Guided Sleep Meditation & Sleep Hypnosis from Sleep Cove - Sinbad the Sailor - Arabian Nights Bedtime Story

Episode Date: July 26, 2020

Enjoy the classic tale of Sinbad the Sailor, taken from Arabian Nights. Allow yourself to join our hero on his epic adventures across the ancient world with these timeless bedtime stories. Enjoy the fantastical lands and tales taken from these beloved books as you sleep. Please leave a 5-star review & SUBSCRIBE on Apple and Spotify. Sleep Cove Premium Become a Premium Member for Bonus Episodes & Ad-Free listening: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sleepcove.com/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and become a Premium Member. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Instant Access⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and sign up in two taps. The Sleep Cove Premium Feed includes: - Access to over 400 Ad-free Episodes - Regular Exclusive Bonus Episodes - A Back Catalogue of Dozens of Exclusive Episodes - Full Audiobooks like Alice in Wonderland - Your name read out on the Show - Our Love! Get your 7-day free trial:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://sleepcove.com/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For Apple users, click the TRY FREE button for a 2-week free trial and become a Premium Member Today. Support our Sponsors: This episode of Sleep Cove is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠betterhelp.com/sleepcove ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and get on your way to being your best self. Our Sister Shows: - Calm Cove - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://link.chtbl.com/bgSKfkbt⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Relaxing Music & Ambient Sounds - Mysteries at Midnight - Mystery Bedtime Stories - ⁠⁠⁠https://link.chtbl.com/skj6YFah⁠⁠⁠ - Let's Begin - Daytime Meditations with wake sections at the end - ⁠⁠⁠https://link.chtbl.com/Z--DgSH4 ⁠⁠⁠ - YouTube Bedtime Story Channel -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://rb.gy/t7wyjk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - YouTube Sleep Hypnosis & Meditation Channel - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClE6WJgPYRBtwVQ1qDBrbqw Connect: - Join the Newsletter for a Bonus Meditation -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.sleepcove.com/bonus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://rb.gy/azpdrd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sleep_cove/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepcovechris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Recommended Products: Comfortable Sleep Headphones -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.sleepcove.com/headphones⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Best Mattress from Puffy: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sleepcove.com/puffy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Sister Shows in more detail: Calm Cove is our music channel, where you can find Relaxing Music, White Noise and Nature Sounds - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://link.chtbl.com/bgSKfkbt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Let’s Begin is our brand new Day Meditation podcast. Start your day feeling relaxed and positive, or take some time out to unwind with these calming meditations with wakeners at the end so that you can continue your day. If you love our bedtime stories, check out Mysteries at Midnight, our brand-new podcast dedicated to the mystery stories our listeners love so much. Enjoy even more from Poirot, Sherlock and more classic mystery tales. _______________ All Content by Sleep Cove is for educational or entertainment purposes and does not provide or replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical professional before making any changes to your treatment and if in any doubt, contact your doctor. Please listen in a place where you can safely go to sleep. Sleep Cove is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage or injury arising from the use of this content. _________________ Sleep Cove content includes guided sleep meditations, sleep hypnosis (hypnotherapy), sleep stories (visualizations) and Bedtime Stories for adults and grown-ups, all designed to help you get a great night's sleep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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And for this episode, I've actually recorded the full Arabian night story of Simab the Sain. On the last podcast episode, I just contained a few of his voyages and short stories, but I really enjoyed reading them and I've actually read out the full tale, and I hope you enjoy it for this week's episode. So let's begin. Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor. Times of the Caliph, Haran al-Rashid, that lived in Baghdad, A poor porter named Hindbad was sent to carry a heavy load from one end of the city to the other had accomplished half the distance.

He was so tired that finding himself in a quiet street where the pavement was sprinkled with rose water and a cool breeze was blowing. He set, very soon he decided that he could not have chosen a pleasant. into place, a delicious perfume of aloes, wood and pastels came from the open window and mingled with a scent of the rose water, which steamed up from the hot pavement, the palace he heard some music, as of many instruments cunningly played, and the melodious war-ball of nightingales and other birds, and by this and the appetised. smell of many dainty dishes, of which he presently became aware. He judged that feasting and merry-making were going on. He wondered who lived in this magnificent house, which he had never seen before.

