After this I advanced farther into the island,
and came at last into a fine plain, where I perceived a horse
feeding at a great distance. I went towards him, between hope and
fear, not knowing whether I was going to lose my life or save it.
Presently I heard the voice of a man from under ground, who
immediately appeared to me, and asked who I was. I gave him an
account of my adventure; after which, taking me by the hand, he led
me into a cave, where there were several other people, no less
amazed to see me than I was to see them.
I ate some victuals which they offered me, and then asked them what
they did in such a desert place. They answered that they were
grooms belonging to King Mihrage, sovereign of the island, and that
every year they brought thither the king's horses. They added that
they were to get home to-morrow, and had I been one day later I
must have perished, because the inhabited part of the island was at
a great distance, and it would have been impossible for me to have
got thither without a guide.
Next morning they returned with their horses to the capital of the
island, took me with them, and presented me to King Mihrage. He
asked me who I was, and by what adventure I came into his
dominions? And, after I had satisfied him he told me he was much
concerned for my misfortune, and at the same time ordered that I
should want for nothing, which his officers were so generous and
careful as to see exactly fulfilled.
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