that Fate had reservd for me so scanty a Portion. I communicated my Grievance to an old Sage Arabian. Son, said he, never despair; once upon a Time, there was a Grain of Sand, that bemoand itself, as being nothing more than a worthless Atom of the Deserts. [139]At the Expiration, however, of a few Years, it became that inestimable Diamond, which at this very Hour, is the richest, and most admird Ornament of the Indian Crown. The old Mans Discourse fird me with some Ambition; I was conscious to myself that I was at that Time the Atom he mentiond, but was determind, if possible, to become the Diamond. At my first setting out, I stole two Horses; then I got into a Gang; where we playd at small Game, and stoppd the small Caravans; thus I gradually lessend the wide Disproportion, which there was at first between me and the rest of Mankind: I enjoyd not only my full Share of the good Things of this Life, but enjoyd them with Usury. I was lookd upon as a Man of Consequence, [140]and I procurd this Castle by my military Atchievements. The Satrap of Syria had Thoughts of dispossessing me; but I was then too rich to be any Ways afraid of him; I gave the Satrap a certain Sum of Money, upon Condition that I kept quiet Possession of my Castle. And, moreover, I aggrandizd my Domains; for he constituted me, at the same Time, Treasurer of the Imports that Arabia Petraea paid to the King of Kings. I executed my Trust, in every Respect, as I ought, in the Capacity of a Collector; but I never did, nor never intended to balance my Accounts.

The grand Desterham of Babylon sent hither, in the Name of the King Moabdar, a petty Satrap, with a Commission to strangle me. He and his Attendants [141]arrivd here with his Royal Warrant. I was apprizd of the whole Affair, and, accordingly, orderd his whole Retinue, consisting of four inferior Officers, to be strangled before his Face, after the same Manner as was intended for my Execution. After this, I askd him what he thought the Commission with which he was entrusted, might reasonably be valued at; he answerd, that he presumd his Premium (had he succeeded) might have amounted to about three Hundred Pieces of Gold. I made him sensible, that it would be for his Interest to be a commissiond Officer under me; I made him accordingly Deputy Free-booter. He is at this very Day not only the best Officer, but the richest I have in all my Court. If my Word may be credited, Ill [142]raise your Fortune as I have done his. Never was Trade brisker in our Way; for Moabdar, is knockd on the Head, and all Babylon in the utmost Confusion. Moabdar killd, said you! cryd Zadig, and pray, Sir, what is become of his Royal Consort, Astarte? I know nothing at all of that Affair, replied Arbogad, all that I have to say, is, that Moabdar became a perfect Madman, and had his Brains beat out; that all the People in Babylon are cutting one anothers Throats, and that the whole Empire is laid waste; that there is still an Opportunity for making several bold Pushes; and let me tell you, Sir, I have done my Part, and made the most ont. But the Queen, Sir, said Zadig; pray favour me so far, as to inform me, if you know any [143]Thing of the Queen. I have heard great Talk, said he, of a certain Prince of Hyrcania; tis very possible, she may have listed herself amongst his Concubines, if she had the good Fortune to escape the Resentment of those popular Tumults; but my Head, Sir, is better turnd for the Highway than for News; I have taken several Ladies Prisoners in the Course of my Excursions; I keep none of them for my Part; and as to such as are handsomer than ordinary, I make the best Market I can of them, without enquiring who they are. Their Quality or Titles will fetch no Price at all; a Queen, if she be homely, is worth nothing. Tis probable, Sir, I have disposd of the Lady myself; and tis possible, likewise, she may be dead; tis no Concern of [144]mine; and to my thinking, it should be an Affair of no Manner of Importance to you. After this Declaration, he drank so hard, and confounded his Ideas in such a Manner, that Zadig was not one whit the wiser. Upon which he was struck dumb, confounded, and stood as motionless as a Statue. Arbogad, in the mean while, swilld down whole Bumpers, told a Hundred merry Tales, and swore a thousand Times over, that he was the happiest Creature upon Gods Earth; persuading Zadig to be as merry, and thoughtless as himself. At last, being gradually overcome by the Fumes of his Liquor, he fell fast asleep. Zadig spent the Remainder of the Night in deep Contemplation, and in all the Uneasiness of Mind imaginable. What, said he, the [145]King first became crazy, and then was murderd. I think I have just Grounds for Complaint. The whole Empire is in Confusion, and torn to Pieces, and this Free-booter is as happy as a King. O Fortune! O Fate! a Highwayman as happy as a Monarch! and the most amiable Creature that Nature ever framd has sufferd perhaps, an ignominious Death, or perhaps, is in a State of Life a thousand Times worse than Death itself! O Astarte! Astarte! What art thou become?

As soon as it was Break of Day he went out, and askd every one he saw if they knew any Thing of her: But the whole Gang were too intent upon other Matters, to return him any Answer. By Virtue of their Nights Excursions, they had brought in some fresh [146]Booty, and were busy in dividing the Spoil. All the Favour he could procure, in their Hurry and Tumult, was, to go away without the least Examination. He took the Advantage of their Remissness, and movd off the Premises, but more overwhelmd with Grief and deep Reflection than ever.

Zadig, in his March, was very restless and uneasy. His Thoughts were forever rolling on the unfortunate Astarte, the King of Babylon, his Bosom-Friend Cador, the happy Free-booter, Arbogad, the fair Coquet, that was taken Prisoner on the Confines of Egypt, by the Babylonish Courier; in a Word, on the various Scenes of Misfortunes and Disappointments, which he had successively met with.

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CHAP. XIV.

The FISHERMAN.

When Zadig had travelled some few Leagues from Arbogads Castle, he found himself arrivd at the Banks of a little River; incessantly deploring, as he went along, his unhappy Fate, and looking upon himself as the very Picture of ill Luck. He perceivd at a little Distance a Fisherman, reclind on a verdant Bank by the River-side, trembling, scarce able to hold his Net in his Hand, (which he seemd but little to regard) and with uplift Eyes, imploring Heavens Assistance. I am, doubtless, said the poor Fisherman, the most unhappy [148]Wretch that ever livd! No Merchant in all Babylon, it is very well known, was ever so noted for selling Cream-Cheeses as myself; and yet I am ruind to all Intents and Purposes. No Man of my Profession ever had a handsomer, more compleat Housewife, than my Dame was; but I have been treacherously deprivd of her. I had still left a poor, pitiful Cottage, but that I saw plunderd and destroyd. I am cubbd up here in a Cell; I have nothing to depend upon but my Fishery, and not one single Fish have I caught. Thou unfortunate Net! Ill never throw thee into the Water more: Much sooner will I throw myself in. No sooner were the Words out of his Mouth, but he started up, and ran to the River-side, like one that was resolutely bent to [149]plunge in, and get rid of a miserable Life at once. Is it possible, said Zadig? Is there then the Man in Being more wretched than myself? His Benevolence, and good Will to save the poor Mans Life, was as quick as the Reflection he had just made! He ran to his Assistance; he laid hold of him; and askd him, with an Air of Pity and Concern, the Cause of his rash Intention. Tis an old saying, that a Person is less unhappy when he sees himself not singular in Misfortune. But if we will credit Zoroaster, this is not from a Principle of Malignity, but the Effect of a fatal Necessity. He was attracted, as it were, to any Person in Distress, as being One in the same unhappy Circumstances. The Transport of a happy Man, would be a Kind of Insult; but [150]two Persons in bad Circumstances, are like two weak Shrubs, which, by propping up each other, are fencd against a Storm. Why are you thus cast down, said Zadig to the Fisherman? Never sink Man, under the Weight of your Burden. I cant help it, said the poor Fisherman; I have not the least Prospect of Redress. I was once, Sir, the tip-top Man of the whole Village of Derlbach, near Babylon, where I livd, and with the Help of my Wife, made the best Cream-Cheeses that were ever eaten in the Persian Empire. Her Majesty, the Queen Astarte, and the famous Prime-Minister Zadig were very fond of them. I servd the Court with about six Hundred of them, I went the other Day in Hopes of being paid; but before I had well got into [151]the Suburbs of Babylon, I was informd, that not only the Queen, but Zadig too had privately left the Court: Whereupon I ran directly to Zadigs House, tho I never sat Eye on the Man in all my Life. There I found the Court-Marshals of the grand Desterham, plundering, by Virtue of his Majestys Mandate, all his Effects, in the most loyal Manner. From thence I made the best of my Way to the Queens Kitchin; where, applying my self to the Steward of her Household, and his inferior Officers; one of them told me she was dead; another, that she was confind in Prison; a third, indeed, said that she had made her Escape by Flight; all in general, however, assurd me for my Comfort, that my Cheeses would never be paid for. From thence I went, with [152]my Wife in my Hand, to Lord Orcans; who was another of my Court-Customers; of whom we beggd for Shelter and Protection: The Favour, I confess, was readily granted to my Wife; but as for my own Part, I was absolutely rejected. She was fairer, Sir, than the fairest Cheese I ever sold; from whence I date all my Misfortunes; and the red that adornd her blushing Cheeks was ten Times more lively than any Tyrian Scarlet. And between you and I, Sir, that was the main Cause of my Wifes Reception, and my Disgrace. Whereupon I wrote a doleful Letter to my Wife, in all the Agonies of one in the deepest Despair: Tis very well, said she, to the Messenger; I have some little Knowledge of the Man; I have heard say no one sells better Cream-Cheeses than he does; [153]desire him, next Time he comes, to bring a small Parcel with him, and let him know, Ill take care he shall be punctually paid.