The street in which it stood, being one of which he seldom had occasion to pass, to satisfy By his curiosity, he went up to some splendidly dressed servants who stood at the door, and asked one of them the name of the master of the mansion, replied he, do you live in Baghdad do not know that here lives the noble Sinbad the sailor, the famous traveller who sailed over every sea upon which the sun shines? The porter, who had often heard speak of the immense wealth of Sinbad, could not help feeling envious of one whose lot seemed to be as happy as his own was miserable. Casting his eyes up to the sky, he exclaimed aloud,

Consider mighty creator of all things, the differences between Simbad's life and mine. Every day I suffer a thousand hardships and misfortune. and have hard work to get even enough bad barley bread to keep myself and my family alive, while the lucky Simbad spends money right and left and lives upon the fat of the land. What has he done that you should give him this pleasant life? What have I done to deserve so hard a fate, so saying he's stamped upon the ground, like one beside himself with misery and despair.

Just at this moment a servant came out to the palace and taking him by the arm said, Come with me, the noble Sinbad, my master, wishes to speak to you. Hinbad was not a little surprised at this summons and feared that his unguarded words might have drawn upon him the displeasure of Sinbad. So he tried to excuse himself upon the pretext that he could not leave the burden which had been entrusted to him on the street.

However, the lackey promised him that it should be taken care of and urged him to obey the call so pressingly that at last the porter was obliged to yield. He followed the servant into a vast room where a great company was seated round a table covered with all sorts of delicacies. In the place of honour sat a tall, grave man, whose long white beard gave him a venerable air.

Beside his chair stood a crowd of attendance, eager to minister to his wants. This was the famous Sinbad himself. The porter, more than ever alarmed at the sight of so much magnificent. tremblingly saluted the noble company. Simbad making a sign to him to approach, caused him to be seated at his right hand, and himself heaped choice morsels upon his plate, and poured out for him, bedraught of excellent wine, and presently, when the banquets drew to a close, Sinbad spoke to him familiarly, asking his name and occupation. My lord replied the the balter. I'm Hindbad. I'm glad to see you here, continued Sinbad, and I will answer for the rest of the company that they are equally pleased. But I wish you to tell me, what is that you said just now on the street? The Sinbad, passing by the open window,

before the feast began, had heard his complaint, covered with confusion. and hanging down his head replied, My lord, I confess that, overcome by wariness and ill humour, I uttered indiscreet words, which I pray you to pardon me, replied Simbad, do not imagine that I am so unjust as to blame you.

On the contrary, I understand your situation, and can pity you. Only you appear to be mistaken about me, and I wish to set you right. You doubtless imagine that I have acquired all the wealth and luxury that you see me enjoy without difficulty or danger, but this is far indeed from being the case.

I have only reached this happy state after having years for suffered every possible kind of toil and danger. Yes, my noble friends, he continued, addressing the company, I assure you that my adventures have been strange enough to deter even the most avacious men from seeking wealth by traversing the seas. Since you have perhaps heard but confused accounts of my seven voyages and the dangers and wonders that I have met by sea and land, I will now give you a full and true account of them, which I can't. think you will be well pleased to hear, as Sinbad was relating his adventures, chiefly on account of the porter, he ordered before beginning his tale,

but the burden which had been left in the street should be carried by some of his own servants, to the place which Hindbad had set out at first, where he remained to listen, to the story. The first for herited, well, from my parents and being young and foolish, I had first squandered it recklessly for a kind of pleasure. But presently, finding that riches speedily take to themselves wings if managed as badly as I was managing mine, and remembering also that to be old and poor is misery indeed, I began to bethink me of how I could make the best of what still remains, remain to me. I sold all my household goods by public auction and joined a company of merchants

who traded by sea, embarking with them at Balsora, in a ship which we had fitted out between us. We set sail and took our course towards the East Indies by the Persian Gulf, having the coast of Persia upon our left hand and upon our right the shores of Arabia Phoenix I was at first much tripled by the uneasy motion of the vessel but speedily

recovered my health and since that hour have been no more played by seasickness from time to time we landed at various islands where we sold or exchanged our merchandise and one day

and the wind dropped suddenly We found ourselves, be calmed, close to a small island, like a green meadow, which only rose slightly above the surface of the water. Sails were filled and the captain gave permission to all who wished a land for a while and amuse themselves. I was among the number after strolling about for some time. We lighted a fire and sat down to enjoy. The repast we have brought or startled by a sudden, violent trembling of the island. While at the same moment, those left upon the ship set up an outcry, bidding us to come on board for our lives.

