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 abovemention'd, 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 _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 inscrib'd his Device amongst the List of Combatants; concealing, at the same Time, both his Person and Name, as the Laws of the Election required; and accordingly, withdrew to the Apartment that was provided for him, according to his Lot.
_Cador_, who was just return'd 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: 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, enrich'd 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 advanc'd was a Grandee, one _Itabod_ by Name, immensely rich, indeed, and very haughty; but no ways couragious; exceedingly awkward, and a Man of no acquir'd Parts. The Sycophants that hover'd round about him flatter'd him, that a Man of his Merit couldn't fail of being King: He imperiously replied, One of my Merit must be King: Whereupon he was arm'd _Cap-a-pee_. His Armour was made of pure Gold, enamell'd with Green. The Housings of his Saddle were green, and his Lance embellish'd with green Ribbands. Every One was sensible, at first Sight, by _Itobad's_ Manner of managing his Horse, that he was not the Man whom Heav'n had pitch'd 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, with his Heels quiv'ring in the Air.
_Itobad_, 'tis true, remounted, but with so ill a Grace, that an universal Laugh went round the Amphitheatre. The third, disdaining to use his Lance, made only a Feint at him: Then catch'd hold of his Right Leg, and whirling him round, threw him flat upon the Sand. The Esquires, who were the Attendants, ran to his Assistance, and with a Sneer remounted him. The fourth Combatant catch'd hold of his Left Leg, and unhors'd him again. He was convey'd thro' the hissing Multitude to his Lodge, where, according to the Law in that Case provided, he was to pass the Night. And as he hobbled along, said he, to the Esquires, what a sad Misfortune is this to One of my Birth and Character!
The other Champions play'd their Parts much better; and all came off with Credit. Some conquer'd two of their Antagonists, and others were so far successful as to get the better of three. None of them, however, except Prince _Hottam_, vanquish'd four. _Zadig_, at last, enter'd the Lists, and dismounted all his four Opponents, one after the other, with the utmost Ease, and with such an Air and Grace, as gain'd him universal Applause. As the Case stood thus, _Zadig_ and _Hottam_ were to close the Day's Entertainment in a single Combat.
The Armour of the latter was of a blue Colour mixt with Gold, and the Housings of his Saddle were of the same. Those of the former white as Snow. The Multitude were divided in their Wishes. The Knight in 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 Volta's, with the utmost Dexterity and Address, and keeping firm in their Saddles, gave each other such Rebuffs with their Lances, that all the Spectators (the Queen only excepted) wish'd for two Kings of _Babylon_. At last, their Horses being tired, and both their Lances broke, _Zadig_ made use of the following Stratagem, which his Antagonist wasn't any ways appriz'd of. He got artfully behind him, and shooting with a Spring on his Horses Buttocks, grasp'd him close, threw him headlong on the Sand, then jump'd into his Seat, and wheel'd 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_, incens'd 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 seem'd to get the better of each other alternately; for both were strong, and both were active. The Feathers of their Helmets, the Studs of their Bracelets, their Coats of Mail, flew about in Pieces, thro' the dry Blows which they a thousand Times repeated. They struck at each other sometimes with the Edge of their Swords, at other Times they push'd, as Occasion offer'd: Now on the Right, then on the Left; now on the Head, then at the Breast; they retreated; they advanc'd; they kept at a Distance; they clos'd again; they grasp'd each other, turning and twisting like two Serpents, and engag'd each other as fiercely as 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 disarm'd him. _Hottam_, thereupon, cried out, O thou Knight of the white Armour! 'Tis you only are destin'd to be the King of _Babylon_. The Queen was perfectly transported.
The two Champions were reconducted to their separate Lodges, as the others had been before them, in Conformity to the Laws prescrib'd.
Several Mutes were order'd to wait on the Champions, and carry them some proper Refreshment. We'll leave the Reader to judge whether the Queen's Dwarf was not appointed to wait 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 fatigu'd. _Itabod_, who lay 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 _Zadig's_ Apartment, took his white Armour and Device away with him, and substituted his green One in its Place.
