31
loaded it with rubies emeralds and rich stuff, and so resigning myself to the will of God, entered the cave; which I had no sooner done, then I lost all light, and the stream ⟨carried⟩ me I know not whither. Thus I sailed some days in perfect darkness, and once found the arch so low that it well nigh broke my head, which made me very cautious afterwards of avoiding the like danger. All this while to support nature; yet notwithstanding this frugality, all my provisions were spent. Then a pleasant sleep seized upon me. I cannot tell how long it continued; but when I awaked, I was surprised to find myself in the middle of a vast country, at the brink of a river, where my float was tied, amidst a great number of ⟨negroes⟩. I got up as soon as I saw them and saluted them. They spoke to me, but I did not understand their language.
One of the blacks who understood Arabic, hearing me speak in that language, came towards, me and said, “Brother, pray tell us your history, for it must be extraordinary; and whence do you come” I begged of them first to give me something to eat, and then I would satisfy their curiosity. They gave me several sorts of food, and when I had satisfied my hunger, I gave them a true account of what had befallen me, which they listened to with admiration. As soon as I had finished my discourse; they told by the person who spoke Arabic and interpreted to them what I said, that it was one of the most surprising stories they ever heard, and that I must go along with them and tell it their king myself; the thing was too extraordinary to be told him by any other than the person to whom it happened. I told them that I was ready to do whatever they pleased.
We marched altogether, till we came to the city of Serendib, for it was in that island where I land-