Since what we had taken for an island was nothing but the back of a sleeping whale who were nearest to the boat threw themselves into it, into the sea. I could save myself just suddenly into the depths of the ocean leaving me clinging to a piece of wood which we had brought to make our fire a breeze had sprung up

and in the confusion that ensued on board our vessel in hoisting the sails and taking up those who were in the boat and clinging to its sides no one missed me and I was left at the mercy of the the waves, the day I floated up and down, now beating this way, now that, and when night fell,

but weary, and spent as I was, I clung to my frail support, and great was my joy when the morning light showed me that I had drifted against in steep, for me, some tree roots protruded in places and by their aim. I stretched myself upon edible herbs. Refreshed, I set out to explore the island. Presently I reached a great plain where a grazing horse was tethered and as I stood looking at it

I heard voices talking apparently underground who asked me how I came upon the island. I told him my adventures and heard a return that he was one of the grooms of Mirage, the king of the island, and that each year they come to feed their master's horses in this plain. He took me to a cave where his companions were assembled, and when I had eaten of the food they set before me,

they bade me think myself fortunate to have come upon them when I did. since they were going back to their master on the morrow, and without our aid, I could certainly never have found my way to the inhabited part of the island. Early the next morning, we accordingly set out, and when we reached the capital, I was graciously received by the king,

to whom I related my adventures, upon which she ordered that I should be well cared for and provided with such things as I needed. Being a merchant, I sought out men of my own profession and particularly those who came from foreign countries as I hoped in this way to hear news from Baghdad and find out some means of returning thither for the capital situated upon the seashore

and visited by vessels from all parts of the world many questions concerning my own country talked willingly with all who came to me also to while away the time of waiting an island called Casal which belonged to King Mirage and which was supposed to be inhabited by spirit named

Degiel That often at night I heard upon it However I saw nothing strange Upon my voyage Saving some fish That were full 200 cubits long But were fortunately

More in dread of us Than even we were of them And fled from us If we did but strike upon A board to frighten them Other fishes There were only a cubit long Which had heads

Like our Down to the key which had just cast anchor discharging her cargo. The merchants to whom it belonged were busily directing the removal of it to their warehouses. Drawing nearer I pleasantly noticed that my own name was marked upon some of the packages, and having carefully examined them, I felt sure that they were indeed those which I had put on board our ship, at Balzora. I then recognised the captain of the vessel, but as I was certain that he believed me to be dead,

I went up to him and asked, Who owned the packages that I was looking at? They were aboard my ship, he replied, A merchant of Baghdad named Sinbad. One day, he and several of my other passengers landed upon what we supposed to be in Ireland, but was really an enormous whale floating asleep upon the waves. No sooner did it feel upon its back the heat of the fire which had been kindled

that it plunged into the depths of the sea. Several of the people who were upon it perished into the waters, others this unlucky sinbad. This merchandise is his, but I've resolved to dispose of it. for the benefit of his family, if I should ever chance to meet with them. Captain, said I, I am that Sinbad, whom you believe to be dead, and those are my possessions. The captain heard those words, he cried out in amazement. Lack a day, and what is the world coming to?

In these days there is not an honest man to be met with. Do I not, with my own eye, see Sinbad drown, you have the audacity to tell me that you are he? I should have taken you to be a just man, and yet for the sake of obtaining that which does not belong to you, you are ready to invent this horrible falsehood. Have patience and do me the favour to hear my story, said I. Speak then, replied the captain. I am all attention. So I told him of my escape and my fortunate meeting with the king's grooms

and how kindly I had been received at the palace. Very soon I began to see that I had made some impression upon him. And after the arrival of some of the other merchants who showed great joy at once more seeing me alive, he declared that he also recognized me. Throwing himself upon my neck, he exclaimed, Heaven be praised that you have escaped from so greater danger. As to your gods, I pray you take them,

and dispose of them as you please, he pleased his honesty, begging him to accept several bales of merchandise in token of my gratitude. But he would take nothing. But the choicest of my gods, I prepared a present. for the king, who was at first that I had lost my all. However, when I explained to him how my bales

had been miraculously restored to me, he graciously accepted my gifts, gave me valuable things. I then took leave of him, and exchanging my merchandise for sandal and aloe woods, can pour, nutmegs, clothes, peppers and ginger. I embarked upon the same. vessel and traded so successfully upon our homeward voyage that I arrived in Balsora with about 100,000 sequins. My family received me, as with much joy, as I felt upon seeing them once more, and enslaved, and built a large great house in which I resolved to live happily to all pleasures of life. To forget my past sufferings,

