Royal Consort's speaking a little too much in my Favour; and here I am a joint-Slave with thy self; because a turbulent Fellow of a Gallant would beat his Lady. However, Comrade, let us march on boldly; let not our Courage be cast down; all this may possibly have a happier Issue than we expect. 'Tis absolutely necessary that 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 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 liv'd near the Desert of _Horeb_. The Way was long and tedious. _Setoc_, during the Journey, paid a much greater Regard to _Zadig's_ Valet, than to himself; because the former was the most able to load the Camels; and therefore what little Distinctions were made, they were in his Favour. It so happen'd that one of the Camels died upon the Road: The Load which the Beast carried was immediately divided, and thrown upon the Shoulders of the two Slaves; _Zadig_ had his Share.
_Setoc_, couldn't forbear laughing to see his two Slaves crouching under their Burthen. _Zadig_ took the Liberty to explain the Reason thereof; and convinc'd him of the Laws of the Equilibrium. The Merchant was a little startled at his philosophical Discourse, and look'd upon him with a more favourable Eye than at first. _Zadig_, perceiving he had rais'd his Curiosity, redoubled it, by instructing him in several material Points, which were in some Measure, advantageous to him in his Way of Business: Such as, the specific Weight of Metals, and other Commodities of various Kinds, of an equal Bulk; the Properties of several useful Animals, and the best Ways and Means to make Such as were wild, tame by Degrees, and fit for Service: In short, _Zadig_ was look'd upon by his Master, as a perfect Oracle. _Setoc_ now thought the Master the much better Man of the two. He us'd him courteously, and had no Room to repent of his Indulgence towards him.
Being got to their Journey's End, the first Step that _Setoc_ took was to claim a Debt of five hundred Ounces of Silver of a _Jew_, who had borrow'd it in the Presence of two Witnesses; but both of them were dead; and as the _Jew_ was conscious he couldn't be cast for Want of Evidence, appropriated the Merchant's Money to his own Use, and thank'd God that it lay in his Power for once to bite an _Arabian_ with Impunity. _Setoc_ discover'd 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 _Horeb_. What sort of a Man is your Debtor, said _Zadig_? Oh! he is as errand a Rogue as ever breath'd, reply'd _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 summon'd the _Jew_ to attend the Court; where, when the Judge was sat, _Zadig_ open'd the Cause: Thou impartial Judge of this Court of Equity, I am come here, in behalf of my Master, to demand of the Defendant five hundred Ounces of Silver, which he refuses to pay, and would fain traverse the Debt. Have you, Friend, your Witnesses 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 pleas'd to order the Stone to be brought in Court, I don't doubt but the Evidence it will give, will be Proof sufficient of the Fact. I hope your Excellence will order, that the _Jew_ and myself shall be oblig'd to attend the Court, till the Stone comes, and I'll dispatch a special Messenger to fetch it, at my Master's Expence. Your Request is very reasonable, said the Judge. Do as you propose; and so call'd another Cause.
When the Court was ready to break up, Well! said the Judge to _Zadig_, is your Stone come yet? The _Jew_, with a Sneer, replied, your Excellence may wait here till this Time To-morrow, before the Stone will appear in Court; for 'tis above six Mile off, and it will require fifteen Men to remove it from its Place. 'Tis well! 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 oblig'd to acknowledge the Debt. The Judge order'd 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_ releas'd. The Slave _Zadig_, and this remarkable Stone-Witness, were in great Repute all over _Arabia_.
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 discover'd, that his Master was in his Temper benevolent, strictly honest, and a Man of good natural Parts. _Zadig_ was very much concern'd, that One of so much Sense should pay divine Adoration to a whole Host of created, tho' Celestial Beings, that is to say, the Sun, Moon, and Stars, according to the antient Custom of the _Arabians_. He talk'd, at first, to his Master, with great Precaution on so important a Topick. But at last told him, in direct Terms, that they were created Bodies, as others, tho' of less Lustre, and that there was no more Adoration due to them, than to a Stock or a Stone. But, 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 they be deem'd as antient as the Stars? And if you are so fond of paying your Adoration on Account of their vast Distance; why don't you adore the Land of 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 perceiv'd his Patron to be at the Door, he fell prostrate on his Knees before the Wax-Lights. O ye everlasting, ever-shining Luminaries, be always propitious to your Votary, said _Zadig_. Having repeated these 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 conceal'd so genteely under a Vail. The superior Wisdom of his Slave enlightned his Mind; and from that Hour he was less lavish than ever he had been, of his Incense to those created Beings, and for the future, paid his Adoration to the eternal God who made them.
