Mandeville's Farewell
I, Sir John Mandeville of St Albans in England,
left my home and crossed the sea thirty-four years ago
on Michaelmas Day of the year 1332.
I have seen many countries I have not described here
for there is too much of the world to tell all of it.
I have left some for you to discover on your own.
Once I had three sips of water from the Well of Youth.
It tasted spicy and slightly sweet. Those who live near
and drink of it often never fall ill or grow old.
I felt the stronger for it, but the taste has faded,
and I am worn by travel and age and feebleness,
so I have come back to our islands on the world’s edge,
and written this book. In exchange I ask for your prayers,
your words for mine. Send them out on their travels, trusting
they will find me wherever I am, as mine found you.
I, Sir John Mandeville, have travelled to here and here,
seen this wonder and that, and returned home. Believe me.
What I have said is true, or as good as, or was once.
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