here Simbad paused and commanded the musicians to play again while the feasting continued until evening. When the time came for the porter to depart, Sinbad gave him a purse containing 100 sequins, saying, take this Simbad and go home, but tomorrow come again,

and you shall hear more, of my adventures. The porter retired quite overcome by so much generosity, and you may imagine that he was also well received at home, where his wife and children thanked their lucky stars that he had found such a benefactor. The next day Hindbad dressed in his best, returned to the Voyager's house, and was received with open arms. As soon as As all the guests had arrived, the banquet began as before, and when they had feasted, long and merrily, Sinbad addressed them thus. My friends, I beg that you will give me your attention, while I relate the adventures of my second voyage,

which you will find even more astonishing than the first. Second voyage, I had resolved, as you know, on my return from the first voyage to spend the rest of my days quietly in Baghdad. But very slowly I grew tired of such an idle life and myself for such goods as were suitable for the places I intended to visit. In a good ship, the merchants whom I knew to be honourable men. We went from island to island. often making excellent bargains, did at a spot, which though covered with fruit and trees, and abounding in springs of excellent water, appeared to possess neither houses nor people. While my companions wandered here and there, gathering flowers and fruit,

I sat down in a shady place, and having heartily enjoyed, enjoyed the provisions and the wine I had brought with me, I fell asleep, lulled by the murmur of a clear brook, which flowed close by. How long I slept, I know not, but when I opened my eyes and started to my feet, I perceived with horror that I was alone and the ship was gone. through and fro, like one distracted, uttering cries of despair, and when from the shore I saw the vessel under full sail, just disappearing upon the horizon, but since wishes could do me no good, I presently took courage and looked about me of escape by anxious glances towards the same. and my curiosity was excited by a huge dazzling white object, so far off that I could not make out what it might be. Sending from the tree, I hastily collected what remained of my provisions and set off as fast as I could towards it as I drew near it. It seemed to me to be a white ball

of immense size and height I could touch it. I found it marvellously smooth and soft. As it was impossible to climb, for it presented no foothold, walked around it, seeking some opening. But there was none. Counted, however, that it was at least 50 paces round

by this time the sun was near setting. But quite suddenly it fell dark. something like a huge black cloud of extraordinary size, which was hovering near, so puzzled me, thought slowly, covering it with its wings to keep it warm, close beside the egg, in such a position which was as large as the trunk of a tree, was just in front of me.

Taking off my turban, I bound myself securely to it, book flight next morning, would bear me away with it from the desolate islands precisely what did happen. As soon as the dawn appeared, the bird rose into the air, carrying me up and up till I could no longer see the earth, and then suddenly it descended so swiftly that I almost lost consciousness. But I became aware that the life. that the rock had settled

and that I was once again upon solid ground. I hastily unbound my turban from his foot and freed myself, and that not a moment too soon for the bird pouncing upon a huge snake

killed it with a few blows from its powerful beak and seizing it up rose into the air once more and soon disappeared from my view. When I had looked about me, I began to doubt if I had gained anything by quitting the desert island. The in which I found myself was deep and narrow, and surrounded by mountains which towered

into the clouds, and was so steep and rocky, that there was no way up of climbing up their sides. As I wandered about, seeking anxiously for some means of escaping this trap, I observed from the ground was strewed with diamonds, some of them an astonishing size. Their sight gave me great pleasure, but my delight was speedily damped when I saw the numbers of horrible snakes, so long and so large, that the smallest of them could have swallowed an elephant with ease. Fortunately for me they seemed to hide in caverns of the rocks by day And only came out by night Probably because of their enemy

Wounded up and down the valley And when it grew dusk I crept into a little cave And having blocked up the entrance to it with a stone I ate part of my little store of food And laid down to sleep But all through the night the serpents crawled to and fro, hissing horribly, so that I could scarcely close my eyes for terror.

