Thus they have an idol that they petition for victory in war; another for success in their labors; and so for everything in which they seek or desire prosperity, they have their idols, which they honor and serve.

The priests are debarred from female society, nor is any woman permitted to enter the religious houses.

What men in all the world have shown such daring?

It was so wonderful that I do not know how to describe this first glimpse of things never heard of, seen or dreamed of before.

Among these temples there is one which far surpasses all the rest, whose grandeur of architectural details no human tongue is able to describe; for within its precincts, surrounded by a lofty wall, there is room enough for a town of five hundred families.

I and my companions suffer from a disease of the heart which can be cured only with gold.

So loud was the wailing of the women and children that there was not one man among us whose heart did not bleed at the sound.