Xvi.) Mr. Williamson describes
such a venerated tree, an ancient acacia, known as the Acacia of the
T'ang, meaning that it existed under that Dynasty (7th to 10th
century). It is renowned for its healing virtues, and every available
spot on its surface was crowded with votive tablets and inscriptions.
(Ib. 303.)
CHAPTER XXIII.
CONCERNING THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN.
Mulehet is a country in which the Old Man of the Mountain dwelt in former
days; and the name means "Place of the Aram." I will tell you his whole
history as related by Messer Marco Polo, who heard it from several natives
of that region.
The Old Man was called in their language ALOADIN. He had caused a certain
valley between two mountains to be enclosed, and had turned it into a
garden, the largest and most beautiful that ever was seen, filled with
every variety of fruit. In it were erected pavilions and palaces the most
elegant that can be imagined, all covered with gilding and exquisite
painting. And there were runnels too, flowing freely with wine and milk
and honey and water; and numbers of ladies and of the most beautiful
damsels in the world, who could play on all manner of instruments, and
sung most sweetly, and danced in a manner that it was charming to behold.
For the Old Man desired to make his people believe that this was actually
Paradise.
