There lived formerly at Bagdad a poor porter. One day, when the weather was excessively hot, he was employed to carry a very heavy burden. He went through a street where the pavement was sprinkled with rosewater, and there being a pleasant breeze, he laid down his burden by the side of a great house, to rest himself. He enjoyed the agreeable smell of the perfumes, he heard the sound of many instruments playing in concert and saw a grand feast about to be served up. As he seldom passed that way, he knew not whose house it was but on asking he was told that it belonged to Sindbad the sailor. While porter thought this handsome building belonged to some prince but hearing it was the property of a person whom he supposed of his own level, he got envious. He returned sullenly to his load, and murmured against Providence, who had given to the happy Sindbad a life of ease and luxury, while to him was allotted fatigue and poverty. While he was expressing reflections like these aloud, two of the servants came to him and desired him to follow them, as their master, Sindbad, wanted to speak with him. Porter did not very willingly obey them but still went with them into a great hall, where there was a numerous company at dinner. At the upper end of the table there sat a comely, venerable gentleman, with a long white beard, this grave gentleman was Sindbad. The porter being introduced to him, Sindbad caused him to sit down at his right hand, and served him himself with excellent wine and the choicest dainties. When dinner was over, Sindbad began to converse with the porter; and calling him brother, after the manner of the Arabians, when they are familiar with one another, he asked him what it was he had said a while ago in the street? — for Sindbad had chanced to overhear his murmurings. The porter, surprised at the question, hung down his head, and replied, ” I confess, sir, my weariness put me out of humor, and I uttered some indiscreet words, which I humbly request you to pardon.” ” I did not send for you,” replied Sindbad, “in anger; but as I find you murmur at my having obtained the affluence I enjoy, that you may not continue to offend God by envy and discontent, I will relate to you the adventures which have gained me all this wealth, and I am inclined to think you would rather continue in your safe and easy poverty, than be exposed to the dangers I have gone through, though they have so greatly enriched me.” Now please listen my story,sindbad said! I had to go to 7 great voyages,listen about them.
sindbad’s first voyage.
My father left me a decent fortune, which I, like many inconsiderate young men, greatly diminished. Recollecting myself in time, I engaged in traffic and joining with several other merchants, we freighted a vessel, and set out on a trading voyage.
One day while we were under sail, we were becalmed close to a little island, almost even with the surface of the water, which resembled a green meadow. The captain ordered the sails to be furled, and permitted those who chose it, to go on shore ; of whom I was cue. We had not long landed, when, on a sudden, the island trembled, and shook us terribly. The people on board saw our situation, and called out to us to reembark as what we had taken for an island was only the back of a prodigious fish. The nimblest of us got into the sloop, others jumped into the sea, and swam toward the vessel. For my part, I was still on the back of the fish when it dived into the sea. I got hold of a piece of timber which we had brought to make a fire with, and by this assistance was preserved from sinking, but found it impossible to recover the ship. I continued in this situation till the next day, when I made to land, much fatigued. As I advanced from the shore, I saw a very fine mare feeding; I went toward her, when sundry voices called out to me, which seemed to come from under the ground. Looking around, I saw a hollow sunk in the earth, in which were several men, who received me with great kindness, and gave me every necessary refreshment. They were grooms to King Mihrage.
Every year at that season they brought thither the king’s mares, and fastened them one by one to a stake, till they were covered by a horse that came out of the sea, and who, after having done so, endeavored to destroy the mare, but was prevented and driven away by the shouting of the grooms. The foals, so procured, proving very excellent, were preserved for the king’s use only. Had I been a day later, I must have perished ; for the island was very barren, and they bad so nearly finished their business for that year, that they set out on their return the next morning. On our arrival they presented me to the king, who, having heard my story, ordered me to be supplied with everything I stood in need of. There belongs to this king an island named Cassel ; they assured me that every night a noise of drums was heard there; whence the mariners fancy it is the residence of Degial. I had a desire to see this wonderful place, and in my way thither saw fishes of a hundred and two hundred cubits long; far from being dangerous, they fly from the Denial with the Mohammedans, is the same as Antichrist with us. They have a tradition that he will appear about the end of the world, and eonquel all the earth, except Mecca, Medina, Tarsus, and Jerusalem, which are preserved by angels, whom he shall set round them.
I saw also other fishes about a cubit long, which had heads like owls. As I was one day at the port, after my return, I cast my eye on some bales that were unloaded from a vessel newly arrived, and presently I knew them to be mine. I sought the captain whom I instantly remembered ; but it was some time before i could persuade him that I was Sindbad, so confident was he that he had seen me perish. When he was convinced, he restored me my cargo, which, through the favor of the king sold to very great advantage. I loaded my part of the vessel with the best produce of the country; and had a safe and speedy passage home where I disposed of my merchandise to the value of ten thousand sequins. I then bought slaves of both sexes, built me a fine house, resolving to forget the miseries I had suffered, and enjoy myself. Sindbad stopped here, and ordered the musicians to renew the concert. In the evening he gave the porter a purse of a hundred sequins, and bid him come the next day to hear more of his adventures. Porter returned home to his family, blessing God for what he had received at the hands of Sindbad.
sindbad’s second voyage.
