214 & | The First Voyage of

 

half dead until the sun appeared; then, though I was very feeble,
both by reason of my hard labour and want of food, I crept along
to look for some herbs fit to eat, and had the good luck not only to
find some, but likewise a spring of excellent water, which contributed
much to restore me. After this I advanced farther into the island,
and came at last into a fine plain, where I perceived a horse feeding
at a great distance. J went towards him, between hope and fear,
not knowing whether I was going to lose my life or save it. Pre-
sently I heard the voice of a man from under ground, who imme-
diately appeared to me, and asked who I was. I ‘gave him an.
account of my adventure ; after which, taking me by the hand, he
led me into a cave, where there were several other. people, no less
amazed to see.me than I was to see them.

I ate some victuals which they offered me, and then asked
them what they did in such a desert place. They answered that they
were grooms belonging to King Mihrage, sovereign of the island,
and that every year they brought thither the king’s horses. They
added that they were to get home to-morrow, and had I been one
day later I must have perished, because the inhabited part of
the island was at a great distance, and it would have been impossible
for me to have got thither without a ‘guide.

Next morning they returned with their horses to the capital
of the island, took me with them, and presented me to King Mihrage.
He asked me who I was, and by what adventure I came into his
dominions? And, after, I had satisfied him, he told me he was
much concerned for my misfortune, and at the same time ordered
that I should want for nothing, which his officers were,so generous
and careful.as to see exactly fulfilled.

Being a merchant, I frequented the society ae men of my own
profession, and particularly inquired for those who were strangers, if
perhaps 1 might hear any news from Bagdad, or find an opportunity :
to return thither, for King Mihrage’s capital was situated on the edge