[The English Library of Standard Works was published by John Dicks, of 313 Strand, London, over a period of more than twenty years. The general format was a weekly issue, containing parts of five or six novels; towards the end of the run, short stories and novellas would be inserted, to make up for stories that had finished. Authors included Dickens, Thackeray, Ainsworth, Fielding, Dumas and Lemon, as well as a host of lesser lights. The most published name was G.W.M Reynolds, whose house-publisher Dicks was. The enormous majority of titles were pirated.
"The Magician and the Favourite" is anonymous; but it is of the school of Raphael, and judging by the display of detailed (and accurate) knowledge of astrology, it is likely to be by the master himself. Raphael's identity is unknown; he may have been one person, or a team working under the one name. In the 1830s he (or she, or they) published (by John Bennet, of Paternoster Row, London) the annual Lady's Witch and other various books of predictions such as the Familiar Astrologer, which included short stories designed to show how astrology and fate work. They tend to be slim on plot and excellent on atmosphere, which is certainly the case here. I therefore put this out as 'probably' by Raphael; but I am always pleased to be corrected. His success spawned so many imitators that I am quite likely to be wrong!
Raphael's Ephemeris — a book of tables for astrologers — is still published yearly, and is the standard work in the field.]
The zealous antiquary, or the observant citizen of London, whose memory carries him back for a period of fifty years, may remember an old low-browed house, which formerly stood on the north side of Tower Hill, on the site of the gardens which once belonged to ancient monastery of the Crutched Friars, though its name was successively changed, as the royal grant allotted it, in the first instance, to Sir Thomas Wyat, and, at a later period, to Sir Thomas Savage.
The last designation it still retains, though modern alterations and improvements have at
length done away with this long-surviving relic of former days, and the spot where it stood is now undistinguished from the surrounding neighbourhood.
The peculiar style of architecture which characterised this building had, even so far back as the reign of Queen Elizabeth, rendered it remarkable for its antiquity, and sufficiently attested the early period of its construction.
The front of the house was low, and consisted of only one story, which, projecting far into the street, completely cast the lower part into shade. The roof rose high and conical, and terminated at the top in a grotesque device of carved oak, representing what might pass for an angel in the eyes of the pious, or of a fiend in those of the less scrupulous.
Many strange figures were freely sculptured at the extremities of the beams, which formed the framework of the large lattice, and supported the cross-timbers of the upper story.
The door-posts, also, were enriched with the same minute and laboriously-executed ornaments. The portal itself was low and wide, and the thick oaken planks of the door were profusely and irregularly studded with small iron knobs, bearing no very remote resemblance to those ancient inscriptions which Orientalists describe as written in the Babylonian character.
The window above, though large and extending along the whole front of the house, was yet so obscured by the garniture of the woodwork which surrounded it, as to make it difficult for the light of day to penetrate far into the gloomy recesses of the chamber.
In addition to this, the house stood not alone, but situated in a narrow street; with lofty buildings in front and around, which seemed inclined to topple upon their lowly neighbour, and effectually precluded the sun's rays, even on the brightest days, from enlightening the dusky mansion.
Such was the appearance of this edifice in the year 1584, when it became the residence of a being as singularly distinguished from the rest of the world around him, as the tenement he occupied would appear beside our modern edifices.
Of his birth, and even of his country, nothing was precisely known; but from the observations
which the inquisitiveness of his neighbours prompted him to make, it was conjectured he was of
Arabian origin.
His appearance in this quarter of the world was sudden; but it was rumoured that he had found his way to England in the suite of a foreign ambassador, as the previous occurrences of his life rendered such a mode of travelling necessary to his safety.
Though he never mixed voluntarily with his neighbours, his door was always open to such as wished to cross his threshold; but the numbers of his visitors was few.
He neither invited nor repelled observation; but there was that about him which was far from stimulating the superstitious and unenlightened people, in the midst of whom he dwelt, to a renewal of their visit.
Those who had once entered within the precincts of his dwelling, returned impressed with a degree of awe, which gradually communicated itself to all in the vicinity; so that in a short time, without any real cause for dislike, he was marked, feared, and generally avoided.
The report went abroad that his knowledge in the occult sciences was unbounded, and those who had seen the interior of his abode gave marvellous descriptions of the wonders which attracted their astonished gaze on all sides.
