Sec. 112.  Now that which prompted him to this Persuasion, was this, that he thought all Men were indu’d with an ingenuous Temper, and penetrating Understanding, and a Mind constant to itself; and was not aware how blockish and stupid they were, how ill-advis’d, and inconstant in their Resolutions; insomuch, that they are like Brute Beasts, nay, more apt to wander out of the way.  Since therefore he was greatly affected with Pity towards Mankind, and desir’d that he might be an Instrument of their Salvation; a Resolution came into his Mind of going over to them, to declare and lay before them the Truth.  This Intention of his he communicated to his Friend Asal and ask’d him if there could possibly be any way contriv’d to come at them.

Sec. 113.  But Asal told him what sort of People they were, and how far from an ingenuous Temper, and how averse from obeying the Commands of God; but he had no Notion of that, but still his Mind was intent upon that which he hop’d to compass:  And Asal desir’d that it would please God, by his means, to direct some of his Acquaintance which were of a more pliable Temper than the rest, and had more Sincerity in them, into the right way.  So then he was ready to further the Design and Endeavour of Hai Ebn Yokdhan.  Upon which they resolved to keep close to the Sea Shore, without stirring from it either Day or Night, till God should please to afford them an Opportunity of crossing the Sea.  And all the while they were intent upon this, they continu’d praying to God to direct them in this their Business, and bring it to an happy Issue.

Sec. 114.  At last, as God (whose Name be prais’d) would have it, it happen’d, that a Ship which had lost her Course, was driven by the Wind and Water upon the Shore of that Island; and as it drew nearer to Land, they who were in it, seeing two Men upon the Shore, made towards them.  Then Asal spoke to them, and desir’d them to carry him and his Companion along with them in the Ship; to which they contented, and took them into the Ship, and it pleas’d God to send them a fair Wind, which, in a short time, carried them to the Isle which they desir’d.  There they landed, and went into the City; and Asal’s Friends came all about him, and he gave ’em an account of Hai Ebn Yokdhan, and his manner of living; so that People flock’d to him from every side, and admir’d and reverenc’d him.  Then Asal told him that this Sect was superiour to all other sorts of Men in Knowledge and Sagacity; and that if he could not work upon them, there were much lesser Hopes of doing any Good upon the Vulgar.