It was a very high mountain, at the bottom of which we saw a great town; and having a fresh gale, we soon reached the harbour, where we cast anchor.  I had not patience to stay till my sisters were dressed to go along with me, but went ashore in the boat myself; and making directly to the gate of the town, I saw there a great number of men upon guard, some sitting and others standing, with batons in their hands; and they had all such dreadful countenances that they frightened me; but perceiving that they had no motion, nay not so much as with their eyes, I took courage, and went nearer, and then found they were all turned into stones.  I entered the town, and passed through the several streets, where there stood every where men in several postures, but all immovable and petrified.  On that side where the merchants lived, I found most of the shops shut, and, in such as were open, I likewise found the people petrified.  I looked up to the chimnies, but saw no smoke; which made me conjecture that those within, as well as those without, were turned into stones.  Being come into a vast square in the heart of the city, I perceived a great gate covered with plates of gold, the two leaves of which stood open, and a curtain of silk stuff seemed to be drawn before it; I also saw a lamp hanging over the gate.  After I had well considered the fabric, I made no doubt but it was the palace of the prince who reigned over that country; and being very much astonished that I had not met with one living creature, I went thither in hopes to find some:  I entered the gate, and was still more surprised when I saw none but the guards in the porches all petrified; some standing, some sitting, and others lying.  I crossed over a large court, where I saw just before me a stately building, the windows of which were enclosed with gates of massy gold:  I looked upon it to be the queen’s apartment, and went into a large hall, where stood several black eunuchs turned into stone.  I went from thence in to a room richly hung and furnished, where I perceived a lady in the same manner.  I knew it to be the queen, by the crown of gold that hung over her head, and a necklace of pearl about her neck, each of them as big as a nut:  I, went up close to her to view it, and never saw any thing finer, I stood some time, and admired the richness and magnificence of the room; but, above all, the foot-cloth, the cushions, and the sofas, which were all lined with Indian stuff of gold, with pictures of men and beasts in silver, drawn to admiration.  I went out of the chamber where the petrified queen was, and came through several other apartments and closets richly furnished, and at last came into a vast large room, where there was a throne of massy gold raised several steps above the floor, and enriched with large enchased emeralds, and a bed upon the throne of rich stuff embroidered with pearls.  That which surprised me more than all the rest was a sparkling light which came from above the bed:  Being curious