Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. I (of 2)

Chapter 67

Little King Peepi

Valapee, or the Isle of Yams, being within plain sight of Media's

dominions, we were not very long in drawing nigh to its shores.

Two long parallel elevations, rising some three arrow-flights into

the air, double-ridge the island's entire length, lapping between, a

widening vale, so level withal, that at either extremity, the green

of its groves blends with the green of the lagoon; and the isle seems

divided by a strait.

Within several paces of the beach, our canoes keeled the bottom, and

camel-like mutely hinted that we voyagers must dismount.

Hereupon, the assembled islanders ran into the water, and with bent

shoulders obsequiously desired the honor of transporting us to land.

The beach gained, all present wearing robes instantly stripped them

to the waist;