The orientalist

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1842 Excerpt: ...not the return of the adventurous chief, and towards sunset some of the boldest among the people consulted together if they should not force an entrance into the mysterious palace, and discover whether the mad strains of revelry proceeding from thence celebrated the triumph of their prince, or that of the terrible Kali. A chosen body of brave young men stood forward to prosecute this adventure, when lo! on the marble terrace which roofed the palace Buddunaut at length appeared. "Alas for the pride of man! A murmur of horror and dismay ran through the multitude; for behold the generous and heroic chief, a few hours before the model of manly grace and beauty, stood before them a blighted and distorted being, a monster of humanity, unrecognizable save by his jewelled crown, his royal robes, and the broad scar upon his brow, token of his days of glory and his prowess in battle. With hollow and discordant voice he addressed the assembly;--"' My devoted subjects--fellow worshippers of the divine Kali, behold your chief, whose eyes are now opened to see the fault he has committed in so long refusing his allegiance to that great and powerful goddess. Come, prostrate yourselves at her shrine; offer to her your dutiful vows, and then return to your homes and revel in all luxury and delight. Away with the wild shackles of law, let each man do that which is right in his own eyes: the world is wide enough for all, and the pleasures it contains are many and varied as the pebbles on the sea shore. Let us then eat, drink, and be merry: your monarch shall set you the example--Lo! I have chosen my queen, my bride, more lovely than the full-orbed moon; and for myself--if your fond love praised my strength and stature before, behold how glorious am I now!'--and the d...