Part 4
'Tis a history Handed from ages down; the nurses make it A tale to please their children, And as their garrulous ignorance relates We learn it and believe ... but all things feel The power of Time and Change! thistles and grass Usurp the desolate palace, and the weeds Of Falshood root in the aged pile of Truth. How have you heard the tale?
THALABA.
Thus ... on a time The Angels at the wickedness of man Expressed indignant wonder: that in vain Tokens and signs were given, and Prophets sent,... Strange obstinacy this! a stubborness Of sin, they said, that should for ever bar The gates of mercy on them. Allah heard Their unforgiving pride, and bade that two Of these untempted Spirits should descend, Judges on earth. Haruth and Maruth went, The chosen Sentencers; they fairly heard The appeals of men to their tribunal brought, And rightfully decided. At the length A Woman came before them ... beautiful Zohara was, as yonder Evening star, In the mild lustre[71] of whose lovely light Even now her beauty shines. They gazed on her With fleshly eyes, they tempted her to sin. The wily woman listened, and required A previous price, the knowledge of the name[72] Of God. She learnt the wonder-working name And gave it utterance, and its virtue bore her Up to the glorious Presence, and she told Before the aweful Judgement-Seat, her tale.
OLD MAN.
I know the rest, the accused Spirits were called: Unable of defence, and penitent, They owned their crime and heard the doom deserved. Then they besought the Lord that not for ever His wrath might be upon them; and implored That penal ages might at length restore them Clean from offence, since then by Babylon In the cavern of their punishment they dwell, Runs the conclusion so?
THALABA.
So I am taught.
OLD MAN.
The common tale! and likely thou hast heard How that the bold and bad, with impious rites Intrude upon their penitence, and force, Albeit from loathing and reluctant lips, The sorcery-secret?
THALABA.
Is it not the truth?
OLD MAN.
Son, thou hast seen the Traveller in the sands Move in the dizzy light of the hot noon, Huge[73] as the giant race of elder times, And his Camel, than the monstrous Elephant, Seem of a vaster bulk.
THALABA.
A frequent sight.
OLD MAN.
And hast thou never in the twilight, fancied Familiar object into some strange shape And form uncouth?
THALABA.
Aye! many a time.
OLD MAN.
Even so Things viewed at distance thro' the mist of fear, In their distortion terrify and shock The abused sight.
THALABA.
But of these Angels fate Thus in the uncreated Book is written.
OLD MAN.
Wisely from legendary fables, Heaven Inculcates wisdom.
THALABA.
How then is the truth? Is not the dungeon of their punishment By ruined Babylon?
OLD MAN.
By Babylon Haruth and Maruth may be found.
THALABA. And there Magician learn their impious sorcery?
OLD MAN.
Son what thou sayest is true, and it is false. But night approaches fast; I have travelled far And my old lids are heavy ... on our way We shall have hours for converse, let us now Turn to our due repose. Son, peace be with thee!
So in his loosened cloak The Old Man wrapt[74] himself And laid his limbs at length: And Thalaba in silence laid him down. Awhile he lay and watched the lovely Moon, O'er whose broad orb the boughs A mazy fretting framed, Or with a pale transparent green Lighting the restless leaves, The thin Acacia leaves that played above. The murmuring wind, the moving leaves Lulled him to sleep with mingled lullabies.
Not so the dark Magician by his side, Lobaba, who from the Domdaniel caves Had sought the dreaded youth. Silent he lay, and simulating sleep, Till by the long and regular breath he knew The youth beside him slept. Carefully then he rose, And bending over him, surveyed him near And secretly he cursed The dead Abdaldar's ring, Armed by whose amulet He slept from danger safe.
Wrapped in his mantle Thalaba reposed, His loose right arm pillowing his head. The Moon was on the Ring, Whose crystal gem returned A quiet, moveless light. Vainly the Wizard vile put forth his hand And strove to reach the gem, Charms strong as hell could make them, made it safe. He called his servant fiends, He bade the Genii rob the sleeping youth. By the virtue of the Ring, By Mohammed's holier power, By the holiest name of God, Had Thalaba disarmed the evil race.