At that Time there was a most hideous Custom in high Repute all over _Arabia_, which came originally from _Scythia_; but having met with the Sanction of the bigotted Brachmans, threatn'd to spread its Infection all over the _East_. When a married Man happen'd to die, if his dearly beloved Widow ever expected to be esteem'd a Saint, she must throw herself headlong upon her Husband's Funeral-Pile.
This was look'd upon as a solemn Festival, and was call'd the Widow's Sacrifice. That Tribe which could boast of the greatest Number of burnt-Widows, was look'd upon as the most meritorious. An _Arabian_, who was of the Tribe of _Setoc_, happen'd just at that Juncture, to be dead, and his Widow (_Almona_ by Name) who was a noted Devotee, publish'd the Day, nay, the Hour, that she propos'd to throw herself (according to Custom) on her deceased Husband's Funeral Pile, and be attended by a Concert of Drums and Trumpets.
_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 forc'd from him at last, an ingenuous Confession, that the barbarous Custom then subsisting, ought, if possible, to be abolish'd. 'Tis now, replied _Setoc_, above a thousand Years since the Widows of _Arabia_ have been indulg'd with this Privilege of dying with their Husbands; and how shall any one dare to abrogate a Law that has been establish'd Time out of Mind? Is there any Thing more inviolable than even an antient Error? But, 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 I'll go, and sound the Widow's Inclinations.
Accordingly he paid her a Visit, and having insinuated himself into her Favour, by a few Compliments on her Beauty, after urging what a pity it was, that a young Widow, Mistress of so many Charms, should make away with herself 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, reply'd 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 determin'd to comply with our Custom. Surely then, Madam, there's a Sort of secret Pleasure in being burnt alive. Alas! with a Sigh, cried _Almona_, 'tis a Shock indeed to Nature; but must be complied with for all that. I am a profess'd Devotee, and should I shew the least Reluctance, my Reputation would be lost for ever; all the World would laugh at me, should I not burn myself on this Occasion: _Zadig_ having forc'd her ingenuously to confess, that she parted with her Life more out of Regard to what the World would say of her, and out of Pride and Ostentation, than any real Love for the deceas'd, he talk'd to her for some considerable Time so rationally, and us'd so many prevailing Arguments with her to justify her due Regard for the Life which she was going to throw away, that she began to wave the Thought, and entertain a secret Affection for her friendly Monitor.
Pray, Madam, tell me, said _Zadig_, how would you dispose of yourself, upon the Supposition, that you could shake off this vain and barbarous 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 allow'd to fall a Victim to a deceased Husband, till after she had admitted some young Man to converse with her in private for a whole Hour together. The Law was pass'd accordingly, and not one Widow in all _Arabia_, from that Day to this, ever observ'd 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 practis'd for such a Number of Ages. _Zadig_, therefore, with the strictest Justice, was look'd upon by all the Fair Sex in _Arabia_, as their most bountiful Benefactor.
CHAP. XI.
_Setoc_, who would never stir out without his Bosom-Friend (in whom alone, as he thought, all Wisdom center'd) resolv'd to take him with him to _Balzora_ Fair, whither the richest Merchants round the whole habitable Globe, us'd annually to resort. _Zadig_ was delighted to see such a Concourse of substantial Tradesmen from all Countries, assembled together in one Place. It appear'd to him, as if the whole Universe was but one large Family, and all happily met together at _Balzora_. On the second Day of the Fair, he sat down to Table with an _Egyptian_, an _Indian_, that liv'd on the Banks of the River 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 offer'd.
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. I have taken so much Care, that no Mummy whatever can equal it: And was I in my own Country, I could be furnish'd with what Sum soever I pleas'd, were I dispos'd to mortgage it. 'Tis a strange Thing that Nobody here will advance so small a Sum upon so valuable a Commodity. No sooner had he express'd his Resentment, but he was going to cut up a fine boil'd Pullet, in order to make a Meal on't, when an _Indian_ laid hold of his Hand, and with deep Concern, cried out, For God's 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 deceas'd Lady may have taken its Residence in that Fowl. And you wouldn't surely 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 abandon'd _Egyptian_ has never been as yet so impious as to gain-say it. Ay, Sir, an hundred 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, Sir, in your Notion, said a _Chaldean_, who sat within Hearing: All these invaluable Blessings were deriv'd 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, 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 I'll 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 _Brama_, _Apis_, and the _Oannes_, but in my humble Opinion, the *_Li_, or as 'tis by some call'd, the *_Tien_, is an Object more deserving of divine Adoration than any Ox, or Fish, how much soever you may boast of their respective Perfections. All I shall say, in regard to my native Country, 'tis of much greater Extent, than 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 to tell you, that ours are look'd 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_.