I had no intention of venturing the sea again ; but I soon grew weary, and ashamed of an inactive life. I embarked therefore with some other merchants, and having been at sea some time, we came to an uninhabited island; we landed and dined very heartily. Finding myself disposed to sleep, I withdrew from the company and laid myself down in a charming grove. How long I slept I know not; but when I awoke I perceived the ship under sail, at such a distance that I soon lost sight of her. My surprise and grief were inexpressible: but remembering it was of no use to afflict one’s self when an evil is unavoidable, I resolved to suppress my unavailing sorrow. I climbed up to the top of a great tree, that by an extensive prospect I might better judge of my situation. I saw at great distance a large white body ; when I approached it, I found it so very smooth, that it was impossible to climb it. It was fifty paces round, and of a prodigious height. While I was examining this phenomenon, the sky on a sudden became dark, and looking up I saw a bird of a monstrous size preparing to settle. I now knew that the bird was a roc, and the smooth white substance was its egg. The bird alighted, and sat over the egg to hatch it.
As I perceived her coming, I crept close to the egg, so that I had before me one of the legs of the bird, which was as big as the trunk of a tree. I tied myself strongly to it with the cloth that went round my turban, in hopes that when the roc flew away, she would carry me to some place where I should find inhabitants. Accordingly, the next morning, when she took wing, she raised me with her, and when she alighted, I quickly untied the knot, which I had scarce done, when she flew away again, taking in her bill “a serpent of monstrous length. The place where I was left was a deep valley, surrounded on all sides with precipices so steep that it was impossible to climb them. I soon found that I was no way benefited by the exchange. As I walked along, I perceived the ground was strewed with diamonds ; I examined them with much pleasure, but presently saw objects which at once put an end to all my agreeable ideas, and terrified me exceedingly. These were a number of serpents, each capable of swallowing an elephant. They had now retired to their dens, to avoid their enemy the roc; but I had no doubt I should have everything to fear from them at night. I immediately sought a secure retreat, and was so lucky as to find one.
In the evening, as I expected, all the serpents left their dens, and came hissing about my retreat Though they could not hurt me, they put me into such extreme fear, that I could not sleep. When the day came, and I came out of my cave trembling; and I can truly say, that I walked a long time upon diamonds, without having the least inclination to touch them. At last, spent with fatigue and want of rest, I was obliged to lay down to sleep ; but had scarce shut my eyes when I was awakened by a great piece of fresh meat falling close to me; at the same time I saw others fall from the rocks in different places. This circumstance gave me immediate hope of escape. I had always considered as fabulous the stories told of the valley of diamonds, and of the stratagems used by mer- chants to get jewels thence ; but now I found them true. This valley, from the height, and from the rocks which bound it, being utterly inaccessible to man, the adventurers come as near as may be at the time eagles hatch their young, and, by the help of machines, throw very large pieces of raw flesh high into the air ; these falling upon the diamonds, their sharp points enter the flesh, and they stick to it ; the eagles, which are larger here than in any other country, convey these pieces of meat to their nests, to feed their young ; but the merchants frighten away the old bird, till they have examined the prey, and taken away the diamonds which may chance to stick to it. I now no longer doubted the truth of this account. I began therefore very deliberately to select the largest and clearest diamonds I could find ; and having filled my provision bag with them, and secured it to my girdle, I took a piece of meat, and tying it to my back, I laid down with my face to the ground. In a short time one of the eagles seized me, and conveyed me to her nest. As soon as the eagle had deposited me, the merchants, as usual, drove him away. Every merchant had his distinct nest, which was considered as his peculiar property. When the owner of the nest where I was ascended to it and saw me, he was at first much frightened; but recovering himself, he began to upbraid me with his disappointment ; he helped me, notwithstanding, to descend, and introduced me to the other merchants, who heard my story with amazement.
When the season for throwing the meat was over, we all prepared to return to our several countries. Before we parted, I took aside the merchant in whose nest I was found, and showed him the bag of diamonds I had selected in the valley. I told him I considered him as my deliverer, and frankly offered to share them with him. He was astonished at their size and beauty; but I could only prevail with him to accept of one, and that one of the smallest, which, he said, would raise him as great a fortune as he wished for. We parted perfectly satisfied with each other, and I returned by the first ship to Bagdad We touched at the isle of Hoha, where the trees grow that yield camphor. These trees are so large that a hundred men may easily sit under the shade of one of them. They bore a hole in the upper part of the tree, whence issues a juice which, being received into a vessel, acquires a consistency, and becomes what we call camphor; after which the tree withers and dies. There is in this island the rhinoceros, a creature less than the elephant, but greater than the buffalo. It has a horn upon its nose about a cubit long, which is solid and cleft in the middle, there are upon it draughts representing the figures of men. The rhinoceros fights with the elephant, runs his horn into his belly, and carries him off upon his head ; but the blood and fat of the elephant run into his eyes, and make him blind. He falls to the ground, and what is very astonishing, the roc carries them both away in its claws, to be meat for her young ones. On my arrival at Bagdad, I gave large sums to the poor, and lived honorably on the vast riches I had acquired with so much danger and fatigue. Sindbad gave the porter another purse of a hundred sequins, and invited him to return the next day.