Philosophical instruments and others, whose uses were more imperfectly imagined, strange garments, weapons of peculiar form, crucibles and retorts, stuffed animals of various kinds, and one or two living ones not common to Europe, together with numerous emblems of mortality, alike fitted for the contemplation of the moralizing philosopher, or the mystic appendages of the necromancer, were all to be seen in the apartment of him who had insensibly acquired the reputation of one of the Magi of old, though it was probable he was only another link of the long chain of those who laboured for the advancement of what was generally termed the grand magisterium or secret -- the discovery of the philosopher's stone, with all its mysterious accompaniments.
The personal appearance of this individual was as remarkable as the furniture of his dwelling. His dress was usually a long violet-coloured robe (the mourning garment of the East), confined round the middle by a broad leathern belt on which were inscribed the signs of the zodiac, and various unknown characters.
He wore a high conical cap made of dark fur, such as we see on Armenians, Persians, and other inhabitants of Asia.
His feet were shod with sandals, and from his waist hung a small case of writing materials; a scroll of parchment, only partially concealed in. the folds of his ample robe, and a long ebon staff, which he invariably carried abroad, completed his external appearance.
In form he was tall, though somewhat bent, either from age, or the habit of meditation, which fixed his gaze almost constantly upon the earth, except when he was about to speak.
His head was then raised, and disclosed features, the expression of which was strikingly fine and noble.
The forehead was high and expansive, the eyes dark and piercing, the mouth grave and well formed, and a long beard of snowy whiteness, falling on his breast, gave an air of venerable solemnity to his whole countenance, which could not fail to impress the beholders with respect, if not with awe.
The name by which he was known was that of Youssouf.
In the daytime he was rarely seen, but in the evening when the dim haze of twilight began to wrap every object in obscurity, he might be observed issuing forth, and pacing with majestic step towards the open country which skirted this part of the town, or descending to the banks of the river, along the margin of which it was his wont to walk sometimes for several hours together.
The night appeared not to be allotted by him to the purpose of rest; for the faint twinkle of the solitary lamp which flamed from the upper chamber indicated that his studies were unremitting, whatever might be their object.
It has been observed that Youssouf was more shunned than sought. There were times, however, when this prejudice gave way before the necessities of those who came with humble looks to implore his assistance; their health, their undertakings, and their fortunes were by turns the theme of solicitation, and to all he lent an attentive ear.
His medical skill restored their former strength; his prescience afforded them wise rules for their future guidance, if it did not absolutely predict the course of events; and his liberality often relieved in a more tangible manner the wants of such as were not undeserving of his kindness.
The fame of Youssouf soon spread far and wide, and upon the last-mentioned circumstance the conjectures as to his wealth were more ostensibly founded.
It was a chill and wintry night, at the latter end of October, when a boat pulled by four stout rowers was rapidly urged along the river, as it returned from the royal residence at Greenwich to London.
Though the moon was at the full, her light was obscured by heavy masses of dark cloud, which drifted before her and cast a fitful gloom over the face of nature; the wind whistled shrilly, and, sweeping in sudden gusts across the stream, curled up the surface of the waters, and dashed the cold spray over the boatmen as they sped the light and bounding barque.
A young man sat in the stern of the boat wrapped in a large cloak which completely concealed his figure. He seemed absorbed in a profound reverie, though constant habit gave him the power to guide the helm mechanically, and avoid the many impediments which obstructed the channel.
The boat was now fast approaching the city, and the frowning battlements of the ancient Tower of London were at intervals perceptible when the moon for a moment struggled through the dark veil which obscured her brightness.
On a sudden the young man started from the musing attitude in which he had been reclining, and commanded the boatmen to rest on their oars, while he bent himself to listen for a repetition of the sound which he said had originally roused his attention.
It was then that all on board distinctly heard the voices of men on shore loud in altercation, and, as it seemed, engaged in some desperate act of violence. In this opinion they were confirmed by hearing the cry of "Murder!" several times repeated.
The young man already mentioned directed the rowers to pull towards the shore as fast as they could, and with as little noise as possible.
Favoured by the darkness of the night, and the turbulent state of the waters which concealed their approach, they had almost gained the bank of the river at the spot from whence the sounds proceeded when their purpose was discovered. A violent but brief struggle ensued, and then a heavy plunge into the stream, accompanied by a deep execration, announced that all was over.
