And here he first asked me if I could determine to creep a
considerable distance through the rock, where it nearly touched the
ground. Having consented to do so, he told me I had only to follow
him, warning me at the same time to take great care of my candle.
Thus we crept on our hands and feet, on the wet and muddy ground,
through the opening in the rock, which was often scarcely large
enough for us to get through with our bodies.
When at length we had got through this troublesome passage, I saw in
the cavern a steep hill, which was so high that it seemed to lose
itself as in a cloud, in the summit of the rock.
This hill was so wet and slippery, that as soon as I attempted to
ascend, I fell down. My guide, however, took hold of my hand and
told me I had only resolutely to follow him.
We now ascended such an amazing height, and there were such
precipices on each side, that it makes me giddy even now when I
think of it.
When we at length had gained the summit, where the hill seemed to
lose itself in the rock, my guide placed me where I could stand
firm, and told me to stay there quietly.
