But the greatest curiosity
which the island contained, was a fountain of water at the foot of the
centre peak, of a beautiful colour, and producing longevity to those who
drank of it; from which it had received the name of the Isle of the
Golden Fountain. That when they had landed, about three hundred years
ago, they consisted of various nations and colours, male and female; but
the climate and the use of the waters, had, in the course of time,
produced the change in their complexions which we beheld, and all the
inhabitants were now of that peculiar tint, with the exception that the
females were not so dark as the men. Few ships had ever touched there;
and the crews of those who had fallen in with the island, had preferred
remaining, which accounted for its being so totally unknown; that the
king was very partial to strangers, and always received them at his
palace, which was built close to the Golden Fountain. He concluded by
requesting me to accompany him on shore, and pay my respects--stating,
that if I wished to quit the island, his majesty would permit me to load
my vessel with as much as she could carry, of the metal so precious in
other countries, but so little valued in this.
I must acknowledge that I was quite overjoyed at his narration. I
considered my fortune to be made, and hastened to accompany the
ambassador, who stated that the king would not be pleased if I did not
permit the major part of my ship's company to attend me to the palace.
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