Baffled and weary, and convinced at length, Anger, and fear, and rancour gnawing him, The accursed Sorcerer ceased his vain attempts. Content perforce to wait Temptations likelier aid. Restless he lay, and brooding many a wile, And tortured with impatient hope, And envying with the bitterness of hate The innocent youth, who slept so sweetly by.
The ray of morning on his eye lids fell, And Thalaba awoke And folded his mantle around him, And girded his loins for the day; Then the due rites of holiness observed. His comrade too arose, And with the outward forms Of righteousness and prayer insulted God. They filled their water skin, they gave The Camel his full draught. Then on their road while yet the morn was young And the air was fresh with dew, Forward the travellers went, With various talk beguiling the long way. But soon the youth, whose busy mind Dwelt on Lobaba's wonder-stirring words, Renewed the unfinished converse of the night.
THALABA.
Thou saidest that it is true, and yet is false, That men accurst, attain at Babylon Forbidden knowledge from the Angel pair.... How mean you?
LOBABA.
All things have a double power, Alike for good and evil, the same fire That on the comfortable hearth at eve Warmed the good man, flames o'er the house at night Should we for this forego The needful element? Because the scorching summer Sun Darts fever, wouldst thou quench the orb of day? Or deemest thou that Heaven in anger formed Iron to till the field, because when man Had tipt his arrows for the chase, he rushed A murderer to the war?
THALABA.
What follows hence?
LOBABA.
That nothing in itself is good or evil, But only in its use. Think you the man Praiseworthy who by painful study learns The knowledge of all simples, and their power Healing or harmful?
THALABA.
All men hold in honour The skilful Leech. From land to land he goes Safe in his privilege; the sword of war Spares him, Kings welcome him with costly gifts, And he who late had from the couch of pain Lifted a languid look to him for aid, Views him with brightened eyes, and blesses him In his first thankful prayer.
LOBABA.
Yet some there are Who to the purposes of wickedness, Apply this knowledge, and from herbs distil Poison to mix it in the trusted draught.
THALABA.
Allah shall cast them in the fire Whose fuel is the cursed! there shall they Endure the ever-burning agony Consuming[75] still in flames, and still renewed.
LOBABA.
But is their knowledge therefore in itself Unlawful?
THALABA.
That were foolishness to think.
LOBABA.
O what a glorious animal were Man, Knew he but his own powers! and knowing gave them Room for their growth and spread! the Horse obeys His guiding will, the patient Camel bears him Over these wastes of sand, the Pigeon wafts His bidding thro' the sky: and with these triumphs He rests contented! with these ministers, When he might awe the Elements, and make Myriads of Spirits serve him!
THALABA.
But as how! By a league with Hell, a covenant that binds The soul to utter death!
LOBABA.
Was Solomon Accurst of God? yet to his talismans Obedient, o'er his throne the birds of Heaven Their waving wings[76] his sun-shield, fanned around him The motionless air of noon: from place to place, As his will reined the viewless Element He rode the Wind: the Genii reared his temple, And ceaselessly in fear while his dead eye O'erlooked them, day and night pursued their toil, So dreadful was his power.
THALABA.
But 'twas from Heaven His wisdom came; God's special gift ... the guerdon Of early virtue.
LOBABA.
Learn thou, O young man! God hath appointed Wisdom the reward Of study! 'tis a spring of living waters, Whose inexhaustible bounties all might drink But few dig deep enough. Son! thou art silent,... Perhaps I say too much,... perhaps offend thee.
THALABA.
Nay, I am young, and willingly as becomes me, Hear the wise words of age.
LOBABA.
