of Opinions which offer'd themselves to his Mind, and kept him from the
Suggestions of evil Thoughts. In short, their Disagreement in this
particular, was the occasion of their parting.

§ 101. Now _Asâl_ had heard of that Island, in which we have told you
that _Hai Ebn Yokdhan_ had his Breeding. He knew also its Fertility and
Conveniences, and the healthful Temper of the Air, so that it would
afford him such a commodious Retirement as he had in his Wishes. Thither
he resolv'd to go, and withdraw himself from all manner of Conversation,
the remaining part of his Days. So he took what Substance he had, and
with part of it he hir'd a Ship to convey him thither, the rest he
distributed among the poor people, and took his leave of his Friend
_Salâman_, and went aboard. The Mariners transported him to the Island,
and set him a-shore and left him. There he continu'd serving God, and
magnifying him, and fancifying him, and meditating upon his glorious
Names and Attributes, without any Interruption or Disturbance. And when
he was hungry, he took what he had occasion for to satisfie his Hunger,
of such Fruits as the Island afforded, or what he could hunt. And in
this State he continu'd a while, in the mean time enjoying the greatest
Pleasure imaginable, and the most entire Tranquillity of Mind, arising
from the Converse and Communication which he had with his Lord; and
every Day experiencing his Benefits and precious Gifts, and his bringing
easily to his hand such things as he wanted, and were necessary for his
Support, which confirm'd his Belief in him, and was a great Refreshment
to him.

§ 102. _Hai Ebn Yokdhan_, in the mean time, was wholly immers'd in his
sublime Speculations, and never stirr'd out of his Cell but once a Week,
to take such Provision as first came to hand. So that _Asâl_ did not
light upon him at first, but walk'd round the Island, and compass'd the