In the Height of my Misfortunes, I determind to seek Redress in a Court of Equity: I had but six Ounces of Gold left: Two whereof went for a Fee to my Counsellor; two to my Lawyer, who took my Cause in Hand, and the other two to the Judges Clerk. Notwithstanding what I had done, my Cause was not so much as commencd; and I had already disbursd more Money than all my Cheeses and my Wife with them were worth. I returnd therefore to my Native Habitation, with a full Resolution to sell it for the Ransom of my Wife.

My little Cot, with the Appurtenances, [154]were worth about threescore Ounces of Gold: But as the Purchasers found I was necessitous, and drove to my last Shifts; the first whom I applyd to, offerd me thirty Ounces; the second, twenty; and the third, but ten: Just as I had come to Terms of Accommodation with one of them, the Prince of Hyrcania came to Babylon, and swept all before him. My little Cottage, with all its Furniture, was first plunderd of all that was valuable, and at last reducd to Ashes.

Having thus lost my Money, my Wife, and my House, I withdrew to this Desart, where you see me. I have since endeavourd to get my Bread by Fishing; but the Fish, as well as all Mankind, desert me. I scarce catch one in a Day; I [155]am half starvd; and had it not been for your unexpected Benevolence and Generosity, I had been at the Bottom of the River before this.

This long Detail of Particulars, however, was not deliverd without several Interruptions; for, said Zadig, with Abundance of Warmth and Confusion, Have you never heard, Sir, of what is become of the Queen Astarte? No Sir, not I, said the disconsolate Fisherman; but this I know, to my Sorrow, that neither the Queen, nor Zadig, ever paid me the least Consideration in the World for my Cream Cheeses; that my dear Spouse is taken from me; and that I am drove to the very Brink of Despair. I am verily persuaded, said Zadig, that you will not lose all your Money. I have heard much talk of that [156]same Zadig; they say he is very honest, and that if ever he returns to Babylon, as tis to be hopd he will, hell discharge his Debts with Interest, like a Man of Honour. But, as for your Wife, who appears to me, to be no better than a Wag-tail, never take the Trouble, if youll take my Advice, to hunt after her any more. Be ruld, and make the best of your Way to Babylon. I shall be there before you, as I shall ride, and you will be on Foot. Make your Applications to the illustrious Cador; tell him you met his Friend upon the Road; and stay there still I come. Observe my Orders, and tis very probable it may turn out to your Advantage.

O puissant Orosmades, continud he, you have made me, tis true, an Instrument of Comfort [157]to this poor Man; but what Friend will you raise for me, to alleviate my Sorrows? Having utterd this short Expostulation, he gave the distrest Fisherman one full Moiety of all the Money he brought with him out of Arabia. The Fisherman, thunder-struck, and transported with Joy at so unexpected a Benefaction, kissd the Feet of Cadors Friend, and cried out, sure you are a Messenger of Heaven, sent down to be my Saviour!

In the mean Time, Zadig every now and then askd him Questions, and wept as he askd them. What! Sir, said the Fisherman, can you, who are so bountiful a Benefactor, be in Distress yourself? Alas! said he, Friend, I am a hundred Times more unhappy than thou art. But pray, Sir, said the good Man, how can it possibly be, [158]that he, who is so lavish of his Favours, should be overwhelmd with greater Misfortunes than the Man he so generously relieves? Your greatest Uneasiness, said he, arose from the Narrowness of your Circumstances; but mine proceeds from an internal, and much deeper Cause. Pray, Sir, said the Fisherman, has Orcan robbd you of your Wife? This Interrogatory put Zadig in a Moment upon a Retrospection of all his past Adventures. He recollected the whole Series of his Misfortunes; commencing from that of the Eunuch and the Huntsman, to his Arrival at the Free-booters Castle. Alas! said he, to the Fisherman, Orcan, tis true, deserves severely to be punishd: But for the Generality, we find, such worthless Barbarians are the Favourites of [159]Fortune. Be that, however, as it will, go as I bade you, to my Friend Cador, and wait there till I come. They took their Leave; the Fisherman blessing his propitious Stars, and Zadig cursing, every Step he went, the Hour he was born.

CHAP. XV.

The BASILISK.

As Zadig was traversing a verdant Meadow, he perceivd several young Female Syrians, intent on searching for something very curious, that lay conceald, as they imagind, in the Grass. He took the Freedom to approach one of them, and ask her, in the most courteous Manner, if he might have the Honour to assist her in her Researches. [160]Have a care, said she. What we are hunting after, Sir, is an Animal, that will not suffer itself to be touchd by a Man. Tis somewhat surprizing, said Zadig. May I be so bold, pray, as to ask you what you are in Pursuit after, that shuns the Touch of any Thing but the Hands of the Fair Sex. Tis, Sir, said she, the Basilisk: A Basilisk, Madam, said he! And pray, if you will be so good as to inform me, with what View, are you searching after a Creature so very difficult to be met with? Tis, Sir, said she, for our Lord and Master Ogul, whose Castle, you see, situate on the River-side, at the Bottom of the Meadow. We are all his Vassals. Ogul, you must know, is in a very bad State of Health, and his first Physician has orderd him, as a Specific, to eat a [161]Basilisk, boild in Rose water: And as that Animal is very hard to be catchd, and will suffer nothing to approach it, but one of our Sex, our dying Sovereign Ogul has promisd to honour her, that shall be so happy as to catch it for him, so far as to make her his Consort. The Case, being thus circumstantiated, Sir, I hope you will not interrupt me any longer, lest my Rivals here in the Field should happen to circumvent me.