The moon at the same moment burst through the cloud which obscured her, and by her light two men were seen for an instant at gaze as they reconnoitred the party in the boat, and then were speedily lost from the view.
The boatmen shipped their oars, and the barque glided swiftly forward to the bank, where, vainly grasping at the slippery surface which it presented, a figure was descried striving manfully to regain the shore.
His efforts would, however, have been unsuccessful had not the leader of the party which had come so opportunely to his rescue leant over the side of the boat and supported him in the stream, till, by the assistance of his men, he was safely raised from the water and placed on dry land.
On examining the person of him whom they had rescued, the young stranger observed that his garb was Oriental, and the first words he uttered when sufficiently recovered from the state of exhaustion which his violent exertions had caused were in an unknown tongue.
"Mashallah!" was his oft-repeated exclamation, as, with uplifted hands, he raised his eyes towards heaven; then turning to those who surrounded him, he addressed himself in English to him who was evidently their chief.
"Stranger," he said, "you have saved my life, and if you wish to add to the good work which you have begun, you will send an escort to my dwelling; for I much fear that. in my protracted absence, the villains with whom I was engaged may effect a part of their design, and the strength of threescore and ten availeth little after so severe a struggle. Just Allah," he exclaimed, interjectionally, "when may Thy servant pass through his final trial and become the type of Thine omnipotence below !" Then turning again he added, "Deny not my request; it shall profit you much. I have that which can amply satisfy your utmost wishes, and your reward shall not be wanting."
"There needs none, reverend father," replied the young stranger, with the frankness of youth. "I
myself will be your escort, and fear not that I can sufficiently protect you. I have used my sword
in a good cause too often to dread the result, should we be attacked by a score of such craven
fellows as we just now scared. I return not with you, Walter," he said, speaking to the foremost
boatman; "it may be that I shall stay for to-night in this neighbourhood."
The man to whom he spoke replied only by an obedient gesture, and the party withdrew to the boat, leaving their leader and the old man together.
A slight pause ensued, which was broken by the former, who demanded to know if his companion was able to renew his journey homewards.
Receiving an assent, they slowly quitted the shore, and in a short time reached the inhabited parts of the town. The old man here led the way through several narrow and obscure streets, and at length stopped opposite the low portal of the house which has already been described.
He then sought eagerly in his bosom, and produced a small master-key, which he applied to the lock, and the door stood open before them.
"Enter, my son," said Youssouf -- for he it was; "there is nothing now to dread. The ascendancy of the evil planet is passed, and good fortune predominates. Fate has decreed that thou shouldst this night be my guest, though not even I could have divined the means. What saith the holy Koran? "No man shall see death till the time arrives which is fixed by the immutable decrees of Allah.' Follow me, then, my son, and believe that the events of this night have been long foredoomed to happen."
He entered, as he spoke, into a low vaulted room, where a solitary lamp sent forth a flickering light, and only half illumined the dusky chamber.
The stranger followed him, and Youssouf carefully closed the door. He then crossed the vault, and, taking up the lamp, beckoned his companion to ascend with him a narrow, gloomy staircase, the first steps of which were just visible as the light fell faintly on a dark recess.
The stranger hesitated for an instant, and then, as if reflecting that he had gone too far to recede, and that he was armed and alone with a defenceless old man who owed him his life, he felt ashamed of his momentary apprehension, and advanced towards Youssouf.
The latter seemed to guess what was passing in his mind.
"I come," he said, "from a land where inhospitality and ingratitude are unknown. I owe you the reverse of both; a robber, even, in my country respects the sacred character of his guest."
They ascended the narrow stairs, and, assisted more by the touch than eyesight, at length gained the summit, where the stranger found himself in a spacious apartment.
Youssouf trimmed his lamp, and invited his guest to rest himself while he procured him some refreshment.
In the meantime the latter was occupied in examining the chamber of which he was so unexpectedly the tenant.
The walls were wainscotted, and, as well as the ceiling, were composed of dark oak, much blackened by time and smoke.
From the centre of the ceiling was suspended a heavy silver chain, to which hung a lamp of the same metal, in the shape of a globe, with four long branches, fantastically twined.
