to know from whence it came, I mounted the steps, and lifting up my head, I saw a diamond, as big as the egg of an ostrich, lying upon a low stool:  It was so pure, that I could not find the least blemish in it; and it sparkled so bright, that I could not endure its lustre when I saw it by day.  On each side of the bed-head there stood a lighted flambeau, but for what use I could not apprehend; however, it made me imagine that there was some living creature in this place; for I could not believe that these torches continued burning of themselves.  Several other rarities detained me in this room, which was inestimable, were it only for the diamond I mentioned.

The doors being all open, or but half shut, I surveyed some other apartments as fine as those I had already seen.  I looked into the offices and store-rooms, which were full of infinite riches; and I was so much taken with the sight of all these wonderful things, that I forgot myself, and did not think on my ship or my sisters, my whole design being to satisfy my curiosity:  Meantime night came on, which put me in mind that it was time to retire.  I was for returning by the same way I came in, but could not find it; I lost myself among the apartments; and finding I was come back again to that large room where the throne, the couch, the large diamond, and the torches stood, I resolved to make my night’s lodging there, and to depart the next morning betimes, in order to get on board my ship.  I laid myself down upon the couch, not without some dread to be alone in a wild place, and this fear hindered my sleep.

About midnight I heard a voice like that of a man reading the alcoran, after the same manner, and in the same tone, as we used to read it in our mosques.  Being extremely glad to hear it, I got up immediately, and, taking a torch in my hand to light me, I passed from one chamber to another, on that side whence the voice issued; I came to the closet-door, where I stood still, not doubting that it came from thence.  I set down my torch upon the ground, and looking through a window, I found it to be an oratory.  In short, it had, as we have in our mosques, a niche, which shows where we must turn to say our prayers.  There were also lamps hung up, and two candlesticks with large tapers ef white wax burning.  I saw a little carpet laid down like those we kneel upon when we say our prayers, and a comely young man sat upon this carpet reading the alcoran, which lay before him upon a desk, with great devotion.  At the sight of this I was transported with admiration; I wondered how it came to pass that he should be the only living creature in a town where all the people were turned into stones, and did not doubt but that there was something in it very extraordinary.  The door being only half shut, I opened it, and went in, and, standing upright before the niche, said this prayer aloud:  ’Praise be to God, who has favoured us with a happy voyage; and may he be graciously pleased to