sindbad’s third voyage-
I soon forgot the risks I had run in my two former voyages, and hating idleness, projected a third. I embarked accordingly, and after some days’ favorable weather, we were overtaken by a tempest, which drove us quite out. Our vessel being much shattered, we were clad to make the first port to repair our damages. We had scarce begun this necessary business, when we were beset in a very extraordinary manner. An innumerable multitude of little frightful savages covered all over with red hair, came swimming about us. They were not more than two feet high, but seemed uncommonly strong and nimble. Their immense number and horrible appearance so terrified us, that we suffered them to board and take possession of the vessel without resistance. This was a lucky circumstance for us; for there was no hope of escaping, and we learned afterward, that if we had killed one of them, they would have put us all to death. Having taken possession of the vessel, they set us on shore, and made signs that we might go where we pleased. After which they returned on board, and sailed to another island to which they belonged. We marched together into the country, and had not advanced far, when we came to a great pile of buildings, which we entered. We found the doors and rooms uncommonly lofty; but our attention was soon engaged by an appearance equally shocking and alarming.
On entering a vast apartment, we found various fragments of human bodies, and a parcel of spits, on which they had evidently been roasted. Though we were much fatigued, we were about to retire hastily from a habitation which threatened us so dreadfully, when all power of escape was taken from us, by the presence of the owner of the mansion. He was a tremendous black giant, as high as a tall palm-tree, with only one eye in the middle of his forehead, which looked as red as a burning coal ; his teeth and nails were long and sharp, and his mouth resembled that of a horse. The sight of so frightful a figure rendered us immovable with horror. After surveying us for some time, he took me up by the nape of the neck, and felt my body as a butcher would his sheep. Finding me very thin, he set me down and took up another; at last, laying nands on our captain, who was fat, he thrust a long spit through him, and kindling a fire, he roasted and ate him. After which he ‘retired to an adjoining room, where he slept, and snored all night like thunder. In the morning he got up, went out, and left us in his dwelling. Our distress may easily be imagined. For some time we abandoned ourselves to despair. But finding we were not confined, we divided ourselves into small parties, and sought various hiding-places, where we vainly hoped to continue in safety.
In the evening, the giant found out all our retreats, and collecting us together, drove us before him into his habitation, where another of our companions fell a sacrifice to his voracious appetite ; after which he retired, and slept as before. The next day we renewed our lamentations, and some of the company began to talk of throwing themselves into the sea, rather than die so strange a death. I reminded them that we were forbidden to destroy ourselves. That, as there was a great deal of timber floating on the coast, we might make small floats to carry us to sea ; and though the risk would be great, yet our present situation was still more desperate. We set about them immediately; but just as they were finished, the night approached The giant again conducted us to his cavern, and repeated his cruelty. While we were busy in preparing our floats, I proposed a scheme to my companions to revenge ourselves of this monster, in case we were obliged, as I feared we should be, to pass another night in his power. Accordingly, when we heard him snore, ten of the boldest of us took each a spit, and making the points redhot in the embers of the fire where he had roasted our friends, we thrust them all at once into his eye, and blinded him.
He awoke in great agonies, and making a frightful outcry, he felt about, in hopes of sacrificing us to his fury ; but we took care to be out of his reach, and finding he sought for us in vain, he groped for the gate, and went out howling dreadfully. We hastened to the sea-side, and got our floats into the water ; but as it was yet night, we agreed not to be in sea till daybreak. His howling we still heard, might die ; in which case we need not risk our lives upon the floats, but stay till a better conveyance might be made. Day had scarcely appeared, when we found it necessary to put to sea with all possible haste; for we saw the blinded giant coming toward us, led by two others of his own species, as large and terrible as himself. We rowed off Immediately and having got a little way from shore, began to congratulate each other on our escape. But we were deceived ; for as soon as the giants saw us, they ran to the adjacent rocks, and tearing away huge masses of stone, they threw them after us, and destroyed every float, except the one on which I was with two others. We were so fortunate as to get out of their reach, and we thought ourselves more so when, the next day, we made an island abounding with excellent fruit, which greatly refreshed us. But alas! another danger awaited us, no less fatal and horrid than that which we had fled from. As night approached, we took refuge in a cavern we had discovered, and fell asleep; but were soon awakened by the approach of a prodigious serpent, who, seizing one of my companions, notwithstanding his utmost efforts, crushed his bones to pieces and swallowed him up before us, after which the monster retired, leaving us unhurt, but terrified beyond expression. The day following we passed in fruitless endeavors to escape from this new distress.
