Mazin now inquired the distance of the islands of Waak al Waak; to which the voice replied, “Three years’ journey:”  upon which he struck the ball before him, and followed it.  He next arrived in a region infested by serpents, dragons, and ravenous beasts, in the mountains of which were mines of copper.  He now again tabored gently upon the drum, when the voice exclaimed, “I am ready to obey thy commands.”

“Inform me,” said Mazin, “what is the name of this country?” “It is called,” answered the voice, “the Land of Dragons and Ravenous Animals.  Be careful then of thyself, and make no delay, nor regard fatigue, for these mountains are not to be passed without a chance of trouble from the inhabitants, who are genii, and in their caves are furious wild beasts.”  Upon this he struck the ball afresh, and followed it unceasingly, till at length he reached the sea shore, and perceived the islands of Waak al Waak at a distance, whose mountains appeared of a fiery red, like the sky gilded by the beams of the setting sun.  When he beheld them he was struck with awe and dread; but recovering, he said to himself, “Why should I be afraid? since God has conducted me hither, he will protect me; or, if I die, I shall be relieved from my troubles, and be received into the mercy of God.”  He then gathered some fruits, which he ate, drank some water, and having performed his devotions, laid himself down to sleep, nor did he awake till the morning.

In the morning Mazin had recourse to his drum, which he rubbed gently, when the voice inquired his commands.  “How am I,” said he, “to pass this sea, and enter the islands?” “That is not to be done,” replied the voice, “without the assistance of a sage who resides in a cell on yonder mountains, distant from hence a day’s journey, but the ball will conduct thee there in half an hour.  When you reach his abode, knock softly at the door, when he will appear, and inquire whence you come, and what you want.  On entering he will receive thee kindly, and desire thee to relate thy adventures from beginning to end.  Conceal nothing from him, for he alone can assist thee in passing the sea "

Mazin then struck the ball, and followed it till he arrived at the abode of the hermit, the gate of which he found locked He knocked, when a voice from within said, “Who is at the gate?” “A guest,” replied Mazin upon which the sage arose and opened the door, admitted him, and entertained him kindly for a whole night and day, after which Mazin ventured to inquire how he might pass the sea The sage replied, “What occasions thy searching after such an object?” Mazin answered, “My lord, I intend to enter the islands, and with that view have I travelled far distant from my own country.”  When the sage heard this, he stood up before him, took a book, opened it, and read in it to himself for some time, every now and then casting a look of astonishment upon Mazin.  At length he raised his head and said, “Heavens! what troubles, disasters, and