As soon as the Day began to dawn, he repair'd, with a seemingly undaunted Courage, to the _Grand Magus_, to inform him, that he was the mighty Hero, the happy Victor. Without the least Hesitation, he gain'd his Point, and was proclaim'd Victor before _Zadig_ was awake. _Astarte_, astonish'd at this unexpected Disappointment, return'd with a Heart overwhelm'd with Despair, to the Court of _Babylon_. Almost all the Spectators were mov'd off from the Amphitheatre before _Zadig_ wak'd: He hunted for his Arms; but could find nothing but those in green. He was oblig'd, tho' sorely against his Will, to put it on, having nothing else in his Lodge to appear in: Confounded, and big with Resentment, he drest himself, and made his personal Appearance in that despicable Equipage. The Populace that were left behind in the _Circus_, hiss'd him every Step he took, they made a Ring about him, and treated him with all the Marks of Ignominy and Contempt. The most cowardly Wretch breathing was never sure so sweated, or hunted down as poor _Zadig_! He grew quite out of Patience at last, and cut his Way thro' the insulting Mob, with his Rival's Sabre; but he did not know what Measures to 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, plung'd in an Abyss of Sorrow; so on the other, he was almost drove distracted with Vexation and Resentment. He withdrew therefore, in a solitary Mood, to the Banks of 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, who had entertain'd an utter Aversion to a blind Eye, down to his late Loss of his white Armour. See! said he, the fatal Consequence of being a Sluggard! Had I been more vigilant, I had been King 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 prov'd an Aggravation of my Sorrows. He carried the Point so far at last, as to murmur at the unequal Dispensations of Divine Providence; and was tempted to believe, that all Occurrences were govern'd by a malignant Destiny, which never fail'd to oppress the Virtuous, and always crown'd the Actions of such Villains as the green 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 ceas'd to torment him.
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 fix'd. _Zadig_ threw himself in his Way, and made him a profound Bow. The Hermit return'd the Compliment with such an Air of Majesty and Benevolence, that _Zadig's_ 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 call'd, said the Hermit, the _Book of Fate_; will you please to look at it. He put the Book into the Hands of _Zadig_, who, tho' he was a perfect Master of several Languages, couldn't decypher one single Character.
This rais'd his Curiosity still higher. You seem dejected, said the good Father to him. Alas! I have Cause enough, said _Zadig_. If you'll permit me to accompany you, said the old Hermit, perhaps I may be of some Service to you. I have sometimes instill'd 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 harangu'd on Destiny, Justice, Morality, the sovereign Good, the Frailty of Nature; on Virtue and Vice, in such a lively Manner, and in such a Flow of Words, that _Zadig_ was attach'd to him by an invincible Charm. He begg'd 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 won't leave me, for some Days at least, let me do what I please. _Zadig_ took the Oath requir'd, and both pursu'd their Journey.
The two Travellers arriv'd that Evening at a superb Castle. The Hermit begg'd 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 with them thro' every rich Apartment of his Master's 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 serv'd with as much Delicacy and Profusion, as any of the other Guests.
When they arose from Table, they wash'd 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 furnish'd; 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 dismiss'd.
The Proprietor of this Castle, said _Zadig_, as they were upon the Road, seems to me to be a very hospitable Gentleman; tho' somewhat too haughty indeed, and too imperious: The Words were no sooner out of his Mouth, but he perceiv'd that the Pocket of his Comrade's Garment, tho' very large, was swell'd, 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 on't. About Noon, the Hermit rapp'd at a petty Cottage with his Staff, the beggarly Residence of an old, rich Miser. He desir'd 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 musty Olives, and a Draught or two of sower small Beer. The Hermit seem'd 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 fear'd they would be benighted) and gave him the two Pieces of Gold, he had but just receiv'd 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, comply'd with his Request: Most hospitable Sir, said the Hermit, I couldn't go away without returning you my grateful Acknowledgments for the friendly Reception we have met with this Afternoon. Be pleas'd 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 march'd 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 entertain'd 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 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. Don't be surpris'd, but follow me. _Zadig_ was at a stand at present; and couldn't well determine whether his Companion was a Man of greater Wisdom than ordinary, or a Mad-man. But the Hermit assum'd such an Ascendency over him, exclusive of the Oath he had taken, that he couldn't 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 retir'd from the busy World, in order to live in Peace, and form his Mind to Virtue. He was pleas'd 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, advis'd 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 talk'd very intelligently about the late Revolutions in _Babylon_. He seem'd entirely to be in the Queen's Interest, and heartily wish'd that _Zadig_ had entred the Lists for the regal Prize: But _Babylon_, said he, don't deserve a King of so much Merit. A modest Blush appear'd in _Zadig's_ Face at this unexpected Compliment, which innocently 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' every Thing here below is dangerous, yet All are necessary.