speaking, natural Light, or Reason; and_ Tien, _the Heavens, or the supreme Being._ You are all of you a Parcel of illiterate, ignorant Bigots, cry'd 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 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 urg'd as any Objection to his Country; and, in short, if any one of you, or all of you, shall dare to say any thing disrespectful of _Teutath_, I'll 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 hadn't once open'd his Lips during the whole Controversy, at last rose up, and address'd himself to the _Celt_, in the first Place, as being the most noisy and outrageous. Sir, said he, Your Notions in this Affair 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, soften'd 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 address'd them all in general Terms, to this or the like Effect: My dear Friends, You have been contesting all this while about an important Topick, in which 'tis evident, you are all unanimously agreed. Agreed, quotha! they all cried, in an angry Tone, How so, pray? Why said he to the hot, 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 united? Doubtless, Sir, reply'd the _Celt_. And you, Sir, said he, to the _Egyptian_, You revere, thro' your venerable _Apis_, the great Author of every Ox's 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 advanc'd, is, I must own, a little above my weak Comprehension, but I am fully persuaded, that he will allow there is a supreme Being on whom his favourite Matter and Form are entirely dependent. The _Grecian_, who was look'd 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, caress'd 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 inform'd, that a Prosecution had been carried on against him during his Absence, and that the Sentence pronounc'd against him was, that he should 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 determin'd to punish him. As all the costly Jewels, and other valuable Decorations, in which every young Widow that sacrificed her self on her Husband's Funeral-pile, were their customary Fees, 'tis no great Wonder, indeed, that they were inclin'd to burn poor _Zadig_, for playing them such a scurvy Trick.
_Zadig_ therefore, was accus'd of holding heretical and damnable Tenets, in regard to the Celestial Host: They depos'd, and swore point-blank, that he had been heard to aver, that the Stars never sat in the Sea. This horrid blasphemous Declaration thunder-struck all the Judges, and they were ready to rend their Mantles at the Sound of such an impious Assertion; and they would have 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, us'd all the Interest he had to save his bosom Friend from so shocking a Death; but they turn'd a deaf Ear to all his Remonstrances, and oblig'd him to hold his Tongue. The young Widow _Almona_, who by this Time was not only reconcil'd to living a little longer, but had some Taste for the Pleasures of Life, and knew that she was entirely indebted to _Zadig_ for it, resolv'd, if possible, to free her Benefactor from being burnt, as he had before convinc'd her of the Folly of it in her Case. She ponder'd upon this weighty Affair very seriously; but said nothing to any one whomsoever. _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 behav'd on this emergent Occasion.
In the first Place, she made use of the most costly Perfumes; and drest herself to the utmost Advantage to render her Charms as conspicuous as possible; And thus gaily attir'd, demanded a private Audience of the High Priest of the Stars. Upon her first Admittance into his august and venerable Presence, she address'd herself in the following Terms. O thou first-born and well-beloved Son of the Great Bear, Brother of the Bull, and first Cousin to the Dog, (these you must know were the Pontiff's high Titles) I come to confess myself before you: My Conscience is my Accuser, and I am terribly afraid I have been guilty of a mortal Sin, by declining the stated Custom of burning my self on my Husband's Funeral-pile? What could tempt me, in short, to a Prolongation of my Life, I can't imagine, I, who am grown a perfect Skeleton, all wrinkled and deform'd. She paus'd, and pulling off, with a negligent but artful Air, her long silk Gloves; She display'd a soft, plump, naked Arm, and white as Snow: You see, Sir, said she, that all my Charms are blasted. Blasted, Madam, said the luscious Pontiff; No! Your Charms are still resistless: His Eyes, and his Mouth, with which he kiss'd her Hand, confirm'd their Power: Such an Arm, Madam, by the 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 display'd such a snowy, panting Bosom, that Nature could not mend it. A Rose-Bud on an Ivory Apple, would, if set in Competition 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 roll'd, and seem'd as 'twere, on Fire; her lovely Cheeks, glowing with White and Red, her Nose, that was not unlike the Tower of 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 enamour'd, begg'd his Interest in Favour of _Zadig_. Alas! my dear Charmer, my Interest alone, when you request the Favour, would be but a poor Compliment; I'll take care his Acquittance shall be signed by three more of my Brother Priests. Do you sign first, however, said _Almona_. With all my Soul, said the amorous Pontiff, provided----you'll 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, repos'd upon a rosy-colour'd silver Sopha, where you shall use your Pleasure with your humble Servant. With that she made him a low Courtesy; took up _Zadig's_ general Release as soon as duely sign'd, and 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 distill'd 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 assur'd her that the Sun, Moon, and all the starry Host of Heav'n, were but languid Fires to her bright Eyes. He put the Question to her, in short, at once, and agreed to sign upon her Compliance. She suffer'd herself to be over-persuaded, and made an Assignation to meet him at a certain Place, as soon as the Star _Algenib_ should make its Appearance. From him she repair'd to the third and fourth Pontiff, taking care, wherever she went, to see _Zadig's_ Acquittance duely sign'd, and made fresh Appointments at the Rising of Star after Star.