Is it a crime To mount the horse, because forsooth thy feet Can serve thee for the journey? is it sin Because the Hern soars upward in the sky Above the arrow's flight, to train the Falcon Whose beak shall pierce him there? the powers which All Granted to man, were granted for his use; All knowledge that befits not human weakness Is placed beyond its reach.... They who repair To Babylon, and from the Angels learn Mysterious wisdom, sin not in the deed.
THALABA.
Know you these secrets?
LOBABA.
I? alas my Son My age just knows enough to understand How little all its knowledge! later years Sacred to study, teach me to regret Youth's unforeseeing indolence, and hours That cannot be recalled! something I know: The properties of herbs, and have sometimes Brought to the afflicted comfort and relief By the secrets of my art; under His blessing Without whom all had failed! Also of Gems I have some knowledge, and the characters That tell beneath what aspect they were set.
THALABA.
Belike you can interpret then the graving Around this Ring?
LOBABA.
My sight is feeble, Son, And I must view it closer, let me try!
The unsuspecting Youth Held forth his linger to draw off the spell. Even whilst he held it forth, There settled there a Wasp, And just above the Gem infixed its dart. All purple swoln the hot and painful flesh Rose round the tightened Ring. The baffled Sorcerer knew the hand of Heaven, And inwardly blasphemed.
Ere long Lobaba's heart, Fruitful in wiles, devised new stratagem. A mist arose at noon; Like the loose hanging skirts Of some low cloud that, by the breeze impelled, Sweeps o'er the mountain side. With joy the thoughtless youth That grateful shadowing hailed; For grateful was the shade, While thro' the silver-lighted haze Guiding their way, appeared the beamless Sun. But soon that beacon failed; A heavier mass of cloud Impenetrably deep, Hung o'er the wilderness. "Knowest thou the track?" quoth Thalaba, "Or should we pause, and wait the wind "To scatter this bewildering fog?" The Sorcerer answered him "Now let us hold right on,... for if we stray "The Sun tomorrow will direct our course." So saying, he towards the desert depths Misleads the youth deceived.
Earlier the night came on, Nor moon, nor stars, were visible in Heaven; And when at morn the youth unclosed his eyes He knew not where to turn his face in prayer. "What shall we do?" Lobaba cried, "The lights of Heaven have ceased "To guide us on our way. "Should we remain and wait "More favourable skies? "Soon would our food and water fail us here! "And if we venture on, "There are the dangers of the wilderness!" "Sure it were best proceed!" The chosen youth replies. "So haply we may reach some tent, or grove "Of dates, or stationed tribe. "But idly to remain "Were yielding effortless, and waiting death." The wily Sorcerer willingly assents, And farther in the sands, Elate of heart, he leads the credulous youth.
Still o'er the wilderness Settled the moveless mist. The timid Antelope that heard their steps Stood doubtful where to turn in that dim light, The Ostrich, blindly hastening, met them full. At night again in hope, Young Thalaba laid down; The morning came, and not one guiding ray Thro' the thick mist was visible, The same deep moveless mist that mantled all. Oh for the Vulture's scream That haunts for prey the abode of humankind! Oh for the Plover's[77] pleasant cry To tell of water near! Oh for the Camel-driver's[78] song! For now the water-skin grows light, Tho' of the draught, more eagerly desired, Imperious prudence took with sparing thirst. Oft from the third night's broken sleep, As in his dreams he heard The sound of rushing winds, Started the anxious youth, and looked abroad, In vain! for still the deadly calm endured. Another day past on, The water-skin was drained, But then one hope arrived For there was motion in the air! The sound of the wind arose anon That scattered the thick mist, And lo! at length the lovely face of Heaven!
