after going before the wind for some time i reached the far eastern sea. then a great storm arose and i was tossed about for many days, losing all count of the points of the compass, and finally we were blown ashore on an unknown island. here i found the place inhabited by demons who at one time threatened to kill and eat me. however, i managed to make friends with these horrible creatures, and they helped me and my sailors to repair the boat, and i set sail again. our food gave out, and we suffered much from sickness on board. at last, on the five-hundredth day from the day of starting, i saw far off on the horizon what looked like the peak of a mountain. on nearer approach, this proved to be an island, in the center of which rose a high mountain. i landed, and after wandering about for two or three days, i saw a shining being coming towards me on the beach, holding in his hands a golden bowl. i went up to him and asked him if i had, by good chance, found the island of mount horai, and he answered:"