But the tide having driven our float among some concealed rocks, we had not strength to disengage it ; and were obliged, by the approach of night, to seek shelter on land. To avoid the serpent, we sought out a very high tree, which we climbed almost to the top. In a short time the tremendous monster ap- peared, hissing horribly. He came immediately to our tree, and winding himself round the trunk, he ascended with much ease till he reached my companion, who fell an unresisting sacrifice to his voracity I remained for this time in safety, the serpent retiring when he had devoured my comrade. In the morning i descended from the tree, and passed the day in a state of stupefying horror. Toward evening I began to recollect my situation. I gathered together a large quantity of dry fagot-wood, with which I formed a circle round the tree. The serpent came at the usual hour, but was prevented by the rampart I had made from approaching me. He continued attempting to force his way till day appeared, when he retired. Though I had reason to be satisfied with my escape, yet the terror of my situation, and even beyond that, the poisonous breath of the serpent, had made the night inexpressibly terrible. Rather than pass such another, I determined, if I could not remove the float, to tear off a single plank and put to sea upon it. I went down to the shore to execute this purpose, when I saw a ship at a considerable distance. I presently loosed my turban, and displaying the linen, made signals of distress.
Fortunately the captain perceived me, and sending a boat for me, brought me safely on board. My joy at this deliverance could only be equalled by the benevolence of the captain and merchants, who heard my story with wonder, and relieved my necessities with great liberality. The ship was of Balsora, but first bound on a trading voyage to Salabat ; I had reason, therefore, to hope I should soon reach my native country, though not with my usual increase of fortune. In this last expectation I was agreeably disappointed ; for on opening the cargo when we arrived at Salabat, the captain, who had become much attached to me, proposed that I should undertake the management of a part of the cargo which had belonged to a merchant who had sailed on board, but was dead. On receiving the bales into my possession, I found they were entered in my own name, and that I was actually on board the same vessel in which I had sailed on my second voyage. The captain soon remembered me, and restored very readily all my goods, which he had greatly improved. Thus I became unexpectedly enriched by this voyage. I distributed largely of my gains to my friends,poors, and had enough to buy another considerable estate Tomorrow. Sindbad, presenting the porter with another purse & says come and hear my next adventure.
sindbad’s fourth voyage.
I soon fitted out another vessel, and again set sail. After several weeks of fine weather, a furious tempest drove our vessel on a strange shore. The cargo and most of the crew were lost, and those who escaped were in the utmost distress. Next morning the natives of the country, who were blacks, came down upon us in a body, and seizing us, drove us before them a long way up the country. On our arriving at their town, they gave us an herb, which they made signs for us to eat. My companions, pressed by hunger, readily obeyed but I, perceiving they themselves ate none of it, and expecting no good from such inhospitable hands, concealed what they gave me, and only pretended to eat it. They now set us at liberty, and gave us plenty of rice and other provisions, of which they themselves also partook. While i was at a loss to account for their behavior, I found, on addressing myself to my companions, that every one of them had lost his understanding; so baneful was the effect of the herb they had first eaten. Our masters perceived no difference between me and my comrades. They gave us great abundance of food, of which my unfortunate shipmates ate greedily, and soon became fat. Then was the mystery of our fate made plain. The blacks were cannibals and they fatted us up as delicacies for their inhuman feasts. My companions soon fell victims to their cruelty. But for me, partly from the horror of my situation, and partly from my own care in eating no more than was necessary to preserve life, I grew every day leaner. The blacks, therefore, put off my destiny to a future time.
The barbarians, not doubting but I was bereft of understanding, allowed me a great deal of liberty. One day on some particular occasion, all the inhabitants went out of town together, except a few feeble old people. I instantly seized the lucky moment to escape, and disregarding the outcries of those who remained in the town, I set off with all possible speed, and gained some neighboring woods, which afforded me food and shelter. I travelled many days, avoiding with great care any place which seemed to be inhabited. At length I came near to the sea, and saw some white people gathering pepper, which I took for a good omen. I went among them without scruple, and was overjoyed to hear them speak Arabic. These people received me kindly; and when they had laden their ships with pepper, they took me with them to their own country, and introduced me to their king. I was so well treated by my new protectors, that I soon recovered my health and spirits. I became a favorite with the king. I observed that the prince and all his courtiers rode their horses without saddle, bridle, or stirrups. I found workmen, and giving them proper models, I caused all those articles to be made, and presented them to the king, who was highly pleased with them. I made others for all the principal courtiers, and introduced several other mechanical arts which were familiar to me, but entirely unknown in that country. By these means I conciliated the favor both of the prince and the people. The king not only made me very consid erable presents, but being desirous that I should settle in his country, he gave me for a wife one of the richest and most beautiful ladies of his court. I durst not oppose the royal pleasure ; I received the lady, therefore, with seeming joy, and lived with her in much harmony.
