At length I am arrived at this port, the object of my desires; but, my dear Aza, I see nothing yet that gives me the happiness I had hoped for. Every object strikes, surprises, astonishes, and leaves only a vague impression behind, and stupid perplexity, which I cannot throw off. My errors destroy my judgement; I remain uncertain, and almost doubt of every thing I see.

Scarcely were we got out of the floating-house, but we entered a town built by the sea-side. The people, who followed us in crouds, appeared to be of the same nation as the Cacique, and the houses did not at all resemble those of the cities of the Sun; but if they of the Sun are more splendid, by the richness of their ornaments, those are to be preferred on account of the curiosities with which they are filled.

Upon entering the room assigned me by Deterville, my heart bounded; for I saw fronting the door, a young person dressed like a Virgin of the Sun, and ran to her with open arms: But how great was my surprise to find nothing but an impenetrable resistance, where I saw a human figure move in a very extended space!

Astonishment held me immoveable, with my eyes fixed upon this object, when Deterville made me observe his own figure on the side of that which thus engaged my attention: I touched him, I spoke to him, and saw him at the same time very near and very far from me.

These are things which confound reason and blind judgment. What ought we to think of the inhabitants of this country? Should we fear, or should we love them? I will not take upon me to come to any determination upon this subject.

The Cacique made me understand, that the figure which I beheld was my own! But what information does that give me? Does it make it the less wonderful? or am I the less mortified to find nothing but error and ignorance in my mind? I am concerned to confess, my dear Aza, that the persons who have the least knowlege in this country, are much wiser than all our Amutas.