Rare Present,'[FN#101] together with sundry curiosities suitable
for Kings; so do thou favour us by accepting them: and peace be
with thee!" Then the King lavished upon me much wealth and
entreated me with all honour; so I prayed for him and thanked him
for his munificence. Some days after I craved his leave to
depart, but could not obtain it except by great pressing,
whereupon I farewelled him and fared forth from his city, with
merchants and other companions, homewards-bound without any
desire for travel or companions, homewards-bound without any
desire for travel or trade. We continued voyaging and coasting
along many islands; but, when we were half-way, we were
surrounded by a number of canoes, wherein were men like devils
armed with bows and arrows, swords and daggers; habited in mail-
coats and other armoury. They fell upon us and wounded and slew
all who opposed them; then, having captured the ship and her
contents, carried us to an island, where they sold us at the
meanest price. Now I was bought by a wealthy man who, taking me
to his house, gave me meat and drink and clothing and treated me
in the friendliest manner; so I was heartened and I rested a
little. One day he asked me, "Dost thou know any art or craft?"
and I answered him, "O my lord, I am a merchant and know nothing
but trade and traffic." "Dost thou know," rejoined he, "how to
use bow and arrow?" "Yes," replied I, "I know that much."
Thereupon he brought me a bow and arrows and mounted me behind
him upon an elephant: then he set out as night was well nigh over
and, passing through a forest of huge growths, came to a tall and
sturdy tree up which he made me climb. Then he gave me the bow
and arrows, saying, "Sit here now, and when the elephants troop
hither in early morning, shoot at them; belike thou wilt hit one;
and, if he fall, come and tell me." With this he left me. I hid