Chapter 15

CHAPTER XV.
ASTOLPHO IN ABYSSINIA. WHEN we last parted with the adventurous paladin Astolpho, he was
just commencing that flight over the countries of the world from which
he promised himself so much gratification. Our readers are aware
that the eagle and the falcon have not so swift a flight as the
Hippogriff on which Astolpho rode. It was not long, therefore,
before the paladin, directing his course toward the southeast, arrived
over that part of Africa where the great river Nile has its source.
Here he alighted, and found himself in the neighborhood of the capital
of Abyssinia, ruled by Senapus, whose riches and power were immense.
His palace was of surpassing splendor; the bars of the gates, the
hinges and locks, were all of pure gold; in fact this metal, in that
country, is put to all those uses for which we employ iron. It is so
common that they prefer for ornamental purposes rock crystal, of which
all the columns were made. Precious stones of different kinds, rubies,
emeralds, sapphires, and topazes were set in ornamental designs, and
the walls and ceilings were adorned with pearls.
It is in this country those famous balms grow of which there are
some few plants in that part of Judaea called Gilead. Musk, ambergris,
and numerous gums, so precious in Europe, are here in their native
climate. It is said the Sultan of Egypt pays a vast tribute to the
monarch of this country to hire him not to cut off the source of the
Nile, which he might easily do, and cause the river to flow in some
other direction, thus depriving Egypt of the source of its fertility.
At the time of Astolpho's arrival in his dominions, this monarch was
in great affliction. In spite of his riches and the precious
productions of his country, he was in danger of dying of hunger. He
was a prey to a flock of obscene birds called Harpies, which
attacked him whenever he sat at meat, and with their claws snatched,
tore, and scattered everything, overturning the vessels, devouring the
food, and infecting what they left with their filthy touch. It was
said this punishment was inflicted upon the king because when young,
and filled with pride and presumption, he had attempted to invade with
an army the terrestrial paradise, which is situated on the top of a
mountain whence the Nile draws its source. Nor was this his only
punishment. He was struck blind.
Astolpho, on arriving in the dominions of this monarch, hastened
to pay him his respects. King Senapus received him graciously, and
ordered a splendid repast to be prepared in honor of his arrival.
While the guests were seated at table, Astolpho filling the place of
dignity at the king's right hand, the horrid scream of the Harpies was
heard in the air, and soon they approached, hovering over