Page:Travels and adventures of William Lithgow.pdf/14

 from Nicaria to Sio, they were driven by a storm into a creek, between two rocks, where the shore being shelvy, and both the anchors coming home, a great leak was made, and seven of the crew drowned. The other eleven, just before the boat sunk, by hasty rowing reached a cave within the mountain. Lithgow disembarked last, as the rest had sworn, if he pressed to escape before they were all in safety, they would throw him into the sea. Nothing was saved but his coffer made of reeds, in which he carried his papers and linen, and held it always in his arms. In this cave, which was thirty paces long, they abode three days without meat and drink, till, on the fourth, the tempest ceasing, some fishing boats relieved them. Seventeen other boats were cast away on this coast, and not a man saved. Through this island Lithgow travelled with a thankful heart to Sio, the capital, where, passing by an old castle, he was told that Homer’s sepulchre was still extant there; and being desirous to see it, he descended by sixteen steps into a dark cell, and through that to another square room, where he saw an ancient tomb, on which were engraven some ancient Greek letters, which he could not understand. By Mitylene or Lesbos, he next sailed in a carmoesalo to Negropoint (of old Euboc) and in their way they were chased by