קכז

And I asked the master of the house to tell the boy to hire a small boat there. And the boy went with me until he brought me to the seashore. When I came there — no small boat was found — for that was not the place at all where one hired small boats. But for me it made no difference — since I did not know how to hire a boat — for there were many many ships and it was impossible for me to recognize my ship. And the greatness of the anguish and fear and confusion of mind I had then — impossible to explain. Even so I did not tell the boy that I did not know the location of my ship — only told him to lead me to a place where a small boat would be found. And the boy went and asked — and they informed him. And he came back with me and walked with me a long way through the city — until he came to the seashore at a different place where small boats were found — and there one could see all the great ships standing — several hundred of them. And my anguish grew — how would I find my ship? And the boy could not find a small boat there either — for there were very few. And in truth the essential reason I learned afterward was only because I did not know the location of my ship. For the way of the small boats was that several people from several large ships sat in them — and the boatman led each one to his ship — and then came back. And so when a small boat returned and the boy told them to take me — the boatman asked: to which ship? And since I could not give him a clear answer — for I myself did not know — he immediately sailed on his way. And I had great anguish at the sea. And I walked here and there — perhaps I could find the captain's small boat — and could not find it. And the greatness of the anguish then — impossible to explain. And the day was not standing still. And it was already close to the turning of the day. And the boy came back with me to his father and told him I did not know the location of the ship. And I attributed the lack to the boy — saying he was young and did not know how to hire a boat. And both were true. And behold — Hashem Blessed be He in His mercy had mercy on me. And it was arranged from Hashem — that sitting there was a man named Rabbi Aharon — from Salonika — who had come there some weeks ago. And this man knew a little of the holy tongue. And he had mercy on me. And he went with me himself — a second time to the sea. And I had already walked very greatly until I was greatly fatigued. And I went with him once more to the place where the small boats traveled from. And we came to one place where small boats drew near. And we waited there greatly and found no small boat. And also if some boat was found — it did not accept me — since I did not know the location of my ship. And I stood there in great anguish and deflated spirit and very great longing of the eyes. And I walked here and there — perhaps I would find the small boat that had come with me. And I did not find it. And we lingered there greatly. And Rabbi Aharon was kind to me — and sat with me there for my sake.