Zadig, The Book of Faith by Voltaire.. - HTML preview

be sole Lady Regent. You will oblige me to the last Degree, by your friendly Assistance, and at the same Time get rid of

a Rival. Missouf, (cajol'd with the Hint) came into my Measures directly. She took care to send me packing forthwith, with

no other Attendant than an old Egyptian Slave.

No sooner had I reach'd the Borders of Arabia, but a notorious Free–booter, (one Arbogad by Name) pick'd me up, as I

was strolling along, and sold me to some Merchants, who convey'd me to yonder Castle, the magnificent Residence of

the Emir Ogul. He purchas'd me at all Adventures, without enquiring what, or who I was. He is a perfect Debauchee; his

sole Delight lies in good Eating, Wine, and Women; and is one, who imagines, that the Almighty sent him into the World

for no other Purpose but to gratify his unruly Appetites. He is excessively fat, and puffs and blows every Moment, like

one half choak'd. When he has gorg'd himself so unmercifully 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 he's well and sober. He has

intimated to him, that at present his Life's in Danger, and nothing will restore him but a Basilisk, boil'd in Rose–Water.

Whereupon the grand Ogul has promis'd 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 propos'd, 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 renew'd with Warmth the virtuous Affection which they had long conceiv'd for

each other; and reciprocally utter'd all the tenderest Expressions that Love in Distress could possibly devise. And 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 introduc'd into his Presence. Accordingly he was, and

his Address was to this or the like Effect. May immortal Health descend from Heaven to preserve a Life, Sir, so precious

as yours is. I am a Physician by Profession. I flew to your Palace, on the first News of the dangerous Situation you were

in, and have brought a Basilisk with me, distill'd in Rose–Water. I can have no Hopes of the Honour of your Bed, in Case

I succeed in my Application: All the Favour I request, is, the Release of one of your Babylonish Slaves, who has been in

your Highness's Retinue for some Time. And I am willing to be your Bond–slave in her Stead, if I fail of restoring the most

illustrious and magnificent Ogul to his pristine State of Health.

The Proposition was readily embrac'd. Astarte was instantly discharg'd, and set out for Babylon, with a proper

Attendant, according to Zadig's Direction; assuring her that she should hear every Day, by a special Courier, of his

Proceedings with his new Patient. The Farewel which 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 Lover's Life. Zadig's repeated Protestations of

Affection for the Queen were perfectly sincere, and the pure Dictates of his Heart; and the Queen's Love 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 inclos'd my never–failing Sudorific in

a Bladder, full–blown and carefully cover'd with the softest Leather. You must kick this Bladder, Sir, once a Day about

your Hall for a whole Hour together, with all the Vigour and Activity you possibly can. This Medicine must be repeated

every Morning, and I'll attend the Operation: Upon your due Observance of the Regimen I shall put you under, I doubt

not, but with the Blessing of Heav'n on my honest Endeavours, I shall give you ample Demonstration of my being an

Adept in Physick. Ogul, upon making the first Experiment, was ready to expire for want of Breath, and thought he should

die with the Fatigue. The second Day did not prove altogether so irksome, and he slept much better at Night than he had

done before. In short, our Doctor in about eight Days Time, perform'd an absolute Cure. His Patient was as brisk, active

and gay, as One in the Bloom of his Youth.

Now, Sir, said Zadig, I'll be ingenuous with you, and disclose to you the important Secret. You have play'd at Foot–ball

these eight Days successively; and you have liv'd all that Time, within the Bounds of Sobriety and Moderation. Know,

Sir, that there is no such Animal in Nature as a Basilisk; that Health is to be secur'd by Temperance and Exercise; and

that the Art of making Health consistent with Luxury, is altogether as impracticable, and an Art, in all Respects, as idle

and chimerical, as those of the Philosopher's Stone, judicial Astrology, or any other Reveries of the like airy and fantastic

Nature.

Ogul's Head–Physician, apprehensive that this unexpected Cure, thus wrought by a Stranger, through such an Anti–

medicinal Preparation, might possibly not only render himself the Object of Contempt in the Eye of his great Master, but

cast a Kind of Slur in general on his whole Fraternity, conven'd a Set of petty Doctors and Apothecaries, who were his

Vassals, and entirely devoted to his Interest, to find out some sure Ways and Means to cut off in private his dreadful

Rival; but whilst their wicked Plot was hatching, Zadig receiv'd a Courier from the Queen Astarte.

CHAPTER XVI.

The TOURNAMENTS.

The Queen was receiv'd at Babylon with all the Transports of Joy that could possibly be express'd for the safe Return of

so illustrious and so beautiful a Personage, that had run thro' such a long Series of Misfortunes. Babylon at that Time

seem'd to be perfectly serene and quiet. As for the young Prince of Hyrcania, he was slain in Battle. The Babylonians,

who were the Victors, declar'd that Astarte should marry that Candidate for the Crown, who should gain it by a fair and

impartial Election. They were determin'd, that the most valuable Post of Honour 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 procur'd by any

Party–Factions or Court–Intrigues. A solemn Oath was voluntarily taken by all Parties, that he who should distinguish

himself by his superior Valour and Wisdom, should unanimously be acknowledg'd the Sovereign–Elect.

A spacious List, or Circus, was pitched upon, surrounded with commodious Seats, erected in an Amphitheatrical

Manner, and richly embellish'd some few Leagues from the City. Thither the Combatants, or Champions were to repair,

compleatly accoutred. Each of them had a distinct Apartment to himself behind the Lists, where no Soul could either see

them, 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 proclaim'd the happy Victor.

Four Days afterwards, they were to meet again, accoutred as before, and to explain all such Ænigmas, 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 Ænigmas, before they could be entitled to the Election:

So that the Tournaments were to be continu'd till One of the Candidates should be twice a Victor, and 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 watch'd, and allow'd only to be a Spectator of both their Amusements, at some

considerable Distance; and moreover, to be cover'd with a Vail: Nor was she indulg'd so far as to speak one single Word

to any Candidate whomsoever, in order to prevent the least Jealousy or Suspicion either of Partiality or Injustice.

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.

CHAPTER 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