inclin’d to Contemplation, and searching into the Meanings of Things; and his greatest hope was, that he should best attain his End by a solitary Life. Salaman, on the other side, applied himself to Conversation, and those Sayings of the Law which tended that way, went the farthest with him; because he had a natural Aversion to Contemplation, and nice sifting of things.  And he thought that Conversation did drive away evil Thoughts, and banish’d that Diversity of Opinions which offer’d themselves to his Mind, and kept him from the Suggestions of evil Thoughts.  In short, their Disagreement in this particular, was the occasion of their parting.

Sec. 101.  Now Asal had heard of that Island, in which we have told you that Hai Ebn Yokdhan had his Breeding.  He knew also its Fertility and Conveniences, and the healthful Temper of the Air, so that it would afford him such a commodious Retirement as he had in his Wishes.  Thither he resolv’d to go, and withdraw himself from all manner of Conversation, the remaining part of his Days.  So he took what Substance he had, and with part of it he hir’d a Ship to convey him thither, the rest he distributed among the poor people, and took his leave of his Friend Salaman, and went aboard.  The Mariners transported him to the Island, and set him a-shore and left him.  There he continu’d serving God, and magnifying him, and fancifying him, and meditating upon his glorious Names and Attributes, without any Interruption or Disturbance.  And when he was hungry, he took what he had occasion for to satisfie his Hunger, of such Fruits as the Island afforded, or what he could hunt.  And in this State he continu’d a while, in the mean time enjoying the greatest Pleasure imaginable, and the most entire Tranquillity of Mind, arising from the Converse and Communication which he had with his Lord; and every Day experiencing his Benefits and precious Gifts, and his bringing easily to his hand such things as he wanted, and were necessary for his Support, which confirm’d his Belief in him, and was a great Refreshment to him.

Sec. 102. Hai Ebn Yokdhan, in the mean time, was wholly immers’d in his sublime Speculations, and never stirr’d out of his Cell but once a Week, to take such Provision as first came to hand.  So that Asal did not light upon him at first, but walk’d round the Island, and compass’d the Extremities of it, without seeing any Man, or so much as the Footsteps of any:  Upon which account his Joy was increas’d, and his Mind exceedingly pleas’d, in regard of his comparing that which he had propos’d to himself, namely, to lead the most retired Life that was possible.