As the old man traversed the apartment, the light flashed upon the walls, where numerous steel weapons were arranged in peculiar devices, and between each group of arms was suspended a human skull, a skeleton, or some other ghastly emblem of mortality.
Strange figures were also chalked upon the wainscot, exhibiting many of the mystical signs which are inscribed on the tombs of the ancient Pharaohs, amidst which the form of Osiris was the most frequent.
Amongst these were others which, more regularly mathematical, were more intelligible.
Various scrolls of parchment, covered with hieroglyphics, glass cases containing the sacred ibis, the swathed mummy from the Pyramids, the embryo crocodile of the Nile, the granite Scarabaeus, and numerous other fragments of Egyptian antiquity, were scattered round the room.
In the further corner was a deep recess, in which appeared many of the instruments proper for a chemist's laboratory; a small fire of charcoal was also burning steadily beneath a large alembic.
All these signs were sufficient to assure the stranger that he was in the dwelling of one of those sages whom subsequent times have stigmatized as astrologers and visionary enthusiasts.
Youssouf now placed some provisions on a small table, and set them before his guest.
"They are not," he said, "such as you are doubtless accustomed to, but who, in traversing the sandy desert, can look to behold the delightful valleys of Yemen? The juice of the grape is forbidden to all who profess the true belief, since our Prophet denounced it as the Omm Alkhabat, or mother of destruction."
"Father," the youth replied, " I know so much of the rites of Eastern hospitality as to partake gratefully of that which is cheerfully offered. These dried fruits and this delicious beverage are a greater luxury than the costliest viands and the brightest wines. Will you not comply with your native custom so far as to eat the 'bread and salt' with me?"
"'I may not," Youssouf answered, "indulge in the sensual delights of appetite. Long and severe fasting can alone free the mind from earthly desires, and raise it to the state of perfection which is needful for him who toils in search of truth. Nevertheless, to remove your scruples, a few dates and a cup of sherbet shall assure me as truly your friend as if I had sworn by Al Corsi, the brightest of all the thrones of Allah."
Their repast was soon finished, and the stranger now demanded of Youssouf the particulars of the accident which had caused his interference. They were briefly explained.
It appeared that, pursuing his accustomed path by the riverside, and buried in thought, he had suddenly been stopped by two ruffians, who, aware of his usual habits, and influenced, probably, by the general report, sought to make themselves master of his person, to secure his supposed wealth.
He had nothing on his person except the key of his dwelling, which was carefully concealed, but the robbers, disbelieving his assertions, proceeded to acts of violence.
He defended himself as well as he could, but they had just succeeded in mastering his weapon at the very moment when the boat appeared in sight, and, in revenge for the loss of their supposed prize, they had hurled Youssouf into the river.
"I knew," continued Youssouf -- "for the stars had predicted it -- that danger was near me; the conjunction of opposing planets spoke only too plainly. But I knew also that a more favourable influence was predominant, and such it has proved. Tell me then, my son, in what way Youssouf, the humble recluse, can show his gratitude to his preserver?"
"My father," the stranger replied, "I doubt not that the book of knowledge lies open to your skill, or does it exceed the limits of your art to predict the future destinies of a nameless man? If not, I would entreat that my fate my be revealed to me!"
"And, is it even so!" Youssouf exclaimed. "Old and young, rich and poor, all seek after futurity! Believe me, that the knowledge is often fatal. Ask for some other gratification, which may be more easily attained, and less dangerous when possessed."
"Nay," the youth replied, "deny not my request. I am indifferent to the danger, and can wish for no higher gratification. Trust me, I have framed my mind to endure my fortune, be it of good or evil. To know it cannot make me unhappier than I have been; it may have a better effect on the days which are in store."
"Be it so, then," said Youssouf; " remember, it is the voice of Heaven that speaks! Give me your hand."
The young man extended his palm, in obedience to the sage's direction. After a long and attentive perusal of the intersecting lines, Youssouf spoke.
"This hand," he said, "is a mysterious intelligencer of the decrees of fate. I see in it the course of an eventful life. Ay," he exclaimed, rather, as it were, in communion with his own thoughts than addressing his companion, "a long and slender palm, and taper fingers! Yet spirit and enterprise are clearly developed, as well as their consequence, honours, and dignities, in these
ruddy nails ; and the line of life -- ay, that indeed -- 'tis strongly and boldly marked. But see where it suddenly terminates ! Though bright and successful thy career, the end appears abrupt and violent! A sharp and sudden death must close thy mortal span."