But i could not forget my native country, nor suppress a wish to make my escape and return thither. While these thoughts took up much of my attention, the wife of a neighbor friend died. I went to comfort my friend, I wished him a long life. ” Alas!” said he, “I have not an hour to live; I must be buried presently with my wife. Do you not know,” continued he, ” that it is the law of this country, a law on no account ever violated, that the living husband is interred with the dead wife, and the living wife with the dead husband?” While he was talking thus with me, his kindred, friends, and neighbors came to assist at the funeral. They dressed the deceased in her gayest apparel, and ornamented her with all her jewels; and having placed her in an open coffin, they began their march to the place of burial, the husband walking at the head of the company. They went up a high mountain, and near the summit of it they came to a large stone which covered the mouth of a very deep pit. Having raised the stone, they let down the corpse; the husband then employed his friends, and suffered himself to be placed in another open coffin, with a pitcher of water and seven little loaves, and was let down in the same manner. The ceremony being over, they covered the hole with a stone, and returned to the city. Though I was struck with terror and astonishment at this barbarous transaction, the rest of the company were entirely unmoved. Accustomed to it from their earliest infancy, they regarded it as a matter of course. I thought the law so absurd, as well as cruel, that i ventured to speak my sentiments on it to the king; but I found his majesty immovably prejudiced in its favor. ” It is a usage here,” said he, “as universal as it is ancient; we have no trace how early it began, nor a single instance of an ex- ception from it, from the sovereign to the meanest peasant.Strangers, I hope, replied I, ” are not subject to this barbarous law.” ” Indeed they are,” said the king, smiling, ” if they marry in this country.” From that hour I became the prey of continual apprehension.
Every little indisposition of my wife, however trifling, alarmed me. I renewed with redoubled earnestness my endeavors to escape; but, as if my conversation with the king had excited his suspicions, I found it impossible to elude the spies which everywhere surrounded me. In a short time all these apprehensions were realized My wife fell sick, and in a very few days died. Judge of my feelings on this dismal occasion.The body was immediately prepared for interment; the cavalcade began, and I was obliged to lead the procession. On our arrival at the fatal pit, I begged leave to address the king and his court, who, in honor to me, attended the funeral. It was granted, but to no purpose. In vain I threw myself at the monarch’s feet, pleading my past services. In vain I harangued the people on the cruelty and injustice of subjecting a stranger to so barbarous a law. In vain I urged that I had another wife and children in my own country; which plea, as good Mussulmans, who allow polygamy, they ought to respect. Instead of being moved by my pleas and entreaties, they only made the more haste to inter the corpse ; and notwithstanding my exclamation and outcries, they forced me into the coffin, and having lowered me down, they shut the mouth of the pit. When I reached the bottom. I threw myself on the ground in a transport of grief. How many hours I passed in this state I cannot tell ; but as nature will not support continual anguish, I became at length by degrees more composed. I then surveyed my situation, and found, from a little light which here and there broke through the cavities of the rock, that I was in a cave of great length. Innumerable dry bones were scattered on the ground, interspersed with jewels and trinkets of immense value, which had been buried with the different bodies ; but to nay great surprise, there was no stench, which I was then at a loss to account for. Notwithstanding my hopeless situation, and the misery I felt in contemplating it, something, I know not what, preserved me from absolute despair. I determined to husband my bread and water with the utmost care; and actually managed it so that it supported me for many days ; at length it was quite exhausted, and I was just resigning myself to death, when I perceived the stone at the mouth of the pit to be removed.
I had no doubt but another funeral was taking place. Instantly snatching up a large hone, I concealed myself in the corner of the cavern. I waited till the second coffin was let down, and the pit covered, when finding a woman had been buried with her deceased husband, I gave the unfortunate wretch several blows, which speedily dispatched her; and seizing on her bread and water, I became possessed of the means of preserving my life a little longer. A few days after, when this store, so dreadfully obtained, was nearly gone, as I was sitting on my coffin, I heard something walking and panting as it approached from the interior parts of the cavern ; which being entirely dark, I had not attempted to explore. On this occasion, my situation was too desperate to admit of fear and I determined to meet it. As I advanced, I found the noise retreat from me. I continued to follow it, till at length I found to my inexpressible joy that it led me to a hole in the rock big enough for me to escape through. When I arrived in open day, I threw myself on my knees and returned thanks to heaven for my deliverance. I found I was on the sea-coast, with the immense mountain in which I had been buried, between me and the town. I perceived also that the creature I had followed was a sea-monster, who had no doubt come into the cavern to feed on the dead bodies ; and thence I could account for the air of that dismal place being so little noxious. Having refreshed myself plentifully with the fruits I found on the mountain, I had the courage to penetrate the cavern again, and bring away part of the jewels and other treasures it contained. I did so repeatedly for some days, and made up several bales of them with the apparel I found in the cavern. Soon after I was so lucky as to discover a ship. My signals were seen on board, and a boat sent to my relief, which conveyed me and my bales to the vessel. As neither the captain nor crew were very inquisitive, they were sat- isfied with a loose account I gave them, of my having been shipwrecked where they found me. We had a short and agreeable passage, and arrived safely at Bagdad. I handsomely rewarded my deliverers, nor did I forget to distribute part of my wealth among my friends and the necessitous. Sindbad baving finished his relation, gave the porter another purse, and another invitation to bear his further adventures.
