צח

On Sunday — the first of Rosh Chodesh Iyyar — about an hour before light of day — the sailors began with great alacrity to pull the ropes and spread the sails. And the captain too arose. And we too were unable to sleep. And we arose to the sound of the tumult of the sailors. And we arose with alacrity — for we longed to see the workmanship of the ship. And we went up immediately to the ship deck. And we saw the wonders of Hashem in the matter of the workmanship of the ship. And we gave thanks to Hashem Blessed be He who created the sea and the dry land — and gave wisdom in the heart of man to build a great ship with such tactics and artisanship. And we watched them for about two or three hours — until about sunrise. And afterward we went down to pray. And in the meantime they drew up the anchor from the sea — and the ship began to travel. But all of Sunday there was no favorable wind for our road. And they were compelled to maneuver the ship sideways. And therefore all Sunday the ship went only a little. And near us went about four or five more ships. And one ship went very close to ours. And the captains went every day from ship to ship to eat and drink. And all Sunday we felt no seasickness at all — and no distress. And this seemed to us a great wonder. For we had heard many times that there was great suffering for those who were on the sea for the first time. And we felt nothing.