A collection of curious travels & voyages in two tomes ... / by John Ray ...

An Extract of a Journey through part of Arabia Felix, from the Copy in Ramusio's Collection.

WE travell'd in most places of Arabia by the help of a Compass, and were forty days and forty nights in going between Damas∣cus and Mecha; Port Ziden is forty miles di∣stant from Mecha, from whence it receives the greatest part of its Provisions by the Red Sea, from Aegypt, Aethiopia, and Arabia Felix, the numbers of Pilgrims and Camels being incredi∣ble, and fresh Water very scarce, and as dear as Wine in Europe.

I stole away secretly from Mecha in the disguise of a Mammaluke, to Ziden, in order to pass round Arabia by Sea into Persia. Ziden contains about 500 Houses; there lay at Anchor in the Haven almost 100 Brigantines and Foysts, with divers Barks of sundry sorts, both with and without Oars. After six days sailing we came to Gezan, a fair commodious Port full of Vessels; the Soil is very fruitful and delicious, abounding with many rare Fruits and Flowers: The Inhabitants for the most part go naked. Leaving Gezan in the space of five or six days, we reach'd an Island named Camaran, ten miles in circuit: In it is a Town of 200 Houses, the Inhabitants are Maho∣metans; it hath great store of Flesh, and fresh Water: The Haven is eight miles from the Con∣tinent, and is subject to the Sultan of Arabia Fe∣lix.

In two days sailing we came to the mouth of the Red Sea.

The day after our arrival at Aden, I being suspected for a Portuguese Spy, was cast into heavy Chains, and thrown into Prison: After fifty five days Imprisonment, I was set upon a Camel with my Shackles, and in eight days Journey came to Rhada, a City where the Sultan then lay with 30000 men, to make War against the Sultan of Sana three days distant from Rhada. The Sultan's Guard were Aethiopians, with short broad Swords, painted Targets and Darts, Slings and Ropes made of Cotton. Having obtain'd ••y Liberty, I pass'd through Almacaran and La∣gh••, to Aden, where I embark'd for Persia.

In this Journey I observ'd many Monkeys, Lyons, Sheep with prodigious great Tails; va∣riety of Spices, Sugars, and a sort of Grape with∣out Stones, very delicious: Many strange Gum Trees, as the Balsam, the Myrrhe, Frankincense, Coffee, Coco's, &c.