Arabs -- Folklore; Fairy tales -- Arab countries; Tales -- Arab countries
I examined the mountain, and observed, that it was situated between
the city and the sea, without any communication between them, for it
was so steep, that it was not practicable. I prostrated myself on
the shore, to thank God for the mercy he had shown me. I then
returned to the cave to get some bread, which I brought out and eat
with much better appetite than I had enjoyed since my interment in
that gloomy mansion.
I returned again to collect, as well as I could, by feeling on the
different biers, all the diamonds, rubies, pearls, golden bracelets,
in short, every thing of value that I could find, and brought it all
to the shore. I tied them up in several packets, with the cords
which had served to let down the biers, of which there was a great
quantity. I left them in a convenient place, till a proper
opportunity should offer, without fear of their being spoiled by the
rain; for it was not the season for wet weather.
At the end of two or three days, I perceived a vessel just sailing
out of the harbour, and passing by the spot where I was. I made
signs with the linen of my turban, and cried aloud with all my
strength. They heard me on board, and dispatched the boat to fetch
me. When the sailors inquired by what misfortune I had got in that
place, I replied, that I had been wrecked two days since on that
shore, with all my merchandize. Fortunately for me, these people did
not consider whether my story was probable, but satisfied with my
answer, they took me on board, with my bales.
When we had reached the vessel, the captain, happy in being
instrumental to my safety, and occupied with the management of the
ship, believed, without any difficulty, the tale of the wreck; to
convince him of which, I offered him some precious stones, but he
refused them.
We passed several islands, amongst others, the island of Bells,
distant about ten days sail from that of Serendib, [6] sailing with
a fair wind, and six days from the isle of Kela, where we landed.
Here there were some lead mines, some Indian canes, and excellent
camphor.
The king of the isle of Kela is very rich, and powerful. His
authority extends over the island of Bells, which is two days
journey in extent; the inhabitants are still so uncivilized, as to
eat human flesh. After we had made an advantageous traffic in this
island, we again set sail, and touched at several ports. At length,
I arrived happily at Bagdad, with immense riches, of which it is
needless to give you a detail. To show my gratitude to Heaven for
the mercies shown me, I spent a great deal in charity, some for the
support of mosques, and some for the subsistence of the poor. I then
entirely gave myself up to the society of my relations and friends,
and passed my time in feasting and entertainments.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account