"So be it!" the youth exclaimed. "I would rather gleam like a meteor through the mid-air than twinkle obscurely, however steadily, where none would heed my light. But tell me more. What of my particular fortunes, and how are they to be reached?"
"My son," the astrologer replied, " as yet I see but dimly into the events of your future life. If you wish to learn all that may betide, as far as human skill can point it out, it shall be done ; but not now. I must make some necessary preparations, and observe the favourable hour. You yourself must give me the precise indications which are necessary for setting your horoscope; then all 1 can reveal shall be made known to you. Your hand again," he said, and once more looked on it with attention.
"Success and power are, indeed, distinctly marked, but friendship is wanting throughout; and all things portend a violent death. See you not the mensal line, and the upward-turning branches of the line of life? Enough for the present. In eight-and-forty hours we will speak further on this matter. And now, my son, you doubtless stand in need of rest. To-night you are my guest, if you can sleep in a dwelling so dreary."
"The prospect of the future," he replied, " shall not, at any rate, mar my present slumbers; and sleep will seal my eyes as readily here as elsewhere."
"Arise, then, and follow me," said Youssouf: and, opening a small door, he led the way down a narrow passage, at the extremity of which was a small chamber, covered with the skins of various animals, and spread out so as to form a luxurious couch.
"Here," said the astrologer, " is your bed; rest here till daylight, For myself, I must be a watcher till the stars shed their latest ray. In the morning, when you wish to depart, seek me not, but descend the staircase which leads into the lower apartment. Remember to close the door, and fail not to present yourself here when the sun has set on the second day from hence. Forget not, also, to ascertain the precise hour and period of your birth. And now, may the stars of the Sleeping Eagle(1)* shed its influence over your couch!"
The old man withdrew at these words. His companion stretched himself upon the soft bed of furs which was prepared, and despite the novelty of his situation, and the imperfect prophecies he had heard relative to his fate, which haunted his imagination, in a short time he slept soundly.
He was stirring at early dawn; and, obedient to the sage's injunction, departed as silently as he had arrived.
That day passed away, and the second was sinking fast into the shades of night, when he returned to the dwelling of the astrologer, prepared, though with a beating heart and anxious mind, to encounter his fate with firmness, whatever the stars might predict.
At the period of which we are speaking, a belief in judicial astrology was generally entertained; and even some of the master-spirits of the age owned, in a slight degree, their partial belief in the science. It has been said that the queen herself allowed her judgment, on one occasion, to be influenced by the predictions of an astrologer; at least, such is the assertion of the acute and entertaining Italian, whose history of her reign is, in many respects, a faithful one. A further proof, if need were, might be deduced from the proceedings against witchcraft, which characterized the reign of her successor, as well as from the numerous memoirs which tend to illustrate the fact.
Though liberally educated, travelled, and super-abundantly endowed with the gifts of nature and the acquirements of art, the mind of the young man had not in this respect risen superior to that of the multitude; or, if so, it was but with a slight shade of difference, arising from the effect of education which corrected, though it could not eradicate, the early impressions of superstition.
Arrived at the sage's dwelling, he knocked, and was presently admitted. The old man stood before him, and accosted him with the Eastern salutation of peace as he bent his head, and once more welcomed the stranger to his abode.
The sad-coloured garment which Youssouf usually wore was exchanged for a robe of pure white; the sleeves and hem of which were bordered by deep rows of Oriental writing, representing the ninety-and-nine mysteries of Allah.
His cap was high and conical, and of the same colour, and a verse from the Koran was inscribed around it; the same that is applied to "the wondrous night," which all Moslemen hold in the deepest veneration. The purport ran thus : " May peace be upon this night, till the light shall dawn from the east!"
His waist was encircled by the black and white skin of the serpent Arkham, known for its wisdom and its venomous qualities in the province of Turkistan; and on his breast he wore a triangular ornament of gold, the emblem of perfectibility.
In his right hand he held an ebon wand, which was ornamented with a serpentine wreath of silver from one extremity to the other.
