Page:Most excellent and delightful history of Fortunatus.pdf/14

 but the Soldian desired him to partake of a banquet before he went, after which he shewed him his curiosities in his jewel-house, which were such as scarcely to be found in the world. But whilst Fortunatus was admiring their richness, the Soldian unlocked a cabinet of gold, and pulled out of it an old hat, (to all appearance) saying, this is a jewel I esteem above all the others, for (continued he) it has that secret virtue in it, given by a great magician, long since dead, that put it upon your head, and wish to be where you will, you shall be immediately carried thither invisibly. Fortunatus, from that moment, thought within himself, if he had this to join with his purse, they would be the two greatest advantages in the world; and said to the Soldian, since this hat hath such virtue, sure it must be very heavy on his head that weareth it. Then said the Soldian, it is no heavier than another hat; whereupon he gave it into his hands, and bid him put it on his head, asking him if it felt otherwise. Then said Fortunatus, I did not think it had been so light, nor supposed you would have set it on my head with that he wished himself in his ship, and immediately he flew out of the window, as swift as lightning, and, to the amazement of the sailors, alighted on the deck, without any harm: they then set all the sail they could, and, notwithstanding they were pursued, safely reached the isle of Cyprus, with his ship richly laden, to the great joy of Cassandra and his two sons.