into it likewise they cast the bodies of their dead, and even some of their nobles occasionally are so superstitious as to devote themselves to be consumed alive in honour of the deity, in which they are encouraged by their relations, as ensuring their eternal welfare.  On the day appointed for the performance of this vow, the devoted person first gives an entertainment, and is then carried to the appointed spot; if rich, on horseback, but on foot if poor, accompanied by a multitude of his friends and others, and immediately leaps into the midst of the burning pit, all his friends and kindred celebrating the festival with music and dancing, until he is entirely consumed.  Three days afterwards two of the priests go to the house of the devoted person, and command his family to prepare for a visit from the deceased on the same day.  The priests then take certain persons along with them, as witness of the transaction, and carry with them, to the house, a figure resembling the deceased, which they affirm to be himself.  The widow and children, as instructed by the priests, then demand how it fares with him in the other world:  to which he answers, “I came to my companions, who will not receive me until I have discharged my duty to my friends and kindred.”  He then makes a distribution of his effects among his children, orders all his debts to be paid, and whatever is owing to him to be demanded.  The witnesses set down all this in writing, and then he vanishes.  By these arts of juggling and collusion, the priests govern every thing as they please.

In the space of forty days, one may travel to the frontiers of Tzin, which is the very extremity of the east.  Some hold that this country is washed by the Nikpha, or coagulated sea, which is liable to prodigious storms; by which, when mariners are surprised, they are reduced to such extremity, that, not being able to get out, they are miserably starved to death, after expending all their provisions[24].

From Cinrog, it is three days journey to Gingala, where there are above a thousand Jews.  From thence, in seven days, one may sail to Coulan, where there are none of our nation.  It is twelve days journey to Zabid, where there are some Jews; and in eight days more, you get to the opposite coast, where there are very high mountains, inhabited by multitudes of Israelites, who are not under the yoke of the Gentiles, but have great cities and strong fortresses of their own.

They descend from thence in parties into the flat countries of Abyssinia, whence they return with their plunder into the mountains, where they are secure against pursuit.  Many of these Jews travel for the purposes of trade into Persia and Egypt[25].