a good sum of money in a short time, and repaid my tailor what he had lent me.
I continued this way of living for a whole year. One day, having by chance penetrated farther into the wood than usual, I happened to light on a pleasant spot, where I began to cut; and in pulling up the root of a tree I espied an iron ring, fastened to a trap door of the same metal. I took away the earth that covered it, and having lifted it up, discovered a flight of stairs, which I descended with my ax in my hand.
When I reached the bottom, I found myself in a palace, as well lighted as if it had been above ground. I went forward along a gallery supported by pillars of jasper, the base and capitals being of massy gold; suddenly I saw a lady of a noble and graceful air, and extremely beautiful, coming toward me. I hastened to meet her; and as I was making a low obeisance, she asked me, “Are you a man, or a genie?” “A man, madam,” said I. “By what adventure, said she, fetching a deep sigh, “are you come hither? I have lived here twenty-five years, and you are the first man I have beheld in that time.”
Her great beauty, and the sweetness and civility wherewith she received me, emboldened me to reply. “Madam, before I satisfy your curiosity, give me leave to say that I am infinitely gratified with this unexpected meeting which offers me an occasion of consolation in the midst of my affliction; and perhaps it may give me an opportunity of mak-
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