The Story of Sinbad the Voyager

In the reign of the Caliph Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived
at Bagdad a poor porter called Hindbad. One day, when
the weather was excessively hot, he was employed to carry
a heavy burden from one end of the town to the other. Having
still a great way to go, he came into a street where a refreshing
breeze blew on his face, and the pavement was sprinkled with
rose water. As he could not desire a better place to rest, he took
off his load, and sat upon it, near a large mansion.

He was much pleased that he stopped in this place; for the
agreeable smell of wood of aloes, and of pastils, that came from
the house, mixing with the scent of the rose-water, completely
perfumed the air, Besides, he heard from within a concert of
instrumental music, accompanied with the harmonious notes of
nightingales. This charming melody, and the smell of savoury
dishes, made the porter conclude there was a feast within. His
business seldom leading him that way, he knew not to whom the
mansion belonged; but to satisfy his curiosity he went to some
of the servants, whom he saw standing at the gate in magnificent
apparel, and asked the name of the proprietor. "How," replied
one of them, "do you live in Bagdad, and know not that this is
the house of Sinbad the sailor, that famous voyager, who has
sailed round the world.?" The porter, who had heard of this
Sinbad's riches, lifted up his eyes to Heaven, and said, loud
enough to be heard: "Almighty creator of all things, consider the
difference between Sinbad and me! I am every day exposed to
fatigues and calamities^ and can scarcely get barley-bread for
myself and my family, whilst happy Sinbad expends immense
riches and leads a life of pleasure. What has he done to obtain
a lot so agreeable ? And what have I done to deserve one so
wretched ?"

Whilst the porter was thus indulging his melancholy, a
servant came out of the house, and taking him by the arm,
bade him follow him, for Sinbad, his master, wanted to speak
to him.

The servants brought him into a great hall, where a number
of people sat round a table, covered with all sorts of savoury
dishes. At the upper end sat a venerable gentleman, with a
long white beard, and behind him stood a number of officers and
domestics, all ready to attend his pleasure. This personage was
Sinbad. The porter, whose fear was increased at the sight of
so many people, and of a banquet so sumptuous, saluted the
company trembling. Sinbad bade him draw near, and seating
him at his right hand, served him himself, and gave him a cup of
excellent wine.

When the repast was over, Sinbad addressed his conversation
to Hindbad, and inquired his name and employment. *'My
lord," answered he, *'my name is Hindbad." *'I am very glad
to see you," replied Sinbad; "but I wish to hear from your own
mouth what it was you lately said in the street." Sinbad had
himself heard the porter complain through the window, and this
it was that induced him to have him brought in.

At this request, Hindbad hung down his head in confusion,
and replied: "My lord, I confess that my fatigue put me out of
humour, and occasioned me to utter some indiscreet words, which
I beg you to pardon." "Do not think I am so unjust," resumed
Sinbad, "as to resent such a complaint, but I must rectify your
error concerning myself. You think, no doubt, that I have
acquired, without labour and trouble, the ease which I now
enjoy. But do not mistake ; I did not attain to this happy condi-
tion, without enduring for several years more trouble of body
and mind than can well be imagined. Yes, gentlemen," he
added, speaking to the whole company, "I can assure you my
troubles were so extraordinary, that they were calculated to dis-
courage the most covetous from undertaking such voyages as I
did, to acquire riches. Perhaps you have never heard a distinct
account of my wonderful adventures; and since I have this
opportunity, I will give you a faithful account of them, not doubt-
ing but it will be acceptable."