Zadig withdrew, and left the Syrian Ladies in Quest of their imaginary Booty, in order to pursue his intended Journey. But as he came to the Banks of a Rivulet, at the remotest part of the Meadow, he perceivd another young Lady, reclind on the Grass, and entirely disengagd. Her Stature seemd majestic, but her [162]Face was coverd with a Vail; and her Eyes were fixt, as one at her Looking-glass, on the River. Every now and then a Sigh burst out, as if her Heart were breaking. In her Hand she held a little Wand or Rod, with which she was tracing out some Characters on the dry Sand, that lay between the flowry Bank she sat on, and the purling Current. Zadigs Curiosity inducd him, unperceivd, to observe her Operations at some Distance. But approaching nearer, and perceiving very distinctly the first Character to be an Z. the next an A. and the third a D. he started; but when he saw the additional Capitals of I and G. his Astonishment was too great for Words to express. He stood for some Time perfectly thunder-struck, and as motionless as a Statue; At last, [163]in a soft, faultring Tone, he broke Silence: O generous Lady, said he, forgive a Stranger, one overwhelmd with Sorrows like yourself, if he asks you, by what amazing Accident he finds the Name of Zadig delineated by so angelick a Hand. Thus unexpectedly interrupted, and at the Sound of those Words, she turnd her Head; and with a trembling Hand, lifting up her Vail, she espyd Zadig himself. Upon which, she shriekd; and as her Heart was flutterd between the two Extreams of Transport and Surprize, she fainted away, and gently droppd into his Arms. Twas, it seems Astarte her self; twas the Queen of Babylon; twas the very Goddess whom Zadig adord; twas, in short, the very identical Lady, whose hard Fate he had so long deplord; and for whose [164]sake he had felt so many agonizing Pains. For a few Minutes he stood speechless, and deprivd, as it were, of all his senses, whilst his Eyes were fixt on his Astarte, who began to revive; and cast a wishful Glance at him, attended with some Confusion. O ye immortal Powers, cried he, who preside over the Destiny of us frail Mortals! Ye have restord me my Astarte; but alas! at what a Conjuncture, in what a Place, and in what a State and Condition do I view her? He threw himself prostrate on the Ground, and kissd the Dust of her Feet. The Queen of Babylon raisd him up, and obligd him to sit by her on the flowry Bank whereon she was reposd. Every now and then she wipd her Eyes, as the Tears trickld down afresh her lovely Cheeks. Twenty times she endeavourd [165]to renew her Discourse; but was interrupted by her Sighs; she askd him over and over to relate to her the Hardships he had ran thro since their parting, and by what Chance he came to traverse that solitary Meadow; but prevented him at the same Time from returning any Answer, by repeating Question upon Question. At last, she gave him a particular Detail of her own Misfortunes, and again requested to know his. Both of them, in short, having, in some Measure, appeasd the Tumult of their Souls; Zadig, in a few Words, informd her of the Motives that brought him thither.

But tell me, O unfortunate, tho ever-venerable Queen, how I came to find you out, reclining on this verdant Bank, dressd in this servile Habit, accompanied by other Female Slaves, [166]who, I find, have been all Day long in Quest after a Basilisk, which, as I understand, is by Order of a celebrated Physician, to be dissolvd in Rose-water, as a specific Medicine for his dying Patient.

Whilst they busy in their fruitless Search, said the beauteous Astarte, Ill tell you the whole Series of Sorrows which I have undergone since last we parted; and since Heavn has thus unexpectedly blest my Eyes once more with the Sight of my dear Zadig, Ill no longer exclaim against my impropitious Stars.

You are not insensible, that the jealous King my Spouse, was disgusted to find you the most amiable of all Mortals, and that for no other Reason he determind to strangle you, and poison me. You know very [167]well too, that indulgent Heavn inspird, as it were, my little Dwarf, with artful Means to give me timely Notice of the rash Resolutions of the King, my cruel Husband.

No sooner had the faithful Cador obligd you to obey my Orders, and to fly the Court, but he venturd to enter my Apartment in the Dead of Night thro a private Door. He snatchd me up, and conveyd me directly into the Temple of Orosmades, where the holy Magus, who was his Brother, lockd me up in that august and awful Statue, that stands erect upon the Pavement of the Temple, and Colossus-like, touches the lofty Ceiling with his Head. There I lay conceald, or rather buried for some Time; tho taken all imaginable Care of, and furnishd with all the Necessaries [168]of Life by that venerable, and loyal Priest. In the mean Time, his Apothecary enterd at Break of Day into my Apartment, with a Potion in his Hand, composd of Opium, black Hellebore, Aconite, and other Ingredients still more baneful. Whilst this mercenary Officer of the Kings Vengeance was thus employd, another as inhuman as himself, went to your Lodgings with the silken Cord. Both, however, were disappointed, as both of us were fled. Cador, very officious, flew to the King, in order the more artfully to blind him; and in a feignd Passion, raild at us both, and chargd us both as perfidious Traitors. As for that Villain Zadig, said he, he has taken his Flight towards India; and your false, ungrateful Consort, Sire, said he, is fled to Memphis. [169]The Guards were orderd that Moment to pursue us both.

The Couriers, who flew after me, knew nothing of me. I had never exposd my Face unveild to any one but your self, and that too in the Presence, and by the express Order of my Royal Master. As they had no other Marks to distinguish me from others but my Stature, as it had been describd, a young Lady, just of my Size, but in all Probability much more handsome, presented herself to their View, on the Frontiers of Egypt. She was found alone, and in a very disconsolate Condition. This Lady must, doubtless, said they to themselves, be the Queen of Babylon: And without listning to her Complaints, conveyd her instantly to my Husband Moabdar. Their gross Blunder at first incensd his Majesty to the last Degree; but [170]after he had viewd the Lady with an attentive Eye, he found she was extremely pretty, and was soon pacifyd. Her Name was Missouf. I have been since informd, that her Name in the Egyptian Language signifies the Fair Coquet. And in Effect, she was so: She had as much Art, however, as Caprice. For she pleasd the King of Kings: In short, she had such an Ascendancy over him, that he didnt scruple in publick to own her as his Wife. When she had securd him thus far in her Toils, she never conceald her Power, but playd the Part of a perfect Humourist. She indulgd herself in every Whim that came in her Head, without Fear of being brow-beat. In the first Place, She insisted that the Chief Magus, who was old and gouty, should dance a Saraband before her; and upon his modest Refusal [171]to comply with so preposterous a Request, she persecuted him without Mercy: Nothing would serve her Turn, in the next Place, but his Majestys grand Master of the Horse must make her a Mincd-pye. The Gentleman took the Liberty to let her know, that he was no professd Cook; a Tart, however, he must make for her, and she got him turnd out of his Place for being so monstrously careless, as to burn one Corner of the Crust. Whereupon she gave his Post to her favourite Dwarf, and made her Fop of a Page the Keeper of his Majestys great Seal, and Confidence. Thus she reignd arbitrary, and was the Female Tyrant of Babylon. All the World deplord the Loss of me their former Queen. The King, who never acted the Part of a Tyrant, till the Moment [172]he would have imprisond me, and strangled you, seemd to have drownd all his good Qualities in his Dotage on that capricious Enchantress. He came to the Temple on the solemn Festival of the sacred Fire. I saw him prostrate on the Pavement before the Statue, wherein I was enclosd, imploring the Gods to showr down their choicest Blessings on his beauteous Missouf. I, with an audible and distinct, but hollow Tone, addressd my self thus, like an Oracle, to the King of Kings. The Gods reject the Vows of a Monarch, that acts the Tyrant oer his Subjects; One, who could think of murdering an innocent Wife; and admit of a worthless Beauty to supply her Place. Moabdar was so startled at this unexpected Answer from the God he adord, that he was just [173]at the Point of Distraction. The Oracle that I had deliverd, and the tyrannical Proceedings of his new Spouse Missouf, were enough to deprive him of his Senses. In short, in a few Days he became a perfect Mad-man. Her Caprice, which seemd a Judgement from above, portended a sudden Revolution. His Subjects accordingly revolted, and were instantly up in Arms. Babylon, that had so long indulgd herself in Indolence and Ease, became the Seat, or Theatre of a bloody Civil War. Whereupon I was taken from my magnificent Prison, the Bowels of his God, and set up at the Head of a very powerful Party. Your Friend Cador flew to Memphis in hopes to find you there, and bring you back to Babylon. The Prince of Hyrcania, hearing of these intestine Broils, returnd [174]with a powerful Army, in order to form a third Party, among the Babylonians. He attackd the King, who fled with his fair, but fickle Egyptian before him. Moabdar, however, was so closely pursud, that he dyd of the Wounds he receivd in his Retreat. Missouf became the fair Victim of the Conqueror. As for my own Part, I had the Misfortune to be over-powerd likewise, and taken Prisoner by an Hyrcanian Party, who brought me into the Presence of the young Prince, at the very Juncture when Missouf stood before him. Youll smile, doubtless, when I tell you the Prince lookd upon me as the most amiable Captive of the two; but then, I presume you will be sorry to hear, that my hard Fate doomd me to be a Vassal in his Seraglio. He told me, in direct Terms, [175]that as soon as he had put an happy Issue to one Military Expedition, which would not, he flatterd himself, be long unexecuted, he would honour me with a Visit. Judge the dreadful Apprehensions I was under, upon his making such a peremptory Declaration. My Obligations to Moabdar were all cancelld, and I was free to be the Bride of Zadig; but instead of that, I fell into the Toils of a Barbarian. I answerd him with all the Resentment becoming one of my high Character and unspotted Virtue. I had always heard say, that Heavn bestowd on Persons of my Rank, such a peculiar Mark of Majesty and Grandeur, that with a bare Word, or the Glance of an angry Eye, they could bring down, and abase the Pride of those audacious Creatures that durst to [176]thwart their Inclinations. I talkd as big as a Queen; but I was treated like the most servile Domestic. The saucy Hyrcanian, without so much as vouchsafing me one Single Word, turnd to his black Eunuch, and told him that I was very impertinent; but yet he could not help thinking I was very pretty. He gave him therefore particular Orders to take care of me, and put me under the same Regimen, with respect to my Diet, as one of his Favourites, in order that I might recover my Colour, which was somewhat too languid; in a Word, that I might become worthy in a little Time of his Royal Favours, and be duely qualified to receive him, when he should honour me so far as to fix the Day. I told him, I would die first: He replied, with a Sneer, that young Ladies, like me, [177]seldom killd themselves, and that they were made for Enjoyment; and then turnd upon his Heel, with as careless an Air, as a Man would part with his Paroquet, when he had shut her up close in her gilded Cage. What a shocking State was I in for the first Queen of the Universe! Nay, Ill say more, for a Heart that was wholly devoted to her Zadig!

