d drifted against an island.

The cliffs were high and steep, but luckily for me some tree-roots
protruded in places, and by their aid I climbed up at last, and
stretched myself upon the turf at the top, where I lay, more dead than
alive, till the sun was high in the heavens. By that time I was very
hungry, but after some searching I came upon some eatable herbs, and a
spring of clear water, and much refreshed I set out to explore the
island. Presently I reached a great plain where a grazing horse was
tethered, and as I stood looking at it I heard voices talking apparently
underground, and in a moment a man appeared who asked me how I came upon
the island. I told him my adventures, and heard in return that he was
one of the grooms of Mihrage, the King of the island, and that each year
they came to feed their master's horses in this plain. He took me to a
cave where his companions were assembled, and when I had eaten of the
food they set before me, they bade me think myself fortunate to have
come upon them when I did, since they were going back to their master on
the morrow, and without their aid I could certainly never have found my
way to the inhabited part of the island.

Early the next morning we accordingly set out, and when we reached the
capital I was graciously received by the King, to whom I related my
adventures, upon which he ordered that I should be well cared for and
provided with such things as I needed. Being a merchant I sought out men
of my own profession, and particularly those who came from foreign
countries, as I hoped in this way to hear news from Bagdad, and find out
some means of returning thither, for the capital was situated upon the
sea-shore, and visited by vessels from all parts of the world. In the
meantime I heard many curious things, and answered many questions
concerning my own country, for I talked willingly with all who came to
me. Also to while away the time of waiting I explored a little island
named Cassel, which belonged to King Mihrage, and which was supposed to
be inhabited by a spirit named Deggial. Indeed, the sailors assured me
that often at night the playing of timbals could be heard upon it.
However, I saw nothing strange upon my voyage, saving some fish that
were full two hundred cubits long, but were fortunately more in dread of
us than even we were of them, and fled from us if we did but strike upon
a board to frighten them. Other fishes there were only a cubit long
which