I was thankful when the morning light appeared, and then I judged by the silence that the serpents had retreated to their dens, came trembling out of my cave, and wandered up and down the valley once more, kicking the diamonds contemptuously out of my path, for I felt that they were indeed vain things to a man in my situation. At last overcome with weariness, I sat down something which fell to the ground beside me. It was a huge piece of fresh meat, and as I stared at it, several more pieces rolled over the cliffs in different places. I have always thought the stories that the sailors told of the famous valley of diamonds, and of the cunning way which some merchants had devised for getting at the precious stones

were mere traveller's tales invented to give pleasure to the hearers. But now I perceived that were surely true. These merchants came to the valley at the time when the eagles, which keep their eerie in the rocks, had hatched their young, The merchants then threw great lumps of meat into the valley, these falling with so much force upon the diamonds, were sure to take up some of the precious stones with them when the eagles pounced upon the meat and carried it off to their nest to feed their hungry broods. When the merchants scaring away the parent birds with shouts and outcries were to cure their treasures,

Until this moment I had looked upon the valley as my grave But I had seen no possibility Of getting out of it alive Now I took courage And began to devise a means of escape I began by picking up all the largest diamonds I could find

Carefully in the leathern wallet Which had held my provisions This I tied securely to my belt I then chose the piece of meat which seemed most suited to my purpose and with the aid of my turban bound it firmly to my back this turn I laid down upon my face

the wings above me and had the satisfaction of feeling one of them seized upon my piece of meat and me with it and rise slowly towards his nest She presently dropped me, scaring away the eagle. When they discovered me, and also their disappointment. And with one accord, they failed to abusing me,

while having robbed them of their usual profit. Addressing myself to one who seemed most aggrieved, I said, I'm sure if you knew all that I have suffered, you would show more kindness towards me, And as for diamonds, I have enough here for the very best for you and me, so saying I showed them to him. The others all crowded round me, wondering at my adventures, and admiring the device by which I escaped from the valley. And when they had led me to their camp and examined my diamonds, they assured me that in all the years they had carried on their train,

they had seen no stones to be compared with them for size and beauty. I found that each merchant chose a particular nest and took his chance of what he might find in it. So I begged the one who owned the nest to which I'd been carried to take as much as he would of my treasure. But he contented himself with one stone in no means the largest. assuring me that with such a gem his fortune was made, and he need toil so more.

I stayed with the merchant several days, and then, as they were journeying homewards, I gladly accompanied them, vested with frightful serpents, and the good luck to escape them, past to the seashore. We sailed to the island of Rohat. trees grow to such a size that a hundred men could shelter under one of them with ease. The sap flows from an incision made high up in the tree

into a vessel hung there to receive it and soon hardens into the substance known as Kampur but the tree itself withers up and dies when it has been so treated in the same island we saw the rhinoceros, an animal who is smaller than the elephant and larger than the buffalo. It has one horn

about a cubit long, which is solid, but has a furrow from the base to the tip. It is traced and white lines. The figure of a man, the rhinoceros fights with the elephant, and transfixing him with his horn, carries him off upon his head. But, but, by the rhinoceros, fights with the elephant, and, transfixing him with his horn, but becomes blinded with the blood of the enemy. He falls helpless to the ground comes the rock, and clutches them both in his talons, and takes them to feed his young. This doubtless astonishes you.

But if you do not believe my tale, go to Rohat and see for yourself. For fear or wearying you, I pass over in silence many other wonderful things. which we saw on this island goodly merchandise, by which I profited greatly. Last we reached Balsora, whence I hastened to Baghdad, where my first action was to bestow large sums of money upon the poor, which I settled down to enjoy, tranquilly, the riches I had gained, with so much toil and pain,

having thus related the adventures of this second voyage, Sinbad again bestowed a hundred sequins upon Hinbad, inviting him to come again on the following day and hear how he fared upon his third voyage. The other guests also departed to their homes, but all returned at the same hour next day, including the porter, whose former life of hard work and poverty, had already began to seem like a bad dream. Again, after the feast was over, Sinbad claimed the attention of his guests and began the account of his third. After a very short time, the pleasant easy life I led made me quite forget the perils of my two voyages. It pleased me better to be up and doing. So once more providing myself with the rarests,

and choiciest merchandise of Baghdad, I conveyed it to Balsora and set sail with other merchants of my acquaintance for distant lands. We had touched at many ports and made much profit when one day upon the open sea we were caught by a terrible wind, which blew us completely out of our reckoning, and lasting for several days, finally drove us into harbour on a strange island. I would rather have come to anchor anywhere than here, said our captain. This island, and all adjoining it, are inhabited by hairy savages, who were certain to attackers, and whatever these dwarfs may do, we dare not resist.

since they swarm like locusts and if one of them is killed the rest will fall upon us and speedily it's caused great consternation among all the ship's company too soon were we to find out and the captain spoke truly

the vast multitude of hideous savages not more than two feet high and covered with reddish fur throwing themselves into the way they surrounded our vessel, chattering meanwhile in the language we could not understand, and clutching at ropes and ganways, they swarmed up the ship's side, with such speed and agility, and to fly. We imagine the rage and terror that seized us as we watched them, neither daring to hinder them, nor able to speak a word to deter them from their purpose.