At these endearing Words, Zadig threw himself at her Feet, and bathd them with his Tears. Astarte immediately raisd him in the most courteous and engaging Manner, and thus continud her Narration.I too plainly perceivd, that I was subject to the Tyranny of a Barbarian, and the Rival of a Coquet, that was a Slave like myself. She related to me all her past Adventures in Egypt. From [178]the Description she gave of her Gallant, the Time and Place, the Dromedary he was mounted on, and from every other minute Circumstance, I imagind it was your self that playd the Hero in her Favour. As I made no Doubt but that you resided somewhere in Memphis, I determind to go thither my self, but in Disguise. Beauteous Missouf, said I, you are of a much sprightlier Disposition than I am; you will be able to amuse the gay young Prince of Hyrcania a thousand Times better than I shall. Find out some Way therefore for my Escape; by which you will be sole Lady Regent. You will oblige me to the last Degree, by your friendly Assistance, and at the same Time get rid of a Rival. Missouf, (cajold with the Hint) came into my Measures directly. She [179]took care to send me packing forthwith, with no other Attendant than an old Egyptian Slave.

No sooner had I reachd the Borders of Arabia, but a notorious Free-booter, (one Arbogad by Name) pickd me up, as I was strolling along, and sold me to some Merchants, who conveyd me to yonder Castle, the magnificent Residence of the Emir Ogul. He purchasd me at all Adventures, without enquiring what, or who I was. He is a perfect Debauchee; his sole Delight lies in good Eating, Wine, and Women; and is one, who imagines, that the Almighty sent him into the World for no other Purpose but to gratify his unruly Appetites. He is excessively fat, and puffs and blows every Moment, like one half choakd. When he has gorgd himself so unmercifully [180]that he is ready to burst, his chief Physician can persuade him to take any Thing for his Relief; tho he laughs at him, and despises his Advice when hes well and sober. He has intimated to him, that at present his Lifes in Danger, and nothing will restore him but a Basilisk, boild in Rose-Water. Whereupon the grand Ogul has promisd his last Favours to that Slave, whoever she be, that shall be so fortunate as to catch a Basilisk, for him, since it seems they are so seldom to be met with. You see I have others to struggle for the Honour proposd, and I never had a less Inclination to find out this Basilisk than at present, since I have once more met with my dearest Zadig.

After this Declaration, Astarte and Zadig renewd with [181]Warmth the virtuous Affection which they had long conceivd for each other; and reciprocally utterd all the tenderest Expressions that Love in Distress could possibly devise. And the Genii, who preside over all the soft Passions, wafted their mutual Vows of eternal Constancy and Truth to the Sphere of Venus.

The whole Train of Slaves, after a long fruitless Search, attended on Ogul, to inform him that all their strictest Search was fruitless. Zadig desired that he might have the Honour to be introducd into his Presence. Accordingly he was, and his Address was to this or the like Effect. May immortal Health descend from Heaven to preserve a Life, Sir, so precious as yours is. I am a Physician by Profession. I flew to your Palace, on the first News of the [182]dangerous Situation you were in, and have brought a Basilisk with me, distilld in Rose-Water. I can have no Hopes of the Honour of your Bed, in Case I succeed in my Application: All the Favour I request, is, the Release of one of your Babylonish Slaves, who has been in your Highnesss Retinue for some Time. And I am willing to be your Bond-slave in her Stead, if I fail of restoring the most illustrious and magnificent Ogul to his pristine State of Health.

The Proposition was readily embracd. Astarte was instantly dischargd, and set out for Babylon, with a proper Attendant, according to Zadigs Direction; assuring her that she should hear every Day, by a special Courier, of his Proceedings with his new Patient. The Farewel which [183]they took of each other, was very affectionate and tender, expressive of the strongest Obligations to each other. The Moments of Meeting, and those of Parting, are (as it is written in the sacred Book of Zend) the two most remarkable Epochas of a Lovers Life. Zadigs repeated Protestations of Affection for the Queen were perfectly sincere, and the pure Dictates of his Heart; and the Queens Love for Zadig had made a deeper Impression on hers, than she thought proper to discover.

In the mean Time, Zadig, again addressing himself to Ogul, said; my Basilisk, Sir, as others are, is not to be drest or eaten; but all its Virtues must penetrate your whole Fabrick, thro your Pores; I have inclosd my never-failing Sudorific in a Bladder, full-blown and carefully [184]coverd with the softest Leather. You must kick this Bladder, Sir, once a Day about your Hall for a whole Hour together, with all the Vigour and Activity you possibly can. This Medicine must be repeated every Morning, and Ill attend the Operation: Upon your due Observance of the Regimen I shall put you under, I doubt not, but with the Blessing of Heavn on my honest Endeavours, I shall give you ample Demonstration of my being an Adept in Physick. Ogul, upon making the first Experiment, was ready to expire for want of Breath, and thought he should die with the Fatigue. The second Day did not prove altogether so irksome, and he slept much better at Night than he had done before. In short, our Doctor in about eight Days [185]Time, performd an absolute Cure. His Patient was as brisk, active and gay, as One in the Bloom of his Youth.

Now, Sir, said Zadig, Ill be ingenuous with you, and disclose to you the important Secret. You have playd at Foot-ball these eight Days successively; and you have livd all that Time, within the Bounds of Sobriety and Moderation. Know, Sir, that there is no such Animal in Nature as a Basilisk; that Health is to be securd by Temperance and Exercise; and that the Art of making Health consistent with Luxury, is altogether as impracticable, and an Art, in all Respects, as idle and chimerical, as those of the Philosophers Stone, judicial Astrology, or any other Reveries of the like airy and fantastic Nature.

[186]Oguls Head-Physician, apprehensive that this unexpected Cure, thus wrought by a Stranger, through such an Anti-medicinal Preparation, might possibly not only render himself the Object of Contempt in the Eye of his great Master, but cast a Kind of Slur in general on his whole Fraternity, convend a Set of petty Doctors and Apothecaries, who were his Vassals, and entirely devoted to his Interest, to find out some sure Ways and Means to cut off in private his dreadful Rival; but whilst their wicked Plot was hatching, Zadig receivd a Courier from the Queen Astarte.

[187]

CHAP. XVI.

The TOURNAMENTS.

The Queen was receivd at Babylon with all the Transports of Joy that could possibly be expressd for the safe Return of so illustrious and so beautiful a Personage, that had run thro such a long Series of Misfortunes. Babylon at that Time seemd to be perfectly serene and quiet. As for the young Prince of Hyrcania, he was slain in Battle. The Babylonians, who were the Victors, declard that Astarte should marry that Candidate for the Crown, who should gain it by a fair and impartial Election. They were determind, that the most valuable Post of Honour [188]in the World, namely, that of being the Royal Consort of Astarte, and the Sovereign of Babylon, should be the Result of Merit only; and not be procurd by any Party-Factions or Court-Intrigues. A solemn Oath was voluntarily taken by all Parties, that he who should distinguish himself by his superior Valour and Wisdom, should unanimously be acknowledgd the Sovereign-Elect.

