The queen was received at Babylon with all those transports of joy which are ever felt on the return of a beautiful princess who hath been involved in calamities.  Babylon was now in greater tranquillity.  The Prince of Hircania had been killed in battle.  The victorious Babylonians declared that the queen should marry the man whom they should choose for their sovereign.  They were resolved that the first place in the world, that of being husband to Astarte and King of Babylon, should not depend on cabals and intrigues.  They swore to acknowledge for king the man who, upon trial, should be found to be possessed of the greatest valor and the greatest wisdom.  Accordingly, at the distance of a few leagues from the city, a spacious place was marked out for the list, surrounded with magnificent amphitheaters.  Thither the combatants were to repair in complete armor.  Each of them had a separate apartment behind the amphitheaters, where they were neither to be seen nor known by anyone.  Each was to encounter four knights, and those that were so happy as to conquer four were then to engage with one another; so that he who remained the last master of the field would be proclaimed conqueror at the games.

Four days after he was to return with the same arms and to explain the enigmas proposed by the magi.  If he did not explain the enigmas he was not king; and the running at the lances was to be begun afresh till a man would be found who was conqueror in both these combats; for they were absolutely determined to have a king possessed of the greatest wisdom and the most invincible courage.  The queen was all the while to be strictly guarded:  she was only allowed to be present at the games, and even there she was to be covered with a veil; but was not permitted to speak to any of the competitors, that so they might neither receive favor, nor suffer injustice.

These particulars Astarte communicated to her lover, hoping that in order to obtain her he would show himself possessed of greater courage and wisdom than any other person.  Zadig set out on his journey, beseeching Venus to fortify his courage and enlighten his understanding.  He arrived on the banks of the Euphrates on the eve of this great day.  He caused his device to be inscribed among those of the combatants, concealing his face and his name, as the law ordained; and then went to repose himself in the apartment that fell to him by lot.  His friend Cador, who, after the fruitless search he had made for him in Egypt, was now returned to Babylon, sent to his tent a complete suit of armor, which was a present from the queen; as also, from himself, one of the finest horses in Persia.  Zadig presently perceived that these presents were sent by Astarte; and from thence his courage derived fresh strength, and his love the most animating hopes.