These were all in motion, running upon one another, incessantly shifting and changing; new scenes forever succeeded to old; pillars were transformed to pyramids, pyramids to fiery bars; these in their turn were transformed to other shapes, and all the while one tint of innumerable hues overspread the entire circle of the sky.
Our voyage occupied several joms; but our progress was continuous, for different sets of rowers relieved one another at regular intervals.

On the second jom a storm broke out.

The sky had been gathering clouds during sleeping-time, and when we awoke we found the sea all lashed to fury, while all around the darkness was intense.

The storm grew steadily worse; the lightning flashed, the thunder pealed, and at length the sea was so heavy that rowing was impossible.

Upon this the oars were all taken in, and the galley lay tossing upon the furious sea, amid waves that continually beat upon her.
And now a scene ensued that filled me with amazement, and took away all my thoughts from the storm.