A spacious List, or Circus, was pitched upon, surrounded with commodious Seats, erected in an Amphitheatrical Manner, and richly embellishd some few Leagues from the City. Thither the Combatants, or Champions were to repair, compleatly accoutred. Each of them had a distinct Apartment to himself behind the Lists, where no Soul could either see them, [189]or know who they were. They were to enter the Lists four several Times. Those who were so happy as to conquer four Competitors, were afterwards to engage each other in single Combat; in order that he who should remain Master of the Field should be proclaimd the happy Victor.

Four Days afterwards, they were to meet again, accoutred as before, and to explain all such AEnigmas, or Riddles, as the Magi should think proper to propose. If their Queries should prove too intricate and perplext for them to resolve, they were to have Recourse to the Lists again, and after that, to fresh AEnigmas, before they could be entitled to the Election: So that the Tournaments were to be continud till One of the Candidates should be twice a Victor, and [190]shine as conspicuous, with respect to his internal Qualities, as to his Dexterity and Address in heroic Atchievements. The Queen, in the mean Time, was to be narrowly watchd, and allowd only to be a Spectator of both their Amusements, at some considerable Distance; and moreover, to be coverd with a Vail: Nor was she indulgd so far as to speak one single Word to any Candidate whomsoever, in order to prevent the least Jealousy or Suspicion either of Partiality or Injustice.

Astarte took care, by the Courier, to inform her Lover of all the Preliminary Articles abovementiond, not doubting but that he would exert both his Courage and Understanding for her Sake, beyond any of the other Competitors.

Zadig accordingly set out for [191]Babylon, and besought the Goddess Venus, not only to fortify his Courage, but to illuminate his Mind with Wisdom on this important Occasion.

The Night before these martial Atchievements were to commence, Zadig arrived upon the Banks of the Euphrates. He inscribd his Device amongst the List of Combatants; concealing, at the same Time, both his Person and Name, as the Laws of the Election required; and accordingly, withdrew to the Apartment that was provided for him, according to his Lot.

Cador, who was just returnd to Babylon, having hunted all Egypt over to no Purpose, in Hopes to find his Friend Zadig, brought a compleat set of Armour into his Lodge, by express Orders from the Queen: [192]She sent him likewise One of the finest Horses in all Persia. Zadig knew that these Presents could come from No-body but his dear Astarte, which redoubled his Vigour and his Hopes.

The next Morning the Queen being seated under a Canopy of State, enrichd with precious Stones; and the Amphitheatres being crowded with Gentlemen and Ladies of all Ranks and Conditions from Babylon; the Competitors made their personal Appearance in the Circus: Each of them went up to the grand Magus, and laid down his particular Device at his Feet. The Devices were drawn by Lot: That of Zadig was the last. The first that advancd was a Grandee, one Itabod by Name, immensely rich, indeed, and very haughty; but no ways [193]couragious; exceedingly awkward, and a Man of no acquird Parts. The Sycophants that hoverd round about him flatterd him, that a Man of his Merit couldnt fail of being King: He imperiously replied, One of my Merit must be King: Whereupon he was armd Cap-a-pee. His Armour was made of pure Gold, enamelld with Green. The Housings of his Saddle were green, and his Lance embellishd with green Ribbands. Every One was sensible, at first Sight, by Itobads Manner of managing his Horse, that he was not the Man whom Heavn had pitchd upon to sway the Babylonish Scepter. The first Combatant that tilted with him, threw him out of the Saddle; the second flung him quite over the Crupper, and laid him sprawling on the Ground, [194]with his Heels quivring in the Air. Itobad, tis true, remounted, but with so ill a Grace, that an universal Laugh went round the Amphitheatre. The third, disdaining to use his Lance, made only a Feint at him: Then catchd hold of his Right Leg, and whirling him round, threw him flat upon the Sand. The Esquires, who were the Attendants, ran to his Assistance, and with a Sneer remounted him. The fourth Combatant catchd hold of his Left Leg, and unhorsd him again. He was conveyd thro the hissing Multitude to his Lodge, where, according to the Law in that Case provided, he was to pass the Night. And as he hobbled along, said he, to the Esquires, what a sad Misfortune is this to One of my Birth and Character!

[195]The other Champions playd their Parts much better; and all came off with Credit. Some conquerd two of their Antagonists, and others were so far successful as to get the better of three. None of them, however, except Prince Hottam, vanquishd four. Zadig, at last, enterd the Lists, and dismounted all his four Opponents, one after the other, with the utmost Ease, and with such an Air and Grace, as gaind him universal Applause. As the Case stood thus, Zadig and Hottam were to close the Days Entertainment in a single Combat. The Armour of the latter was of a blue Colour mixt with Gold, and the Housings of his Saddle were of the same. Those of the former white as Snow. The Multitude were divided in their Wishes. The Knight in [196]blue was the Favourite of some of the Ladies; and others again were Admirers of the Cavalier in white. The Queen, whose Heart was in a perfect Palpitation, put up her secret Prayers to Venus to assist her darling Hero.

The two Champions making their Passes and their Voltas, with the utmost Dexterity and Address, and keeping firm in their Saddles, gave each other such Rebuffs with their Lances, that all the Spectators (the Queen only excepted) wishd for two Kings of Babylon. At last, their Horses being tired, and both their Lances broke, Zadig made use of the following Stratagem, which his Antagonist wasnt any ways apprizd of. He got artfully behind him, and shooting with a Spring on his Horses Buttocks, graspd [197]him close, threw him headlong on the Sand, then jumpd into his Seat, and wheeld round Prince Hottam, while he lay sprawling on the Ground. All the Spectators in general, with loud Acclamations, cried out, Victory! Victory! in favour of the Champion in white. Hottam, incensd to the last Degree, got up, and drew his Sword. Zadig sprang from his Horse with his Sabre in his Hand. Now, behold the two Chieftains upon their Legs, commencing a new Trial of Skill! where they seemd to get the better of each other alternately; for both were strong, and both were active. The Feathers of their Helmets, the Studs of their Bracelets, their Coats of Mail, flew about in Pieces, thro the dry Blows which they a thousand Times repeated. They [198]struck at each other sometimes with the Edge of their Swords, at other Times they pushd, as Occasion offerd: Now on the Right, then on the Left; now on the Head, then at the Breast; they retreated; they advancd; they kept at a Distance; they closd again; they graspd each other, turning and twisting like two Serpents, and engagd each other as fiercely as two Libyan Lions fighting for their Prey: Their Swords struck Fire almost at every Blow. At last, Zadig, in order to recover his Breath, for a Moment or two stood still, and afterwards, making a Feint at the Prince, threw him on his Back, and disarmd him. Hottam, thereupon, cried out, O thou Knight of the white Armour! Tis you only are destind to be the King of Babylon. The Queen was [199]perfectly transported. The two Champions were reconducted to their separate Lodges, as the others had been before them, in Conformity to the Laws prescribd. Several Mutes were orderd to wait on the Champions, and carry them some proper Refreshment. Well leave the Reader to judge whether the Queens Dwarf was not appointed to wait on Zadig on this happy Occasion. After Supper the Mutes withdrew, and left the Combatants to rest their wearied Limbs till the next Morning; at which Time the Victor was to produce his Device, before the Grand Magus, in order to confer Notes, and discover the Hero whoever he might be.

Zadig slept very sound, notwithstanding his amorous Regard for the Queen, being perfectly fatigud. Itabod, who lay [200]in the Lodge contiguous to his, could not once close his Eyes for Vexation. He got up therefore in the Dead of the Night, stole imperceptibly into Zadigs Apartment, took his white Armour and Device away with him, and substituted his green One in its Place.

