of
excellent water, appeared to possess neither houses nor people. While my
companions wandered here and there gathering flowers and fruit I sat
down in a shady place, and, having heartily enjoyed the provisions and
the wine I had brought with me, I fell asleep, lulled by the murmur of a
clear brook which flowed close by.

How long I slept I know not, but when I opened my eyes and started to my
feet I perceived with horror that I was alone and that the ship was
gone. I rushed to and fro like one distracted, uttering cries of
despair, and when from the shore I saw the vessel under full sail just
disappearing upon the horizon, I wished bitterly enough that I had been
content to stay at home in safety. But since wishes could do me no good,
I presently took courage and looked about me for a means of escape. When
I had climbed a tall tree I first of all directed my anxious glances
towards the sea; but, finding nothing hopeful there, I turned landward,
and my curiosity was excited by a huge dazzling white object, so far off
that I could not make out what it might be.

Descending from the tree I hastily collected what remained of my
provisions and set off as fast as I could go towards it. As I drew near
it seemed to me to be a white ball of immense size and height, and when
I could touch it, I found it marvellously smooth and soft. As it was
impossible to climb it--for it presented no foothold--I walked round
about it seeking some opening, but there was none. I counted, however,
that it was at least fifty paces round. By this time the sun was near
setting, but quite suddenly it fell dark, something like a huge black
cloud came swiftly over me, and I saw with amazement that it was a bird
of extraordinary size which was hovering near. Then I remembered that I
had often heard the sailors speak of a wonderful bird called a roc, and
it occurred to me that the white object which had so puzzled me must be
its egg.

Sure enough the bird settled slowly down upon it, covering it with its
wings to keep it warm, and I cowered close beside the egg in such a
position that one of the bird's feet, which was as large as the trunk of
a tree, was just in front of me. Taking off my turban I bound myself
securely to it with the linen in the hope that the roc, when it took
flight next morning, would bear me away with it from the desolate
island. And this was precisely what did happen. As soon as the dawn
appeared the bird rose into the air carry