The chamber was now brilliantly illuminated with long tapers of camphor, but the splendour of the light was not visible from without, owing to sever thick folds of dark cloth, which were suspended across the room, in front of the window, the lattice of which was also closed by heavy oaken shutters.
The middle of the apartment was the centre of a large circle, accurately traced in chalk, and regularly divided according to the twelve signs of the zodiac, which marked the several houses.
A small peeled wand was also laid at each division of the circle, composed alternately of elm and aspen; the interior of the circle presented a barrier of formidable nature, being formed of skulls and bones together with divers more inexplicable objects.
"Behold, my son," says Youssouf, " these relics of mortality; they are the bones of the wise, who, like me, have toiled long, and suffered much, to discover the grand secret of nature.
"Each fragment which you see there was once animated portion of the living frames of the sages who inhabited the city of Ain al Shams, the fountain of the sun, once the capital of Egypt and of the world!
"Alas, for the wreck of time!
"The city is desolate, and the bones of the wisest who dwelt within its walls alone attest the past existence of that which was once renowned among nations. These shining stones," he continued, pointing with his wand as he spoke, "were formerly among the gems which adorned the crown of Zein Alzaman, the mighty founder of the city of Anberabad, in the isles of the Indian Ocean.
"In the same circle you may mark the various stones which possess the strongest power in conjunction with the planetary signs, from the pearl of the sea of Oman and the amber of Chaldea to the turquoise of Istakhar, and that stone,(2) more precious than all, which is found in the eyes of the stag, whose food is of serpents in the sandy deserts of Thibet and Cathay.
"Nor are these alone sufficient to counteract the malignant influence of the planets which are in opposition to this night's work. I name them to thee, my son, that thou mayst see that the productions of the earth, the holiest, the rarest, and some the most ordinary, are alike needful to success. 'A wise man,' saith the Hâkim Lokman, 'needeth not the aid of the meanest of the creatures of Allah!'
"Observe this vase of alabaster. It contains the crystallized tears of the dove of the Sultan Mahmoud Ben Sebekteghin, a holy bird, sent by the prophet to his faithful servant from the river Kautser, in the garden of Eden, whose shores are of pure gold, and the sands of its shining bed are pearls and rubies. These crystal drops have power to dispel the noxious qualities of poison, and of all things hurtful to man. It needs not to describe more of the precious fragments which have been collected to heighten the force of the charm I am about to assay ; nor is it needful to say how all these powerful auxiliaries have been produced. Enough that a long life of toil and pain has enabled me to discover their mysterious attributes, soon, I trust, to lead to the accomplishment of the grand object of my existence -- the attainment of knowledge and power beyond that of Soliman Ben Daoud,(3) whose slaves were the genii of the elements!
"Before, however, we enter within the limits of the circle, to invoke the presence of the spirits to answer your demands, first tell me the precise hour and minute of your birth, that I may complete the horoscope which I have already begun."
As he spoke, Youssouf drew from his bosom a broad sheet of parchment, on which was accurately depicted the table of the twelve houses of life.
Receiving the required document, he examined it attentively, and seated himself upon the floor while he proceded to make the necessary calculations. His companion observed him with interest.
In a short time the old man spoke.
"My son," he said, "I was not deceived; the stars are the willing interpreters of the decrees of fate. The lines of your hand agree but too well with the destiny which is inscribed in the heavenly spheres.
"In the first house, which is that of Life, I see where Jupiter enters direct into the sign of Al Gedi, or the Barn. Believe me that, ere long, the right course of your fortunes will begin; they will be brilliant and successful. Still further is the same planet predominant in the eleventh house, where dignities and the favour of princes are profusely strewed; but again being retrograde in. Taurus, it is clear that the house of life is endangered in the midst of the highest sweep of fortune. Your career will be eminently prosperous, but its end will assuredly be sudden.
"Behold where the planet Zohair, which is Venus, enters into the balance with the Sun in the ascendant; as surely does does it betoken the love of woman, and the dangerous favours which she bestows. Bear, then, in mind the words of the poet Dahban, to 'mistrust four things -- the friendship of princes, the caresses of women -- the smiles of enemies, and the warmth of winter -- for none of these things endure.' Rely on this saying; for that which follows assures its truth.