As soon as the Day began to dawn, he repaird, with a seemingly undaunted Courage, to the Grand Magus, to inform him, that he was the mighty Hero, the happy Victor. Without the least Hesitation, he gaind his Point, and was proclaimd Victor before Zadig was awake. Astarte, astonishd at this unexpected Disappointment, returnd with a Heart overwhelmd with Despair, to the Court of Babylon. Almost all the Spectators were movd off from the Amphitheatre before [201]Zadig wakd: He hunted for his Arms; but could find nothing but those in green. He was obligd, tho sorely against his Will, to put it on, having nothing else in his Lodge to appear in: Confounded, and big with Resentment, he drest himself, and made his personal Appearance in that despicable Equipage. The Populace that were left behind in the Circus, hissd him every Step he took, they made a Ring about him, and treated him with all the Marks of Ignominy and Contempt. The most cowardly Wretch breathing was never sure so sweated, or hunted down as poor Zadig! He grew quite out of Patience at last, and cut his Way thro the insulting Mob, with his Rivals Sabre; but he did not know what Measures to [202]pursue, or how to rectify so gross a Mistake. It was not in his Power to have a Sight of the Queen; he could never recover the white Armour again which She had sent him; That was the Compromise, or the Engagement, to which the Combatants had all unanimously agreed: Thus, as he was on the one Hand, plungd in an Abyss of Sorrow; so on the other, he was almost drove distracted with Vexation and Resentment. He withdrew therefore, in a solitary Mood, to the Banks of the Euphrates, now fully persuaded, that his impropitious Star had shed its most baleful Influence on him, and that his Misfortunes were irretrievable, revolving in his Mind, all his Disappointments from his first Adventure with the Court-Coquet, [203]who had entertaind an utter Aversion to a blind Eye, down to his late Loss of his white Armour. See! said he, the fatal Consequence of being a Sluggard! Had I been more vigilant, I had been King of Babylon; but what is more, I had been happy in the Embraces of my dearest Astarte. All the Knowledge of Books or Mankind; all the personal Valour that I can boast of, has only provd an Aggravation of my Sorrows. He carried the Point so far at last, as to murmur at the unequal Dispensations of Divine Providence; and was tempted to believe, that all Occurrences were governd by a malignant Destiny, which never faild to oppress the Virtuous, and always crownd the Actions of such Villains as the green [204]Knight, with uncommon Success. In one of his frantick Fits, he put on the green Armour, that had created him such a World of Disgrace. A Merchant happening to pass by, he sold it to him for a Trifle, and took in Exchange nothing more than a Mantle, and a Cap. In this Disguise, he took a solitary Walk along the Banks of the Euphrates, every Minute reflecting in his Mind on the partial Proceedings of Providence, which never ceasd to torment him.

[205]

CHAP. XVII.

The HERMIT.

As Zadig was travelling along, he met with a Hermit, whose grey and venerable Beard descended to his Girdle. He had in his Hand a little Book, on which his Eyes were fixd. Zadig threw himself in his Way, and made him a profound Bow. The Hermit returnd the Compliment with such an Air of Majesty and Benevolence, that Zadigs Curiosity prompted him to converse with so agreeable a Stranger. Pray, Sir, said he, what may be the Contents of the Treatise you are reading with such Attention. Tis calld, said the Hermit, the Book of Fate; will you [206]please to look at it. He put the Book into the Hands of Zadig, who, tho he was a perfect Master of several Languages, couldnt decypher one single Character. This raisd his Curiosity still higher. You seem dejected, said the good Father to him. Alas! I have Cause enough, said Zadig. If youll permit me to accompany you, said the old Hermit, perhaps I may be of some Service to you. I have sometimes instilld Sentiments of Consolation into the Minds of the Afflicted. Zadig had a secret Regard for the Air of the old Man, for his Beard, and his Book. He found, by conversing with him, that he was the most learned Person he had ever met with. The Hermit harangud on Destiny, Justice, Morality, the sovereign Good, the Frailty of Nature; [207]on Virtue and Vice, in such a lively Manner, and in such a Flow of Words, that Zadig was attachd to him by an invincible Charm. He beggd earnestly that he would favour him with his Company to Babylon. That Favour I was going to ask my self, said the old Man. Swear to me by Orosmades, that you wont leave me, for some Days at least, let me do what I please. Zadig took the Oath requird, and both pursud their Journey.

The two Travellers arrivd that Evening at a superb Castle. The Hermit beggd for an hospitable Reception of himself and his young Comrade. The Porter, whom any One might have taken for some Grandee, let them in, but with a kind of Coldness and Contempt. However, he conducted them to the Head-Steward, who went [208]with them thro every rich Apartment of his Masters House. They were seated at Supper afterwards at the lower End, indeed, of the Table, and where they were taken little or no Notice of by the Host; but they were servd with as much Delicacy and Profusion, as any of the other Guests. When they arose from Table, they washd their Hands in a Golden Bason set with Emeralds, and other costly Stones. When twas Time to go to Rest, they were conducted into a Bed-chamber richly furnishd; and the next Morning two Pieces of Gold were presented to him for their mutual Service, by a Valet in waiting; and then they were dismissd.

The Proprietor of this Castle, said Zadig, as they were upon the Road, seems to me to be a very hospitable Gentleman; tho [209]somewhat too haughty indeed, and too imperious: The Words were no sooner out of his Mouth, but he perceivd that the Pocket of his Comrades Garment, tho very large, was swelld, and greatly extended: He soon saw what was the Cause, and that he had clandestinely brought off the Golden Laver. He durst not immediately take Notice of the Fact; but was ready to sink at the very Thoughts ont. About Noon, the Hermit rappd at a petty Cottage with his Staff, the beggarly Residence of an old, rich Miser. He desird that he and his Companion might refresh themselves there for a few Hours. An old, shabby Domestick let them in indeed, but with visible Reluctance, and carried them into the Stable, where all their Fare was a few [210]musty Olives, and a Draught or two of sower small Beer. The Hermit seemd as content with his Repast, as he was the Night before. At last, rising off from his Seat, he paid his Compliments to the old Valet (who had as watchful an Eye over them all the Time, as if they had been a Brace of Thieves, and intimated every now and then that he feard they would be benighted) and gave him the two Pieces of Gold, he had but just receivd that Morning, as a Token of his Gratitude for his courteous Entertainment. He added moreover, I would willingly speak one Word with your Master before I go. The Valet, thunder-struck at his unexpected Gratuity, complyd with his Request: Most hospitable Sir, said the Hermit, I couldnt go away without returning [211]you my grateful Acknowledgments for the friendly Reception we have met with this Afternoon. Be pleasd to accept this Golden Bason as a small Token of my Gratitude and Esteem. The Miser started, and was ready to fall down backwards at the Sight of so valuable a Present. The Hermit gave him no Time to recover out of his Surprise, but marchd off that Moment with his young Comrade. Father, said Zadig, What is all this that I have seen? You seem to me to act in a quite different Manner from the Generality of Mankind. You plunder One, who entertaind you with all the Pomp and Profusion in the World, to enrich a covetous, sordid Wretch, who treated you in the most unworthy Manner. Son, said the old Man, that [212]Grandee, who receives Visits of Strangers, with no other View than to gratify his Pride, and to raise their Astonishment at the Furniture of his Palace, will henceforward learn to be wiser; and the Miser to be more liberal for the Time to come. Dont be surprisd, but follow me. Zadig was at a stand at present; and couldnt well determine whether his Companion was a Man of greater Wisdom than ordinary, or a Mad-man. But the Hermit assumd such an Ascendency over him, exclusive of the Oath he had taken, that he couldnt tell how to leave him. At Night they came to a House very commodiously built, but neat and plain; where nothing was wanting, and yet nothing profuse. The Master was a Philosopher, that had retird from the [213]busy World, in order to live in Peace, and form his Mind to Virtue. He was pleasd to build this little Box for the Reception of Strangers, in a handsome Manner, but without Ostentation. He came in Person to meet them at the Door, and for a Time, advisd them to sit down and rest themselves in a commodious Apartment. After some Respite, he invited them to a frugal, yet elegant Repast; during which, he talkd very intelligently about the late Revolutions in Babylon. He seemd entirely to be in the Queens Interest, and heartily wishd that Zadig had entred the Lists for the regal Prize: But Babylon, said he, dont deserve a King of so much Merit. A modest Blush appeard in Zadigs Face at this unexpected Compliment, which innocently [214]aggravated his Misfortunes. It was agreed, on all Hands, that the Affairs of this World took sometimes a quite different Turn from what the wisest Patriots would wish them. The Hermit replied, the Ways of Providence are often very intricate and obscure, and Men were much to blame for casting Reflections on the Conduct of the Whole, upon the bare Inspection of the minutest Part.

