Stories of the Magicians; Thalaba and the Magicians of the Domdaniel, Rustem and the Genii, Kehama and His Sorceries (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1887. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI. THE DOOM. As Yamen spoke, there fell a sudden silence throughout the doleful region of death, a silence more awful than all the cries of lamentation and despair which had been heard before. Then through the silence there was heard an unwonted sound, that grew deeper as it advanced. It was the sound of Kehama's approach, for now all the rites of sacrifice and penance had been accomplished, and he came in the fulness of his power to seize on the throne of Padalon. In all his might and majesty he came; and, by the attribute of deity which he had won from heaven, he came self-multiplied, assailing the fortress of Yamen on every side at once. At each of the eight gates he stood at one and the same time, and beat down the eight guardians under his feet, and then in his brazen chariots of triumph drove through each gate at the same moment. Each chariot was drawn by a hundred aulays, creatures bigger than the biggest elephant, ten yokes of ten abreast. So he passed on in his strength to the throne of Yamen himself. Then Yamen put forth all his strength to do battle with his enemy. A darkness, thicker than the blackest night, concealed their strife; but, when it cleared away, it was seen that the might of sacrifice had prevailed. The Rajah was triumphant; and absorbing again his many shapes into one, he took his seat on the marble sepulchre, with the conquered Yamen's neck under his feet. He sat silent, a smile upon his lips, dallying with his power, as a guest at some rich banquet sips once and again from the goblet before he drains it. Before him stood the golden throne. He could not choose but see it, and seeing it could not but wonder. "Who are ye," he cried, "that in such torment bear this throne of gold? And why are ye but three? And for whom i...