whatever it might be. Of this we were not left long in doubt. Whasting the sails and cutting the cable of the anchor, they sailed our vessel to an island which lay a little further off. When they drove us ashore, then taking possession of her, they made off to the place from which they had come, leaving us helpless upon a shore, avoided with horror by all mariners, for a reason which you will soon learn. Running away from the sea, we wandered miserably inland, finding as we went, various herbs and fruits which we ate, feeling that we might as well live as long as possible, though we had no hope of escape. Presently we saw in the far distance what seemed to us to be a splendid palace, towards which we turned our weary steps,

but when we reached it, we saw that it was a castle, lofty and strongly built. Pushing back the heavy ebony doors, we entered the courtyard on the threshold of the great hall. Beyond it, we paused, froze. with horror, and the sight which greeted us, trembling to the ground, now speech or motion. The sun was setting when a loud noise aroused us. The door of the hall was violently burst open, and a horrible giant entered.

He was tall as a palm tree, and perfectly black, which flamed like a burning coal, in the middle of his forehead, long and sharp, and grinned horribly. While his lower lip, ears like elephant's ears, which covered his shoulders, and nails like the claws of some fierce bird, terrible sight, our senses left us. Last we came to ourselves, the giants sat examining us attentively with his fearful eye. Presently, when he had looked at us enough, he came towards us, stretching out his hand, took me by the back of the neck, turning me this way and that as mere skin and bone, he sat me down again and went on, finding him the fattest of all. He took him up in one hand and stuck him upon a spit, and proceeded to kindle the huge fire, at which he presently

roasted him. After the giant had supped, he lay down to sleep. snoring like the loudest thunder, a shivering with horror be really gone. We started up, be moaning a horrible with our despairing cry, and he was alone. It did not occur to us to kill him, and indeed we should have found that a hard task. Even if we have thought of it, we devise to deliver ourselves. So at last, submitting to our sad fate, we spent the day in wandering up and down the island, eating such fruits as we could find, the giant returned, sucked upon one of our unhappy comrades, slept and snored till dawn.

Her conditions seemed to earth so frightful. There are several of my many companions thought it would be better to leap from the cliffs and perish in the waves at once, rather a weight so miserable plan of escape, which I now unfolded to them once agreed to attempt. Listen, my brothers, I added, you know that plenty of driftwood lies along the shore. Let us make several rafts and carry them to a suitable place. If our plot succeeds, we can wait patiently for the chance of some sort of something.

passing ship, which would rescue us from this faithful island. If it fails, we must quickly take to our rafts, frail as they are. We have more chance of saving our lives with them than we have if we remain here. Agreed with me and we spent them carrying three to the castle, and very soon the time of our vengeance was at hand. As soon as he had finished his horrible repast, He lay down to sleep as before He heard him begin to snore And the fire given signal We plunged it in to the giant's high

Completely blinding him Uttering a terrible cry He sprang to his feet Clutching in all directions To try and seize one of us But we had all fled In different ways as soon as the deed was done And thrown ourselves flat

upon the ground as where he was not likely to touch us with his feet. In search he fumbled frightfully for us. When he was gone we made haste to leave the fatal castle, stationing ourselves beside our rafts. We waited to see what would happen. We saw nothing of the giant and no longer heard his house. We still came faintly through the darkness, and more distant, we should conclude that he was dead, and that we might safely stay upon the island,

and need not risk our lives upon the frail ruffs. But alas, morning light showed us our enemy approaching us, supported on either hand by two giants, nearly as large and fearful as himself, out of others, followed close upon their heels, hesitating no longer. We clambered upon our rafts and rode with all the giants seeing their prey, escaping them, huge pieces of rock, and waded into the water with such good aim, that all the rafts except the one I was upon were swamped. The crewed drowned, and to help them. My two companions had all we could do.