The next Topick they entred upon was the Passions. Alas! said Zadig, how fatal in their Consequences! However, said the Hermit, they are the Winds that swell the Sail of the Vessel. Sometimes, tis true, they overset it; but there is no such Thing as sailing without them. Phlegm, indeed, makes Men peevish and sick; but then there is no living without it. Tho [215]every Thing here below is dangerous, yet All are necessary.

In the next Place, their Discourse turnd on sensual Pleasures; and the Hermit demonstrated, that they were the Gifts of Heaven; for, said he, Man cannot bestow either Sensations or Ideas on himself; he receives them all; his Pain and Pleasure, as well as his Being, proceed from a superior Cause.

Zadig stood astonishd, to think how a Man that had committed such vile Actions, could argue so well on such Moral Topicks. At the proper Hour, after an Entertainment, not only instructive, but evry way agreeable, their Host conducted them to their Bed-chamber, thanking Heaven for directing two such polite and virtuous Strangers to his House. He offerd them at the same Time [216]some Silver, to defray their Expences on the Road; but with such an Air of Respect and Benevolence, that twas impossible to give the least Disgust. The Hermit, however, refusd it, and took his leave, as he proposd to set forward for Babylon by Break of Day. Their Parting was very affectionate and friendly; Zadig, in particular, expressd a more than common Regard for a Man of so amiable a Behaviour. When the Hermit and he were alone, and preparing for Bed, they talkd long in Praise of their new Host. As soon as Day-light appeard, the old Hermit wakd his young Comrade. Tis Time to be gone, said he; but as all the House are fast asleep, Ill leave a Token behind me of my Respect and Affection for the Master of it. No sooner were [217]the Words out of his Mouth, but he struck a Light, kindled a Torch, and set the Building in a Flame: Zadig, in the utmost Confusion, shriekd out, and would, if possible, have prevented him from being guilty of such a monstrous Act of Ingratitude. The Hermit draggd him away, by a superior Force. The House was soon in a Blaze: When they had got at a convenient Distance, the Hermit, with an amazing Sedateness, turnd back and surveyd the destructive Flames. Behold, said he, our fortunate Friend! In the Ruins, he will find an immense Treasure, that will enable him, from henceforth, to exert his Beneficence, and render his Virtues more and more conspicuous. Zadig, tho astonishd to the last Degree, attended him to their last Stage, which was to the [218]Cottage of a very virtuous and well-disposd Widow, who had a Nephew of about fourteen Years of Age. He was a hopeful Youth, and the Darling of her Heart. She entertaind her two Guests with the best Provisions her little House afforded. In the Morning she orderd her Nephew to attend them to an adjacent Bridge, which, having been broken down some few Days before, renderd the Passage dangerous to Strangers.

The Lad, being very attentive to wait on them, went formost. When they were got upon the Bridge; come hither, my pretty Boy, said the Hermit, I must give your Aunt some small Token of my Respect for her last Nights Favours. Upon that, he twisted his Fingers in the Hair of his [219]Head, and threw him, very calmly, into the River. Down went the little Lad; he came up once again to the Surface of the Water; but was soon lost in the rapid Stream. O thou Monster! thou worst of Villains, cryd Zadig! Didnt you promise, said the Hermit, to view my Conduct with Patience? Know then, that had that Boy livd but one Year longer, he would have murderd his Foster-Mother. Who told you so, you barbarous Wretch, said Zadig? And when did you read that inhuman Event in your Black-Book of Fate? Who gave you Permission pray, to drown so innocent a Youth, that had never disobligd you?

No sooner had our young Babylonian ceasd his severe Reflections, but he perceivd that the old Hermits long Beard grew [220]shorter and shorter; that the Furrows in his Face began to fill up, and that his Cheeks glowd with a Rose-coloured Red, as if he had been in the Bloom of Fifteen. His Mantle was vanishd at once; and on his Shoulders, which were before coverd, appeard four angelic Wings, each refulgent as the Sun. O thou Messenger of Heaven! O thou angelic Form! cryd Zadig, and fell prostrate at his Feet; thou art descended from the Empireum, I find, to instruct such a poor frail Mortal as I am, how to submit to the Mysteries of Fate. Mankind in general, said the Angel Jesrad, judge of the Whole, by only viewing the hither Link of the Chain. Thou, of all the human Race, wast the only Man that deservd to have thy Mind enlightend. Zadig, beggd [221]Leave to speak. I am somewhat diffident of myself, tis true; but may I presume, Sir, to beg the Solution of one Scruple? Would it not have been better to have chastizd the Lad, and by that Means reformd him, than to have cut him off thus unprepard in a Moment. Jesrad, replied, had he been virtuous, and had he livd, twas his Fate not only to be murderd himself, but his Wife, whom he would afterwards have married, and the little Infant, that was to have been the Pledge of their mutual Affection. Is it necessary then, venerable Guide, that there should be Wickedness and Misfortunes in the World, and that those Misfortunes should fall with Weight on the Heads of the Righteous? The Wicked, replied Jesrad, are always unhappy. Misfortunes are [222]intended only as a Touch-stone, to try a small Number of the Just, who are thinly scatterd about this terrestrial Globe: Besides, there is no Evil under the Sun, but some Good proceeds from it: But, said Zadig, Suppose the World was all Goodness, and there was no such Thing in Nature as Evil. Then, that World of yours, said Jesrad, would be another World; the Chain of Events would be another Wisdom; and that other Order, which would be perfect, must of Necessity be the everlasting Residence of the supreme Being, whom no Evil can approach. That great and first Cause has created an infinite Number of Worlds, and no two of them alike. This vast Variety is an Attribute of his Omnipotence. There are not two Leaves on the Trees throughout [223]the Universe, nor any two Globes of Light amongst the Myriad of Stars that deck the infinite Expanse of Heaven, which are perfectly alike. And whatever you see on that small Atom of Earth, whereof you are a Native, must exist in the Place, and at the Time appointed, according to the immutable Decrees of him who comprehends the Whole. Mankind imagine, that the Lad, whom I plungd into the River, was drownd by Chance; and that our generous Benefactors House was reducd to Ashes by the same Chance; but know, there is no such Thing as Chance, all Misfortunes are intended, either as severe Trials, Judgments, or Rewards; and are the Result of Foreknowledge. You remember, Sir, the poor Fisherman in Despair, that thought himself the most unhappy Mortal [224]breathing. The great Orasmades, sent you to amend his Situation. Frail Mortal! Cease to contend with what you ought to adore. But, said Zadigwhilst the Sound of the Word But dwelt upon his Tongue, the Angel took his Flight towards the tenth Sphere. Zadig sunk down upon his Knees, and acknowledgd an over-ruling Providence with all the Marks of the profoundest Submission. The Angel, as he was soaring towards the Clouds, cried out in distinct Accents; Make thy Way towards Babylon.

[225]

CHAP. XVIII.

The AENIGMAS, or RIDDLES.

Zadig, as one beside himself, and perfectly thunder-struck, beat his March at random. He entred, however, into the City of Babylon, on that very Day, when those Combatants who had been before engagd in the List or Circus, were already assembled in the spacious Outer-Court of the Palace, in order to solve the AEnigmas, and give the wisest Answers they could to such Questions, as the Grand Magus should propose. All the Parties concernd were present, except the Knight of the Green Armour. No sooner had Zadig made his Appearance [226]in the City, but the Populace flockd round about him: No Eye was satisfied with gazing at him: All in general were lavish of their Praises, and in their Hearts wishd him their Sovereign, except the envious Man, who as he passd by, fetchd a deep Sigh, and turnd his Head aside. The Populace with loud Acclamations attended him to the Palace-Gate. The Queen, who had heard of his Arrival, was in the utmost Agony, between Hope and Despair. Her Vexation had almost brought her to Deaths Door; she couldnt conceive why Zadig should appear without his Accoutrements, nor imagine which Way Itobad could procure the snow-white Armour. At the Sight of Zadig a confusd Murmur ran thro the whole Place. Every Eye was surprizd, tho charmd at the same Time [227]to see him again: But then none were to be admitted into the Assembly-Room except the Knights.

