ence." Mahomet did so, and Adam embraced him, calling him the greatest of his children, and the first among the prophets.
In this heaven were innumerable animals of all kinds, which Gabriel said were angels, who, under these forms, interceded with Allah for the various races of animals upon earth. Among these was a cock of dazzling whiteness, and of such marvelous height that his crest touched the second heaven, through five hundred years' journey above the first. This wonderful bird saluted the ear of Allah each morning with his melodious chant. All creatures on earth, save man, are awakened by his voice, and all the fowls of his kind chant hallelujahs in emulation of his note.
They now ascended to the second heaven. Gabriel as before, knocked at the gate; the Same questions and replies were exchanged; the door opened and they entered.
This heaven was all of polished steel and dazzling splendor. Here they found Noah, who, embracing Mahomet, hailed him as the greatest among the prophets.
Arrived at the third heaven, they entered with the same ceremonies. It was all studded with precious stones, and too brilliant for mortal eves. Here was seated an angel of immeasurable height, whose eyes were seventy thousand days' journey apart. He had at his command a hundred thousand battalions of armed men. Before him was spread a vast book, in which he was continually writing and blotting out.