Alas ... a wretched scene Was opened on their view. They looked around, no wells were near, No tent, no human aid! Flat on the Camel lay the water-skin, And their dumb servant difficultly now, Over hot sands and under the hot sun, Dragged on with patient pain. But oh the joy! the blessed sight! When in the burning waste the Travellers Saw a green meadow, fair with flowers besprent, Azure and yellow, like the beautiful fields Of England, when amid the growing grass The blue-bell bends, the golden king-cup shines, In the merry month of May! Oh joy! the Travellers Gaze on each other with hope-brightened eyes, For sure thro' that green meadow flows The living stream! and lo! their famished beast Sees the restoring sight! Hope gives his feeble limbs a sudden strength, He hurries on! The herbs so fair to eye Were Senna, and the Gentian's blossom blue, And kindred plants that with unwatered root Fed in the burning sand, whose bitter leaves Even frantic[79] Famine loathed.
In uncommunicating misery Silent they stood. At length Lobaba cried, "Son we must slay the Camel, or we die "For lack of water! thy young hand is firm, "Draw forth the knife and pierce him!" Wretch accurst, Who that beheld thy venerable face, Thy features fixed with suffering, the dry lips, The feverish eyes, could deem that all within Was magic ease, and fearlessness secure, And wiles of hellish import? the young man Paused with reluctant pity: but he saw His comrade's red and painful countenance, And his own burning breath came short and quick, And at his feet the gasping beast Lies, over-worn with want. Then from his[80] girdle Thalaba took the knife With stern compassion, and from side to side Across[81] the Camel's throat, Drew deep the crooked blade. Servant of man, that merciful deed For ever ends thy suffering, but what doom Waits thy deliverer! "little will thy death "Avail us!" thought the youth, As in the water-skin he poured The Camel's hoarded draught: It gave a scant supply, The poor allowance of one prudent day.
Son of Hodeirah, tho' thy steady soul Despaired not, firm in faith, Yet not the less did suffering Nature feel Her pangs and trials, long their craving thirst Struggled with fear, by fear itself inflamed; But drop by drop, that poor, That last supply is drained! Still the same burning sun! no cloud in heaven! The hot air quivers, and the sultry mist Floats o'er the desert, with a show Of distant[82] waters, mocking their distress! The youth's parched lips were black, His tongue was[83] dry and rough, His eye-balls red with heat. His comrade gazed on him with looks That seemed to speak of pity, and he said "Let me behold thy Ring, "It may have virtue that can save us yet!" With that he took his hand And viewed the writing close, Then cried with sudden joy "It is a stone that whoso bears "The Genii must obey! "Now raise thy voice, my Son, "And bid them in his name that here is written "Preserve us in our need."
"Nay!" answered Thalaba, "Shall I distrust the providence of God? "Is it not He must save? "If Allah wills it not "Vain were the Genii's aid."
Whilst he spake Lobaba's eye Full on the distance fixed, Attended not his speech. Its fearful meaning drew The looks of Thalaba. Columns of sand came moving on, Red in the burning ray Like obelisks of fire They rushed before the driving wind. Vain were all thoughts of flight! They had not hoped escape Could they have backed the Dromedary then Who in his rapid race Gives to the tranquil[84] air, a drowning force.
High ... high in heaven upcurled The dreadful[85] columns moved, Swift, as the whirlwind that impelled their way, They rushed towards the Travellers! The old Magician shrieked, And lo! the foremost bursts, Before the whirlwind's force, Scattering afar a burning shower of sand. "Now by the virtue of the Ring "Save us!" Lobaba cried. "While yet thou hast the power "Save us. O save us! now!" The youth made no reply, Gazing in aweful wonder on the scene.
"Why dost thou wait?" the Old Man exclaimed, "If Allah and the Prophet will not save "Call on the Powers that will!"
"Ha! do I know thee, Infidel accurst?" Exclaimed the awakened youth. "And thou hast led me hither, Child of Sin! "That fear might make me sell "My soul to endless death!"
"Fool that thou art!" Lobaba cried, "Call upon him whose name "Thy charmed signet bears, "Or die the death thy foolishness deserves!"
"Servant of Hell! die thou!" quoth Thalaba. And leaning on his bow He fitted the loose string, And laid the arrow in its resting-place. "Bow of my Father, do thy duty now!" He drew the arrow to its point, True to his eye it fled, And full upon the breast It smote the wizard man. Astonished Thalaba beheld The blunted point recoil.