I have fought as successfully as any one of them all, said Zadig, tho another appears clad in my Armour; but in the mean Time, before I can possibly prove my Assertion, I insist upon being admitted into Court, in order to give my Solutions to such AEnigmas as shall be proposd. Twas put to the Vote. As the Reputation of his being a Man of the strictest Honour and Veracity was so strongly imprinted on their Minds, the Motion of his Admittance was carried in the Affirmative, without the least Opposition.

The first Question the Grand Magus proposd was this: What is the longest and yet the shortest [228]Thing in the World; the most swift and the most slow; the most divisible, and the most extended; the least valud, and the most regretted; And without which nothing can possibly be done: Which, in a Word, devours every Thing how minute soever, and yet gives Life and Spirit to every Object or Being, however Great?

Itobad had the Honour to answer first. His reply was, that a Man of his Merit had something else to think on, than idle Riddles; twas enough for him, that he was acknowledgd the Hero of the Circus. One said, the Solution of the AEnigma proposd was Fortune; others said the Earth; and others again the Light: But Zadig pronounced it to be Time. Nothing, said he, can be longer, since tis the [229]Measure of Eternity; Nothing is shorter, since there is Time always wanting to accomplish what we aim at. Nothing passes so slowly as Time to him who is in Expectation; and nothing so swift as Time to him who is in the perfect Enjoyment of his Wishes. Its Extent is to Infinity, in the Whole; and divisible to Infinity in part. All Men neglect it in the Passage; and all regret the Loss of it when tis past. Nothing can possibly be done without it; it buries in Oblivion whatever is unworthy of being transmitted down to Posterity; and it renders all illustrious Actions immortal. The Assembly agreed unanimously that Zadig was in the Right.

[230]The next Question that was started, was, What is the Thing we receive, without being ever thankful for it; which we enjoy, without knowing how we came by it; which we give away to others, without knowing where tis to be found; and which we lose, without being any ways conscious of our Misfortune?

Each passd his Verdict. Zadig was the only Person that concluded it was LIFE. He solvd every AEnigma proposd, with equal Facility. Itobad, when he heard the Explications, always said that nothing in the World was more easy, than to solve such obvious Questions; and that he could interpret a thousand of them without the least Hesitation, were he inclind to trouble his Head about such Trifles. Other Questions were [231]proposd in regard to Justice, the sovereign Good, and the Art of Government. Zadigs Answers still carried the greatest Weight. What Pity tis, said some who were present, that one of so comprehensive a Genius, should make such a scurvy Cavalier?

Most illustrious Grandees, said Zadig, I was the Person that had the Honour of being Victor at your Circus; the white Armour, most puissant Lords, was mine. That awkward Warrior there, Lord Itobad, dressd himself in it whilst I was asleep. He imagind, it is plain, that it would do him more Honour than his own Green one. Unaccoutred as I am, I am ready, before this august Assembly, to give them incontestable Proof of my superior Skill; to engage [232]with the Usurper of the White Armour with my Sword only in my Mantle and Bonnet; and to testify that I only was the happy Victor of the justly admired Hottam.

Itobad accepted of the Challenge with all the Assurance of Success imaginable. He did not doubt, but being properly accoutred with his Helmet, his Cuirass, and his Bracelets, he should be able to hue down an Antagonist, in his Mantle and Cap, and nothing to skreen him from his Resentment, but a single Sabre. Zadig drew his Sword, and saluted the Queen with it, who viewd him with Transport mixd with Fear. Itobad drew his, but paid his Compliments to Nobody. He approachd Zadig, as one, whom he imagind incapable of making any [233]considerable Resistance. He concluded, twas in his Power to cut Zadig into Atoms. Zadig, however, knew how to parry the Blow, by dexterously receiving it upon his Fort (as the Swords-men call it) by which Means Itobads Sword was snapt in two. With that Zadig in an Instant closd his Adversary, and by his superior Strength, as well as Skill, laid him sprawling on his Back. Then holding the Point of his Sword to the opening of his Cuirass, Submit to be strippd of your borrowd Plumes, or you are a dead Man this Moment. Itobad, always surprizd, that any Disappointment should attend a Man of such exalted Merit as himself, very tamely permitted Zadig to disrobe him by Degrees of his pompous [234]Helmet, his superb Cuirass, his rich Bracelets, his brilliant Cuisses, or Armour for his Thighs, and other Martial Accoutrements. When Zadig had equippd himself Cap-a-pee, in his now recoverd Armour, he flew to Astarte, and threw himself prostrate at her Feet. Cador provd, without any great Difficulty, that the White Armour was Zadigs Property. He was thereupon acknowledgd King of Babylon, by the unanimous Content of the Whole Court; but more particularly with the Approbation of Astarte, who after such a long Series of Misfortunes, now tasted the Sweets of seeing her darling Zadig thought worthy, in the Opinion of the whole World, to be the Partner of her royal Bed. Itobad withdrew, and contented [235]himself with being calld my Lord within the narrow Compass of his own Domesticks. Zadig, in short, was elected King, and was as happy as any Mortal could be.

Now he began to reflect on what the Angel Jesrad had said to him: Nay, he reflected so far back as the Story of the Arabian Atom of Dust metamorphosed into a Diamond. The Queen and He adord the Divine Providence. Zadig permitted Missouf, the Fair Coquet, to make her Conquests where she could. He sent Couriers to bring the Free-booter Arbogad to Court, and gave him an Honourable Military Post in his Army, with a farther Promise of Promotion to the highest Dignity; but upon this express Condition, that he would act for the future as a Soldier [236]of Honour; but assurd him at the same Time, that hed make a publick Example of him, if he followd his Profession of Free-booting for the future.

Setoc was sent for from the lonely Desarts of Arabia, together with the fair Almonza, his new Bride, to preside over the commercial Affairs of Babylon. Cador was advancd to a Post near himself, and was his Favourite Minister at Court, as the just Reward of his past Services. He was, in short, the Kings real Friend; and Zadig was the only Monarch in the Universe that could boast of such an Attendant. The Dwarf, tho dumb, was not wholly forgotten. The Fisherman was put into the Possession of a very handsome House; and Orcan was sentencd, not only to pay him a very considerable [237]Sum for the Injustice done him in detaining his Wife; but to resign her likewise to the proper Owner: The Fisherman, however, grown wise by Experience, softend the Rigour of the Sentence, and took the Money only in full of all Accounts.

He didnt leave so much as Semira wholly disconsolate, tho she had such an Aversion to a blind Eye; nor Azora comfortless, notwithstanding her affectionate Intention to shorten his Nose; for he soothd their Sorrows by very munificent Presents. The envious Informer indeed, died with Shame and Vexation. The Empire was glorious abroad, and in the full Enjoyment of Tranquility, Peace and Plenty, at home: This, in short, was the true [238]golden Age. The whole Country was swayd by Love and Justice. Every one blest Zadig; and Zadig blest Heavn for his unexpected Success.

FINIS.

Transcribers Notes:

- Spelling and punctuation are as found (for example, Itabod/Itobad was left as printed), with one exception: the original reads purchad in An Arabian Merchant, Setoc by Name, purchasd them both;

- Hyphenated words are closed up if all other examples are closed, otherwise not. If there is a mix of broken and not, then it was left with a hyphen.

- Page numbers are moved to end of the word if it was broken at a page break.

Table of Contents

Book of Fate.

Unnamed

The blind Eye

page 1

The Nose

13

The Dog and the Horse, &c.

20

The Envious Man

33

45

The Just Judge

53

The Force of Jealousy

63

The Threshd Wife

79

The Captive

89

The Funeral Pile

100

The Evenings Entertainment

111

The Rendezvous

124

The Free-booter

135

The Fisherman

147

The Basilisk

159

The Tournaments

187

The Hermit

205

The Riddles, or AEnigmas

225