"The sun being retrograde in Taurus denotes that, though the prospect of marriage may offer the surest means of happiness, it will never be successful. In the tenth house, Mars, entering direct into Cancer, repeats the prediction of danger and violent death; and Venus, being in conjunction, declares that from woman will the danger ensue.
"There are three occurrences which will mark your future life, all in themselves productive of honour, but linked to a fatal termination. The first will speedily arrive, and open the road to fame and fortune; the second will be occasioned by the death of a dear friend, whose end you will yourself accelerate, and almost gain the topmost round of ambition's ladder; the third will go near to raise you to the pinnacle of human greatness, but your opposing fate will quickly reverse the picture.
"The horoscope tells me no more ; and more, if you wish to know, must be demanded of agency no longer mortal."
"I cannot pause," the young man replied, "in the acquisition of knowledge which holds out such splendid lures, though accompanied by terms which might appal a less resolute querist. I need not repeat, O Youssouf, that I seek to know all that can be told, and I care not what may be the means employed."
"Propose, then, your questions in writing before we enter into the circle," said the sage; for there by the uninitiated neither must word be uttered nor sign made."
The stranger mused for a moment, then rapidly wrote down a series of questions, which he gave to the astrologer.
"It is well," said Youssouf. " Approach, then, and bare thy feet; for the dust thou wilt tread on is sacred. It is the sand of the Island of Gezirat, far, far away beyond the giant mountain of Kaf, where reigned the pre-Adamite sultans before this nether world was created. Take also this mantle, once worn by the wise Abou-Maascher,(4) and cast it over your own garments before you enter this mystic circle, the true emblem of eternity."
The stranger obeyed implicitly the mandates of the sage; for though his own faith taught him to doubt the efficacy of all the relics which were thus arrayed, yet, impressed with the idea of the learning and skill of the Eastern magi, he gave involuntary credit to much that was said from the imposing manner in which the old man uttered his words, and the peculiarities of time and place which surrounded him.
They entered the circle together, and Youssouf carefully retraced the outline over which they had passed.
He then proceeded with the mystic ceremony. He first prostrated himself towards the east, and remained for a few minutes apparently absorbed in prayer; then rising, he drew from his vest that magical volume that was written by the celebrated Bazur, containing all the rites and ceremonies necessary to be observed in the progress of the incantation. He then slowly paced the circle, following the direction of the sun, pausing at each of the twelve divisions to repeat the formula of adjuration.
When the circle was encompassed he took a small crucible, and pouring it into a dark liquid, he lit a taper and bent it towards the vessel, the contents of which instantly ignited, and a bright flame sparkled far and wide.
Youssouf next produced an Oriental drug reduced to powder, which he scattered over the flame, and a dark vapour rose as gloomy as that which floats perpetually above the well of Hendekar.
The mist gradually extended itself throughout the chamber, and the lights were well-nigh extinguished, all but the flame in the crucible, which still burnt fiercely, and cast a red glare over the persons of the astrologer and his neophyte.
The astrologer raised his hands, and uttered a solemn invocation to the terrific powers of darkness. Presently was heard a rushing noise, like the sound of the deadly blast as it sweeps over the sands of Egypt. A dusky form was then descried pacing with impatient gestures the circumference of the magic ring.
Youssouf gazed fixedly on the apparition; but the stranger shuddered with an undefined sensation of dread as he endeavoured to discern the imperfect form and features of the shadow, which seemed alike impalpable and ever-changing.
The old man at length broke the appalling silence.
"Slave of Eblis -- dark spirit of futurity!" he exclaimed; "pause in thy circling flight, and obey the power of him whose spell has called thee from the realms of Ginnistan to the regions of upper air."
The figure remained in one spot, while, with expanded wings, it still seemed hovering as a bird before it rests itself on earth. A deep, harsh voice was heard.
"What wouldst thou?" was the question.
"Speak, and be brief!"
"Demrousch-Neré," said the sage, "for such I know thee now, hearken to the words of one as potent as Tahmuras of yore, and reply with the voice of truth to that which I shall demand of thee. What fate awaits the querist whose foot is even now on the threshold of life ?"
"His fortunes shall prosper till his age be doubled," was the reply.
"Shall he experience happiness in his career?"
"Mortals toil eagerly in pursuit of pleasure and ambition -- he shall attain both."