A proud and bitter smile Wrinkled Lobaba's cheek, "Try once again thine earthly arms!" he cried. "Rash Boy! the Power I serve "Abandons not his votaries. "It is for Allah's wretched slaves, like thou, "To serve a master, who in the hour of need "Forsakes them to their fate! "I leave thee!"... and he shook his staff, and called The Chariot of his Charms.
Swift as the viewless wind, Self-moved, the Chariot came, The Sorcerer mounts the seat. "Yet once more weigh thy danger!" he exclaimed, "Ascend the car with me, "And with the speed of thought "We pass the desert bounds." The indignant youth vouchsafed not to reply, And lo! the magic car begins its course! Hark! hark!... he screams.... Lobaba screams! What wretch, and hast thou raised The rushing Terrors of the Wilderness To fall on thine own head? Death! death! inevitable death! Driven by the breath of God A column of the Desert met his way.
The Fifth Book.
THALABA THE DESTROYER.
THE FIFTH BOOK.
When Thalaba from adoration rose, The air was cool, the sky With welcome clouds o'ercast, That soon came down in rain. He lifted up his fevered face to heaven, And bared his head and stretched his hands To that delightful shower, And felt the coolness flow thro' every limb Freshening his powers of life.
A loud quick panting! Thalaba looks up, He starts, and his instinctive hand Grasps the knife hilt: for close beside A Tyger passes him. An indolent and languid eye The passing Tyger turned; His head was hanging down, His dry tongue lolling low, And the short panting of his fevered breath Came thro' his hot parched nostrils painfully. The young Arabian knew The purport of his hurried pace, And following him in hope Saw joyful from afar The Tyger stoop and drink.
The desert Pelican had built her nest In that deep solitude. And now returned from distant flight Fraught with the river stream, Her load of water had disburthened there. Her young in the refreshing bath Sported all wantonness; Dipt down their callow heads, Filled the swoln membrane from their plumeless throat Pendant, and bills yet soft, And buoyant with arched breast, Plied in unpractised stroke The oars of their broad feet. They, as the spotted prowler of the wild Laps the cool wave, around their mother croud, And nestle underneath her outspread wings. The spotted prowler of the wild Lapt the cool wave,[86] and satiate from the nest, Guiltless of blood, withdrew.
The mother bird had moved not But cowering o'er her nestlings, Sate confident and fearless, And watched the wonted guest. But when the human visitant approached, The alarmed Pelican Retiring from that hostile shape, Gathers her young, and menaces with wings, And forward thrusts her threatening neck, Its feathers ruffling in her wrath, Bold with maternal fear. Thalaba drank and in the water-skin Hoarded the precious element. Not all he took, but in the large nest left Store that sufficed for life. And journeying onward blest the Carrier Bird, And blest in thankfulness, Their common Father, provident for all.
With strength renewed and confident in faith The son of Hodeirah proceeds; Till after the long toil of many a day, At length Bagdad appeared, The City of his search. He hastening to the gate Roams o'er the city with insatiate eyes, Its thousand dwellings o'er whose level roofs Fair cupolas appeared, and high-domed mosques And pointed minarets, and cypress groves Every where scattered[87] in unwithering green.
Thou too art fallen, Bagdad! City of[88] Peace, Thou too hast had thy day! And loathsome Ignorance and brute Servitude Pollute thy dwellings now, Erst for the Mighty and the Wise renowned. O yet illustrious for remembered fame, Thy founder the [89]Victorious, and the pomp Of Haroun, for whose name by blood defiled, Jahia's, and the blameless Barmecides', Genius hath wrought salvation; and the years When Science with the good Al-Maimon dwelt; So one day may the Crescent from thy Mosques Be plucked by Wisdom, when the enlightened arm Of Europe conquers to redeem the East.