and that no Man would challenge such a Propriety in Riches, as to
have Alms ask'd of him, or to cause his Hands to be cut off, who privily
stole them; or their lives to be taken away, who had openly robb'd him.

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 a