"Will he be successful in love?"
"Love shall raise him to the pinnacle of greatness -- hurl him from the giddy height -- betray him when living, and mourn over him when dead."
"Who will prove his greatest foe ?"
"His fairest friend."
"When shall he die -- and how?"
"Four hours have not elapsed since he saw the spot where he shall yield up his last breath. Let him beware the axe."
"What shall occasion his death ?"
"The treachery of woman."
"What is the name of her whose destiny is linked with his?"
A pause ensued.
The spirit appeared moody, and unwilling to answer further.
"Speak, foul spirit!" cried Youssouf; "I conjure thee by the powerful seal of Noe -- in the name of the mighty Senkidah, I command thee."
"Seek for the name beneath the sign Sanbulah," replied the voice. "I may not tell thee more."
"Sanbulah!" Youssouf exclaimed, "It is the sign of the Virgin(5) -- perchance a regal one. Say, once more, shall this favoured son of fortune ever wear a kingly crown?"
"His sway shall be that of royalty," was the final answer of the voice, as the figure became
more and more indistinct, amid the thickening vapour.
"Enough!" said the astrologer to his companion; "more it profits not to inquire."
In a few moments the apartment was again clear, and the lights burned brightly as before.
"What; think you, my son?" said Youssouf -- are(6) you satisfied, with the prospect of your future lot?"
"It is better than the fondest dreams of my imagination could have pictured," the youth replied. "How shall I thank you, my father -- how express my gratitude?"
"Reserve it, my son, till you have better learned to appreciate the nature of what you have just heard. A time may come when your thoughts may change; meanwhile, live well and wisely. Forget not that, though the stars rule the destinies of men, they themselves are but the agents of the all-powerful Allah.
"Live, then, so as to deserve the fortune which Fate has prepared ; and when Azrael, the angel of
death, shall summon you, may you be prepared to accompany him! Farewell, Robert Devereux!
and in the days of your prosperity remember the words of Youssouf, the Arabian."
Who is there to whom the prosperous career and unhappy fate of the unfortunate Earl of Essex, the favourite of Queen Elizabeth, are unknown? They are recorded in the pages of history, and inseparably connected with the annals of the maiden queen. Yet there are few, perhaps, who are aware that the predictions of which we have spoken were actually made, and that they came to pass almost according to the letter.
In the year 1585 Essex accompanied the Earl of Leicester to Holland, where he obtained the rank of general, though then barely eighteen. It was there, at the memorable battle of Zutphen, that he behaved with such distinguished bravery.
On his return from the Low Countries he made his first appearance at court, where he immediately attracted the notice of the queen, who, in an incredibly short time, loaded him with dignities and rewards, conferring on him the office of master of the household, grand marshal, and chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
Her personal regard also accompanied these high honours, and he was permitted to wear in his hat a glove from her right hand, "a favour," says a contemporary historian, "the greatest that a mistress could bestow on an accepted lover."
The influence of Leicester, whose nephew he was, was not at once eclipsed. They continued to divide the favours and councils of Elizabeth, till by degrees the star of Leicester sank before that of his more youthful rival, who forgot the ties of friendship in the lures of ambition, and eventually became the concealed enemy of his former friend, whose death has been by some ascribed to poison, and by others to a broken heart, owing to his having lost the friendship of the queen, which circumstance, it is well known, was caused by the intrigues of Essex.
On Leicester's death he became lord paramount, and bore the title at court of "the earl par excellence."
The viceroyalty of Ireland, while it kept the word of promise to his ear, yet broke it to his hope; and though it put into his hands the possession of an authority in every respect that of a sovereign, was yet, through the treachery of his friends, the final cause of his disgrace.
The last act of his power was his desperate attempt to secure the person of the queen, which, so fatally for his fortunes, was unsuccessful.
From that period till his final condemnation, the transition was most rapid; and when, in the last
extremity, he transmitted Elizabeth's ring by the faithless Countess of Nottingham, and the
remorse of Elizabeth awoke, and her proud spirit bowed beneath her sorrow till it was
extinguished in the grave, the term of prophetic events was completed, and the predictions
verified of Youssouf, the astrologer.
NOTES
(These are as given by the author. The editor's notes are enclosed in square brackets.)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.