I rose before daylight, and, leaving my family sleeping, descended, to go to the shore to look after my vessels.

I found all the animals moving.

The dogs leaped about me; the cocks were crowing; the goats browsing on the dewy grass.

The ass alone was sleeping; and, as he was the assistant I wanted, I was compelled to rouse him, a preference which did not appear to flatter him.

Nevertheless, I harnessed him to the sledge, and, followed by the dogs, went forward to the coast, where I found my boat and raft safe at anchor.