There was an outer vestibule or porch, with a lofty arch, and within
it a portal secured by massive gates. On the key-stone of the portal
the astrologer, with his own hand, wrought the figure of a huge key;
and on the key-stone of the outer arch of the vestibule, which was
loftier than that of the portal, he carved a gigantic hand. These were
potent talismans, over which he repeated many sentences in an
unknown tongue.
When this gateway was finished he shut himself up for two days in
his astrological hall, engaged in secret incantations; on the third he
ascended the hill, and passed the whole day on its summit. At a late
hour of the night he came down, and presented himself before Aben
Habuz.
"At length, O king," said he, "my labor is accomplished. On the
summit of the hill stands one of the most delectable palaces that ever
the head of man devised, or the heart of man desired. It contains
sumptuous halls and galleries, delicious gardens, cool fountains,
and fragrant baths; in a word, the whole mountain is converted into
a paradise. Like the garden of Irem, it is protected by a mighty
charm, which hides it from the view and search of mortals, excepting
such as possess the secret of its talismans."
"Enough!" cried Aben Habuz, joyfully, "to-morrow morning with the
first light we will ascend and take possession."
The happy monarch slept but little that night.
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