to keep our own raft beyond the reach of the giants. We had last gained the open sea. We were at the mercy on the winds and waves, which tossed us to and fro the next morning. We found ourselves near an island, gladly landed, delicious fruits. And having satisfied our hunger, we presently lay down to rest upon the shore. Suddenly we were aroused by a long rustling noise

and starting up saw that it was caused by Anna which was gliding towards us over the sand so swiftly it came that it had seized one of my comrades to fly of his cries and struggles speedily crushed the life out of him in its mighty coils and proceeded to swallow him and my other companion and I were running for our lives

to some place where we might hope to be safe from this new horror and seeing a tall tree we climbed into it having first provided ourselves with a store of fruit off the surrounding bushes which after hissing horribly round the tree it has hit itself up against it

and finding my sleeping comrade who was perched just below me it swallowed him also and crawled away leaving me half rows I crept out with hardly a hope of escaping the dreadful fate which had overtaken my comrades but life is sweet and I determined to do all I could to save myself all day long I to toiled with frantic haste, and collected quantities of dry brushwood, reeds and thorns which I bound,

with bundles of sticks and making a circle of them under my tree, I piled them firmly one upon, until I had a kind of tent, in which I crouched like a mouse in a hole, when she sees the cat coming. You may imagine what a fearful night it was, for the same. snake returned eager to devour me and glided round and round my frail shelter, seeking an entrance. Every moment I feared that it would succeed in pushing aside the bundles of sticks, but happily for me they held together, and when it grew light my enemy retired, baffled and hungry, to its den. As for me, I was more dead than alive. shaking with fright and half suffocated by the poisonous breath of the monster, I came out of my tent to the sea,

feeling that it would be better to plunge from the cliffs and end my life at once than pass such another night of horror. But to my joy and relief I saw a ship sailing by, and by shouting wildly and waving my turban, I managed to attract the attentions of her crew. A boat was sent to rescue me, and very soon I found myself on board, surrounded by a wondering crowd of sailors and merchants, eager to know by what chance I found myself in that desolate island. I had told my story. They regaled me with the choiciest food the ship afforded, and then the captain, seeing that I was in rags, generously bestowed upon me one of his own. coats, sailing about for some time and touching at many ports, we came at last to the island of Salahat, where sandalwood grows in great abundance. Here we anchored, and as I stood watching the merchants disembarking their goods and preparing to sell or exchange them, the captain came up to me

and said, I have here, brother, some merchandise belonging to a passenger of mine who who was dead. Will you do me the favour to trade with it? And when I meet with his heirs, I shall be able to give him the money, though it will be only just that you shall have a portion for your trouble. I consented gladly, for I did not like standing by idle,

whereupon he pointed the bales out to me and sent for the person whose duty it was to keep a list of the goods that were upon the ship. When this man came, he asked in what name the merchandise, was to be registered. He must simbad the sailor replied the captain. At this I was greatly surprised. By looking carefully at him, I recognised him to be the captain of the ship,

upon which I had made my second voyage, though he had altered much since that time. As for him, believing me, to be dead, it was no wonder that he had not recognised me. So captain said I, the merchant who owned those bales was called Sinbad? Yes, he replied he was so named. He belonged to Baghdad and joined my ship at Balsora. But by mischance he was left behind upon it as a d'arland, where we had landed to fill up our water casks. And it was not until four hours later, that he was missed. By that time the wind had freshened, and it was impossible to put back for him.

You suppose him to have perished then, said I? Alas, yes, he answered. Why, Captain, I cried, look at me. I am Simbad, who fell asleep upon the island, and awoke to find himself abandoned. The captain stared at me in amazement, but was present. convinced that I was indeed speaking the truth, and rejoiced greatly in my escape. I am glad to have that piece of carelessness off my conscience at any rate, he said. Now take your goods and the profit I have made for you upon them, and may you prosper in future.

I took them gratefully, and as we went from one island to another, I laid in stores of clothes, cinnamon, and other spices. In one place I saw a tortoise which was 20 cubits long And as many broad Also a fish that was like a cow And had skin so thick It was used to make shields

Another I saw that was like a camel In shape and colour So by degrees we came back to Basora And returned to Baghdad With so much money that I could not count it myself, besides treasures without end. I gave largely to the poor and bought much land to add what I already possessed, and thus ended my third voyage.

Sinbad had finished his story. He gave another hundred sequins to Hinbad, who then departed with us other guests. But next day, when they had all reassembled, and the banquet was ended. The host continued his adventures. Rich and happy as I was after the third voyage, I could not make up my mind to stay at home altogether.

