Pagina 382 de 1116

Know, O my lady, that I also am a King and the son of a King and

my name is Ajib son of Kazib. When my father died I succeeded

him; and I ruled and did justice and dealt fairly by all my

lieges. I delighted in sea trips, for my capital stood on the

shore, before which the ocean stretched far and wide; and near

hand were many great islands with sconces and garrisons in the

midst of the main. My fleet numbered fifty merchantmen, and as

many yachts for pleasance, and an hundred and fifty sail ready

fitted for holy war with the Unbelievers. It fortuned that I had

a mind to enjoy myself on the islands aforesaid, so I took ship

with my people in ten keel; and, carrying with me a month's

victual, I set out on a twenty days' voyage. But one night a head

wind struck us, and the sea rose against us with huge waves; the

billows sorely buffetted us and a dense darkness settled round

us.