"I myself am interested in this pursuit," said he; "and trust me, Yillah will be found." For the tour of the lagoon, the docile Chamois was proposed; but Media dissented; saying, that it befitted not the lord of Odo to voyage in the equipage of his guest.

Therefore, three canoes were selected from his own royal fleet.
One for ourselves, and a trio of companions whom he purposed introducing to my notice; the rest were reserved for attendants.
Thanks to Media's taste and heedfulness, the strangers above mentioned proved truly acceptable.
The first was Mohi, or Braid-Beard, so called from the manner in which he wore that appendage, exceedingly long and gray.

He was a venerable teller of stories and legends, one of the Keepers of the Chronicles of the Kings of Mardi.
The second was Babbalanja, a man of a mystical aspect, habited in a voluminous robe.

He was learned in Mardian lore; much given to quotations from ancient and obsolete authorities: the Ponderings of Old Bardianna: the Pandects of Alla-Malolla.
Third and last, was Yoomy, or the Warbler.

A youthful, long-haired, blue-eyed minstrel; all fits and starts; at times, absent of mind, and wan of cheek; but always very neat and pretty in his apparel; wearing the most becoming of turbans, a Bird of Paradise feather its plume, and sporting the gayest of sashes.