sindbad’s fifth voyage-
By this time my name became celebrated as a bold navigator and fortunate merchant. My vanity was so highly gratified by these distinctions, that I determined to support my claim to them by undertaking another voyage. Accordingly, I fitted out and loaded a stout ship, of larger burden than any I had sailed in before. We had been several weeks at sea before we made land, and at last touched at a desert island, where we found an egg of a roc. There was a young roc in it almost hatched, as the bill began to appear. As we had been for some time confined to salt provi- sions, the sailors determined to have a feast. Accordingly, they broke the egg with hatchets, and cutting away large pieces of the young roc, they roasted them and regaled themselves. I earnestly persuaded them in vain from this rash measure ; however, when they had gratified their desires, they listened to my advice; which was, to hasten on board, and sail directly away before the old roc should return. We embarked, and got under way with all diligence but we scarce had weighed anchor, when we saw the male and female rocs appear at a dis- tance, like two large clouds. When they approached their egg and found it broken, the noise they maae was tremendous. They rose again immediately into the air, and flew away, so that we lost sight of them, and began to think we had nothing to apprehend.
These hopes were soon at an end : in a very little time we saw them approaching us slowly ; when they drew near we discovered too plainly the cause of this delay ; they carried between their talons, stones, or rati er rocks & came directly over our ship, they hovered, and one of them let fall the stone she held, which, by the dexterity of the steersman, we evaded. But the other roc was mere successful. His stone fell in the middle of the ship, which it split into a thousand pieces. All the crew were either killed by the fall of the stone, or sunk very deep into the sea. The latter was my fate ; I continued so long under water that I was almost spent, but on regaining the surface I found a piece of the wreck near me. I immediately got upon it, and committing myself to the mercy of the waves, I had the good fortune next day to get on shore on an island, the most beautiful and fertile I had ever seen. The whole country appeared a delicious garden, abounding with the choicest fruit trees. I refreshed myself plentifully, and afterward resigned myself to sleep. The next day I awoke, fully recovered from my fatigue, but much grieved for the loss of my companions. As the country was so pleasant, I resolved to penetrate further into it in search of inhabitants.
I had not advanced far when, coming to the bank of a stream, I saw a little old man, who seemed to be very weak and feeble. I saluted him, which he returned by bowing his head, and making signs for rne to take him on my back and carry him over the brook. I thought he wanted assistance, and readil}r complied, and when on the other side, I stooped that he might get off with the greater ease; but instead of doing so, he clasped his legs nimbly about my neck. His skin appeared as impenetrable as iron : he sat astride on my shoulders, and held me so close that I thought he would have strangled me. The surprise and terror of my situation overcame me. I fainted and fell down ; notwithstanding which, the old man continued on my shoulders. When he found I had recovered, he struck me so severely with his feet, that I was obliged to rise, and carry him where he pointed. At night he made signs to me to lie down, he continuing hia hold about my neck; and in the morning, when he wished to rise, he struck me with his feet, as a signal to get up, with him or my shoulders.In this manner I continued for a considerable time, bur- dened with the execrable old fellow, who never left me for a single moment. One day I found in my way some dry calabashes; I took a large one, and having cleaned it, I filled it with the juice of grapes, and set it in a convenient place. Some time after, I returned thither, and found my wine very good. I drank heartily of it, which raised my spirits, and I began to sing and dance as i walked along. The old man, perceiving what effect the wine had upon me, made signs for me to give him some.
I gave him the calabash, and he was so pleased with the liquor that he drank it all. The fumes of it presently got into his head, he became drunk, and sat with his legs much looser about me than usual. I seized the opportunity, and suddenly threw him off. He fell to the ground in a state of insen- sibility, and with a large stone I crushed his head to pieces. I rejoiced exceedingly at my deliverance, and regaining the sea coast, I met with the crew of a ship, who had cast anchor to take in water. From them I learned that my late situation had been more dangerous than I had thought it. “You fell,” said they, “into the hands of the Old Man of the Sea, and are the only one that ever escaped strangling by him ; as he never left any he had once mastered till their strength was exhausted, when he failed not to de- stroy them.” The captain of the vessel received me very kindly, and readily gave me a passage to the port he was bound to. My good fortune did not forsake me. When we landed, I was permitted, through the interest of the captain, to join a body of adventurers of a singular kind. I had a large bag given me, and was advised to follow the example of my companions, and by no means to separate from them, as I valued my life. “We went together to a neighboring forest, the trees of which were very straight and tall, and so smooth, it was impossible for any man to climb them.