In the next Place, their Discourse turn'd 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 astonish'd, 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 ev'ry way agreeable, their Host conducted them to their Bed-chamber, thanking Heaven for directing two such polite and virtuous Strangers to his House. He offer'd them at the same Time 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, refus'd it, and took his leave, as he propos'd to set forward for _Babylon_ by Break of Day. Their Parting was very affectionate and friendly; _Zadig_, in particular, express'd 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 talk'd long in Praise of their new Host. As soon as Day-light appear'd, the old Hermit wak'd his young Comrade. 'Tis Time to be gone, said he; but as all the House are fast asleep, I'll leave a Token behind me of my Respect and Affection for the Master of it. No sooner were 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, shriek'd out, and would, if possible, have prevented him from being guilty of such a monstrous Act of Ingratitude. The Hermit dragg'd 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, turn'd back and survey'd 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' astonish'd to the last Degree, attended him to their last Stage, which was to the Cottage of a very virtuous and well-dispos'd Widow, who had a Nephew of about fourteen Years of Age. He was a hopeful Youth, and the Darling of her Heart. She entertain'd her two Guests with the best Provisions her little House afforded. In the Morning she order'd her Nephew to attend them to an adjacent Bridge, which, having been broken down some few Days before, render'd 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 Night's Favours. Upon that, he twisted his Fingers in the Hair of his 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, cry'd _Zadig_! Didn't you promise, said the Hermit, to view my Conduct with Patience? Know then, that had that Boy liv'd but one Year longer, he would have murder'd 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 disoblig'd you?
No sooner had our young _Babylonian_ ceas'd his severe Reflections, but he perceiv'd that the old Hermit's long Beard grew shorter and shorter; that the Furrows in his Face began to fill up, and that his Cheeks glow'd with a Rose-coloured Red, as if he had been in the Bloom of Fifteen. His Mantle was vanish'd at once; and on his Shoulders, which were before cover'd, appear'd four angelic Wings, each refulgent as the Sun. O thou Messenger of Heaven! O thou angelic Form! cry'd _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 deserv'd to have thy Mind enlighten'd.
_Zadig_, begg'd 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 chastiz'd the Lad, and by that Means reform'd him, than to have cut him off thus unprepar'd in a Moment. _Jesrad_, replied, had he been virtuous, and had he liv'd, 'twas his _Fate_ not only to be murder'd 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 intended only as a Touch-stone, to try a small Number of the Just, who are thinly scatter'd 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 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 plung'd into the River, was drown'd by _Chance_; and that our generous Benefactor's House was reduc'd 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 breathing. The great _Orasmades_, sent you to amend his Situation. Frail Mortal! Cease to contend with what you ought to adore. But, said _Zadig_--whilst 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 acknowledg'd 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_.
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 engag'd 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 concern'd were present, except the Knight of the Green Armour. No sooner had _Zadig_ made his Appearance in the City, but the Populace flock'd round about him: No Eye was satisfied with gazing at him: All in general were lavish of their Praises, and in their Hearts wish'd him their Sovereign, except the envious Man, who as he pass'd by, fetch'd a deep Sigh, and turn'd 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 Death's Door; she couldn't 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 confus'd Murmur ran thro' the whole Place. Every Eye was surpriz'd, tho' charm'd at the same Time 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 propos'd. '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_ propos'd was this: What is the longest and yet the shortest Thing in the World; the most swift and the most slow; the most divisible, and the most extended; the least valu'd, 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 acknowledg'd the Hero of the Circus. One said, the Solution of the AEnigma propos'd 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 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. It's 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.
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 pass'd his Verdict. _Zadig_ was the only Person that concluded it was LIFE. He solv'd every AEnigma propos'd, 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 inclin'd to trouble his Head about such Trifles.
Other Questions were propos'd in regard to Justice, the sovereign Good, and the Art of Government. _Zadig's_ 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_, dress'd himself in it whilst I was asleep. He imagin'd, 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 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 view'd him with Transport mix'd with Fear. _Itobad_ drew his, but paid his Compliments to Nobody. He approach'd _Zadig_, as one, whom he imagin'd incapable of making any 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 _Itobad's_ Sword was snapt in two. With that _Zadig_ in an Instant clos'd 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 stripp'd of your borrow'd Plumes, or you are a dead Man this Moment.
_Itobad_, always surpriz'd, 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 Helmet, his superb Cuirass, his rich Bracelets, his brilliant Cuisses, or Armour for his Thighs, and other Martial Accoutrements. When _Zadig_ had equipp'd himself _Cap-a-pee_, in his now recover'd Armour, he flew to _Astarte_, and threw himself prostrate at her Feet. _Cador_ prov'd, without any great Difficulty, that the White Armour was _Zadig's_ Property. He was thereupon acknowledg'd 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 himself with being call'd _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 ador'd 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 of Honour; but assur'd him at the same Time, that he'd make a publick Example of him, if he follow'd 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 advanc'd 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 King's 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 sentenc'd, not only to pay him a very considerable 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, soften'd the Rigour of the Sentence, and took the Money only in full of all Accounts.
He didn't 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 sooth'd 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 golden Age. The whole Country was sway'd by Love and Justice. Every one blest _Zadig_; and _Zadig_ blest Heav'n for his unexpected Success.
_FINIS._