Having thus prepared, and ordered their navy, they went on in despite of calm or storm: And though the lady at first fancied herself in a very sad condition, and her mind was much tormented with doubts and fears, not knowing whether this strange adventure would tend to her safety or destruction; yet she being withal of a generous spirit, and ready wit, considering what dangers she had passed, and finding those sorts of men civil and diligent attendants to her, took courage, and endeavoured to learn their language; which after she had obtained so far, that partly by some words and signs she was able to apprehend their meaning, she was so far from being afraid of them, that she thought herself not only safe, but very happy in their company: By which we may see, that novelty discomposes the mind, but acquaintance settles it in peace and tranquility.
At last, having passed by several rich islands and kingdoms, they went towards Paradise, which was the seat of the Emperor; and coming in sight of it, rejoiced very much; the lady at first could perceive nothing but high rocks, which seemed to touch the skies; and although they appeared not of an equal height, yet they seemed to be all one piece, without partitions: but at last drawing nearer, she perceived a clift, which was a part of those rocks, out of which she spied coming forth a great number of boats, which afar off showed like a company of ants, marching one after another; the boats appeared like the holes or partitions in a honeycomb, and when joined together, stood as close; the men were of several complexions, but none like any of our world; and when both the boats and ships met, they saluted and spake to each other very courteously; for there was but one language in all that world: nor no more but one Emperor, to whom they all submitted with the greatest duty and obedience, which made them live in a continued peace and happiness; not acquainted with foreign wars, or home-bred insurrections.
The lady now being arrived at this place, was carried out of her ship into one of those boats, and conveyed through the same passage (for there was no other) into that part of the world where the Emperor did reside; which part was very pleasant, and of a mild temper: Within itself it was divided by a great number of vast and large rivers, all ebbing and flowing, into several islands of unequal distance from each other, which in most parts were as pleasant, healthful, rich, and fruitful, as nature could make them; and, as I mentioned before, secure from all foreign invasions, by reason there was but one way to enter, and that like a labyrinth, so winding and turning among the rocks, that no other vessels but small boats, could pass, carrying not above three passengers at a time: On each side all along this narrow and winding river, there were several cities, some of marble, some of alabaster, some of agate, some of amber, some of coral, and some of other precious materials not known in our world; all which after the lady had passed, she came to the imperial city, named Paradise, which appeared in form like several islands; for, rivers did run betwixt every street, which together with the bridges, whereof there was a great number, were all paved.
The city itself was built of gold; and their architectures were noble, stately, and magnificent, not like our modern, but like those in the Romans’ time; for, our modern buildings are like those houses which children use to make of cards, one story above another, fitter for birds, than men; but theirs were more large, and broad, than high; the highest of them did not exceed two stories, besides those rooms that were underground, as cellars, and other offices.
Out of this room there was a passage into the Emperor’s bedchamber, the walls whereof were of jet, and the floor of black marble; the roof was of mother-of-pearl, where the moon and blazing-stars were represented by white diamonds, and his bed was made of diamonds and carbuncles.