As we drew near, we saw a great number of apes, who fled from us and climbed the trees for safety. We pelted the apes with stones, who in return threw at us cocoa nuts! Trees bore in great plenty ; and thus, through the indignation of the animals, we were supplied with those valuable fruits, which our utmost industry could not otherwise have obtained. By diligently following this avocation, I soon got to- gether a very considerable cargo of cocoa-nuts. I sailed with these to another port, where I exchanged them for pepper and aloes, and after some time arrived at Balsora, very considerably enriched.
Giving the porter his customary present,sindbad said, I will tell you my next adventure next time.
sindbad’s sixth voyage-
Some time after on friends insistance,i with friends started a new voyage again,we sailed many days without seeing land. At length the ship was forced along by a strong current. The moment the captain perceived it, he exclaimed, ” We are all lost!” He immediately ordered all the sails to be set a contrary way, but in vain ; the ropes broke to pieces. The ship, in spite of our utmost efforts, continued to be forced on by the current, till we came to the foot of a mountain, where she ran ashore & lots of the crew perished; the captain, two seamen, and myself only escaped ; and all but me were much bruised. The captain told us that all hope of escape from that place was vain, as the current set in so strongly to the shore, that no vessel could possibly sail against it.The whole shore was covered with wrecks of vessels, and with the bones of men who had evidently perished there. The incredible quantity of riches with which the land was covered, only served to aggravate our sorrows. next day the two sailors died,may be from wounds and the day following the captain also expired, so that I was left alone in this terrible situation. But I had been too much used to misfortunes to despair. I began, therefore, to survey the shore, and to cast about in my mind for a possibility of relief.
On examining the mountain. I soon found that all hope of climbing it was in vain, for it was not only stupendously high, but in many parts absolutely perpendicular. The account of the current setting in everywhere to the shore, I found also to be true. I had almost given up every hope, when I discovered a rivulet of fresh water, which, instead of running into the sea, penetrated the bottom of the mountain. To this place I with much labor brought pieces of the wreck, and formed a large and strong float. Having secured this properly, I went in search of provisions. I found shell- fish in great abundance; I conveyed a large quantity of these on board my float, resolving to trust myself on it, and take the chance whither the current might convey me. Before I embarked, I collected great quantities of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and ambergris ; these I formed into bales, and fastened strongly on board my vessel, and cutting the cable, committed myself to fortune. The stream conveyed me into a hollow passage, under the mountain, which was entirely dark. I sailed many days in this situation, husbanding my shell-fish with great care. My food was at last exhausted ; I grew faint, and insensibly fell into a deep sleep. How long it continued I know not, but when I awoke, I found my float drawn on shore, and myself surrounded by a great number of african men.
I arose & spoke them, happily one of the men understood Arabic ; from him I learned that my float having been discovered in the river, they had drawn it on shore ; but finding me fast they had waited till I awoke. He then requested that i would tell them by what accident I came into such a situation. I told my story When I had finished, they desired I would suffer them to conduct me to the king, that I might relate such extraordinary adventure to him myself. I cheerfully consented, on which they furnished me with a horse, and while some of them attended me, others contrived to convey my float and cargo after me. I was very favorably received by the king, and thankfully accepted his invitation of reposing some time in his court to recover from my fatigue. During this time, I made a pilgrimage to the place where Adam was confined after his banishment from paradise. The island was called Serendib ; it is exceedingly pleasant and fertile. The people were hospitable.The magnificence of the palace, and the splendor of their prince, when he appears in public, are truly admirable. On this occasion, the king has a throne fixed on the back of an elephant.After I had continued some time in the capital, I requested the king’s permission to return to my own country, which he immediately granted, in the most obliging and most honorable manner.Our voyage was short and pleasant. After which I retired to my own dwelling, rejoicing with my friends, to whom and to the poor I was bountiful, and resolving to pass the rest of my days among them. Sindbad presented the porter as before with a hundred sequins, and desired him to attend the day following, to hear an account of his last voyage.
sindbad’s seventh voyage-
I had now determined to go no more to sea. My wealth was unbounded, my reputation established, my curiosity amply gratified, and my years began to require rest; so that i thought only of enjoying the fruit of my former toils and dangers. But the caliph sending for me, told me he had resolved to answer the letter of the king of Serendib, and to return him a present of equal value to that which I had brought him, and that he had fixed on me to be the bearer of it. I wished much to be excused, and for that purpose related to the caliph the many perils I had been in.