When she had carried her Point thus far, she sent a proper Message to the Judges of the Court, who had condemn'd _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 produc'd _Zadig's_ Discharge duly sign'd by four several Hands, and told them the Definitive Treaty between all the contracting Parties. Each of the pontifical Gallants observ'd their Summons to a Moment. Each was startled at the Sight of his Rival; but perfectly thunderstruck to see the Judges, before whom the Widow had laid open her Case. _Zadig_ procur'd an absolute Pardon, and _Setoc_ was so charm'd 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 preserv'd between them; and, in short, should Fortune at any Time afterwards prove more propitious than could well be expected to either Party; the other should partake of an equal Share of his Success.
_Zadig_ steer'd his Course towards _Syria_; forever pondering on the hard Fate of the justly-admir'd _Astarte_, and reflecting on his own Stars that so obstinately darted down their malignant Rays, and continu'd daily to torment him. What, said he! to pay four hundred Ounces of Gold for only seeing a Bitch pass by me; to be condemn'd to be beheaded for four witless Verses in Praise of the King; to be strangled to Death, because a Queen was pleas'd to look upon me; to be made a Prisoner, and sold as a Slave for saving a young Lady from being sorely abus'd by a Brute rather than a Man; and to be upon the Brink of being roasted alive, for no other Offence than saving for the future all the Widows in _Arabia_ from becoming idle Burnt-Offerings, and mingling their Ashes with those of their deceased worthless Husbands.
CHAP. XIII.
_The_ FREE-BOOTER.
_Zadig_, arriving at the Frontiers which separate _Arabia Petraea_ from _Syria_, and passing by a very strong Castle, several arm'd _Arabians_ rush'd out upon him, and surrounding him, cried out: Whatever you have belonging to you is our Property, but as for your Person, that is entirely at our Sovereign's Disposal. _Zadig_, instead of making any Reply, drew his Sword, and as his Attendant was a very couragious Fellow, he drew likewise. Those who laid hold on them, first fell a Sacrifice to their Fury: Their Numbers redoubled: Yet still, Both dauntless, determin'd to 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, deliver'd the two Travellers out of their Hands. Whatever Goods or Chattels, said he, come upon my Territories, are my Effects; and whatever I find likewise that is valuable upon the Premises of others, is my free Booty; but, as you appear, Sir, to me to be a Gentleman of uncommon Courage, you shall prove an Exception to my general Rule. Upon this, he invited _Zadig_ 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 call'd _Free-booters_; but a Man who now and then did good Actions amongst a Thousand bad ones. He plunder'd without Mercy; but was liberal in his Benefactions. When in Action, intrepid; but in Traffick, easy enough; a perfect _Epicure_ in his Eating and Drinking, an absolute _Debauchee_, but very frank and open. _Zadig_ pleas'd him extremely; his Conversation being very lively, prolong'd 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 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 follow'd 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 reserv'd 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 bemoan'd itself, as being nothing more than a worthless _Atom_ of the Deserts. At the Expiration, however, of a few Years, it became that inestimable Diamond, which at this very Hour, is the richest, and most admir'd Ornament of the _Indian_ Crown. The old Man's Discourse fir'd me with some Ambition; I was conscious to myself that I was at that Time the _Atom_ he mention'd, but was determin'd, if possible, to become the _Diamond_. At my first setting out, I stole two Horses; then I got into a Gang; where we play'd at small Game, and stopp'd the small Caravans; thus I gradually lessen'd the wide Disproportion, which there was at first between me and the rest of Mankind: I enjoy'd not only my full Share of the good Things of this Life, but enjoy'd them with Usury. I was look'd upon as a Man of Consequence, and I procur'd this Castle by my military Atchievements. 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 aggrandiz'd 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 arriv'd here with his Royal Warrant. I was appriz'd of the whole Affair, and, accordingly, order'd his whole Retinue, consisting of four inferior Officers, to be strangled before his Face, after the same Manner as was intended for my Execution. After this, I ask'd him what he thought the Commission with which he was entrusted, might reasonably be valued at; he answer'd, that he presum'd his Premium (had he succeeded) might have amounted to about three Hundred Pieces of Gold. I made him sensible, that it would be for his Interest to be a commission'd Officer under me; I made him accordingly 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, I'll raise your Fortune as I have done his. Never was Trade brisker in our Way; for _Moabdar_, is knock'd on the Head, and all _Babylon_ in the utmost Confusion.
_Moabdar_ kill'd, said you! cry'd _Zadig_, and pray, Sir, what is