The commander of the Faithful expressed his surprise and satisfaction at my narrative; but persisting in his desire, I cheerfully prepared to obey his commands. As soon as the caliph’s letter -j and present were ready, The contents of the king of Serendib’s letter were: “The king of the Indies, before whom march an hundred elephants, who lives in a palace that shines with an hundred thousand rubies, and who has in his treasury twenty thousand crowns enriched with diamonds; to the caliph Haroun Alraschid. ” Though the present we send yon be inconsiderable, receive it, however, as a brother and a friend, in consideration of the hearty friendship which we bear you, and of which we are willing to give you proof. We desire part in your friendship, considering that we believe it to be our merit, being of the same dignity with yourself. The caliph’s letter was as follows: “Greeting, in the name of the Sovereign Guide of the right way, the patient and happy “sultan, I set sail, and after a safe and pleasant voyage I arrived at the island of Serendib, and discharged my commission. The king received me in the most distinguished manner, and expressed himself much pleased with the caliph’s friendship. I stayed a short time at the palace, and then reembarked for Balsora, but had not the good fortune arrived there as I hoped. Providence ordered it otherwise. Within three days of our departure, we fell in with a corsair, who took us captives, and carrying us into port, sold us all for slaves. I was bought by a wealthy merchant, who treated me very kindly. He inquired if I understood the use of the bow, and seemed much pleased when I told him it had been one of the exercises of my youth, and that I had always delighted in it. He gave me a bow and arrows, and carried me to a vast forest. “Climb up,”, said he, “one of these trees. This forest abounds with elephants; as they come within bow-shot, shoot at them, and if any one falls, come and give me notice.” I continued in the tree all night. In the morning I saw many elephants, and shot at them ; at last one dropped.
I hastened to acquaint my patron with my success, who commended my dexterity, and caressed me very much. We returned to the forest, and buried the elephant in the earth ; my patron intending to take away the teeth, when the body was decayed, to trade with. For two months I continued to kill an elephant every day, sometimes from one tree, sometimes from another. One morning, while I was looking out for them, I perceived they did not cross the forest as usual, but came in great numbers directly toward the tree where I was. Their approach alarmed me so much that my bow and arrows fell out of my hand ; and my terror greatly increased when one of the largest of them wound his trunk Haroun Alraschid, whom God hath set in the place of honor, after his ances- tors of happy memnry. ” We received your letter with joy. We hope when you look upon it, you will find our good intention, and be pleased with it. Adieu.” The body of the tree in which I was, pulled so strong that he soon tore it up by the roots, and threw it on the ground. As I was falling with the tree, i gave myself up for lost ; but the elephant, when I reached the earth, took me up gently, and placed me on his back. He then went at the head of his companions into the heart of the forest, when stopping suddenly, he took hold of me with his trunk, and sat me down on the ground. Immediately he and all his companions retired and left me. I had been so extremely agitated during these transactions, that it was a considerable time before I recovered the use of my faculties.
When I became composed enough to look about me, I found I was upon a long and broad hill, covered all over with the bones and teeth of ele- phants. I could not but admire the wonderful instinct of these sagacious animals. They had perceived, no doubt, that we buried such of their companions as we killed, and afterward opened the earth, and took away their teeth ; I concluded, therefore, that they had conducted me to their burial-place, that we might obtain our desires without persecuting them. I returned to the city, and found my patron in great- trouble about me. I related to him my adventure, which he would hardly believe. We set out next morning for the hill, where he soon found everything I had told him was true. We took away with us ivory to a great value ; and on our return to the city, my patron embraced me, and said, “Brother, God give you all happiness; I declare before him that I will give you your liberty. I will not hold in bondage a moment longer the man who hath so greatly enriched me.” ” Know now,” continued he, ” the perilous service you have been engaged in. We buy slaves here solely for the purpose of procuring us ivory; and notwithstanding all our care, the elephants every year kill a great many of them.
You have been preserved most marvellously from their fury. Think not that by restoring you to freedom, I suppose you sufficiently rewarded ; when I procure you a vessel to convey you home, you will find me more substantially grateful.” Agreeably to this promise, my patron was diligent in providing me with a ship ; and having met with one, he freighted it with ivory, and gave me both the vessel and cargo; we parted with mutual expressions of regard, and in a short time I returned home, with another great addition to my fortune. On my arrival at Bagdad, I waited on the caliph, and related my adventure to him, which he heard with much pleasure. He dismissed me very graciously, and I have since devoted my time wholly to my family, kindred, and friends. Sindbad having finished the relation of his voyages, addressed himself to Hindbad thus : “You now know by what means I have acquired the opulence you envied me. Say, have I not gained it through dangers more than equal to its value; and ought I not to enjoy nryself?” The porter modestly owned the truth of Sindbad’s reasoning, adding due praises to his generosity, and prayers for his future welfare. Sindbad repeated his present of a hundred sequins. His liberality had raised Hindbad from his pen- ury, and finding him worthy of esteem, the generous sailor received him among the number of his intimate acquaintances. So ends inspiring tale of kind,brave hearted, generous and god fearing sindabad