The nerve of trading and the pleasure I took in anything that was new and strange made me set my affairs and order and my journey through some of the Persian provinces, having first sent off stores of goods to await my. coming in the different places I intended to visit took ship at a distant seaport and for some time all went well. Must being caught in a violent hurricane, our vessel became a total wreck, in spite of all our worthy captain could do to save her and many of our company perished in the waves. I with a few others had the fortune to be washed ashore clinging to pieces of the

of the wreck had driven us near an island we threw ourselves down quite exhausted to wait from under

inland some huts to which we directed our steps as we drew near their black

inhabitants swarmed out in great numbers and surrounded us and we were led to

their houses as if it was divided among our captors if five others was taking

into a hut from the and certain herbs were given to us, which our captives made signs for us to eat. Observing that themselves did not touch it, I was carefully only to pretend to taste my portion, but my companions being very hungry rashly ate up all that was set before them, and very soon I had the horror of seeing them become perfectly mad, and chattered incessantly, I could not understand where they were they. said, nor did they heed when I spoke to them. Cactives now produced large bowls of rice,

prepared with coconut oil, of which my crazy comrades ate eagerly, but I only tasted a few grains. Understand clearly that the object of our captors was to fatteners speedily for their own eating, and this was exactly what happened. My unlucky companions having lost their reason, felt neither anxiety nor fear, and ate greedily all that was offered. So they were soon fat and there was an end of them. But I grew leaner by day by day, for I ate but little and even that little did me no good by reason of my fear of what lay before me. However, as I was far from being a tempting morsel, I was allowed to wander about freely, and one day, when all the captors had gone off upon some expedition,

leaving only an old man to guard me, I managed to escape from him and plunged into the forest, running faster the more he cried for me to come back, until I completely distanced him. For seven days I hurried on, resting only when the darkness stopped me, and living cheaply upon coconut's, which afforded me both meat and drink, and on the eighth day,

I reached the seashore and saw a party of white men gathering pepper, which grew abundantly, reassured by the nature of their occupation, I advanced towards them and they greeted me in Arabic, asking who I was and whence I came. My delight was great on hearing this familiar speech and I willingly satisfied their curiosity, telling them how I'd been shipwrecked and then captured. But these savages devour men, said they, how did you escape?

I repeated to them, what I had just told you, at which they were mightily astonished. I stayed with them until they had collected as much pepper as they wished, and they took me back to their own country and presented me to their king, by whom I was hospitably received. To him also I had to relate my adventures. We surprised him much, and when I had finished he ordered that I should be supplied, with food and remment, and treated with consideration.

The island on which I found myself was full of painful things, where I soon began to feel at home. Treated me with special favour. Consequence of this, everyone was very strange, was that, from the greatest to the least, rode their horses without bridle or stirrups. I one day presumed to ask His Majesty Why he did not use them

To which he replied You speak to me of things of which I have never before heard This gave me an idea I found a clum cut Out under direction The foundation of a saddle Which I wadded and covered with choice leather Adorning it with rich gold embroidery

I then got a locksmith to make me a bit and a pair of spurs after a pattern that I drew for him. And when all these things were completed, I presented them to the king and showed him how to use them. Then I had saddled one of his horses. He mounted it and rode about quite delightfully with the novelty. And to show his gratitude he rewarded me with large gifts. I had to make saddles for all the principal officers of the king's household, and they all gave me rich presents. I soon became very wealthy and quite an important person in the city.

One day the king sent for me and said, Simbad, I'm going to ask a favour of you. Both I and my subjects esteem you, and wish you to end your days amongst us, for I desire you will marry a rich and beautiful lady, whom I will find for you, and think no more of your own country. King's will's law, I accepted the charming bride he presented to me, and lived happily with her.

Nevertheless, I had every intention of escaping at the first opportunity and going back to Baghdad. things were thus going prosperously with me when it happened that the wife of one of my neighbours with whom I had struck quite a friendship fell ill and presently died I went to his house to offer my consolations and found him in the depths of woe heaven's preserve you said I

and send you a long life last he replied what is the good of saying that, when I have but an hour left to live, said I, surely it is not so bad as that. I trust that you may be spared to me for many years, I hope, answered he, that your life may be long, but as for me all is finished. I have set my house in order, and today I shall be buried with my wife. This has been the law upon our island. from the earliest ages, the living husband goes to the grave with his dead wife, the living wife,

with her dead husband. So did our fathers, and so must we do. The law changes not, and we all must submit to it. As he spoke, the friends and relations of the unhappy pair began to assemble. The body decked in rich robes and sparkling with jewels. was laid upon an open pier and the procession started, taking its way back to a high mountain at some distance from the city. A wretched husband clothed from head to foot in a black mantle followed mournfully. Place of internment was reached. The corpse was lowered, just as it was into a deep pit and bidding farewell to all his friends. stretched himself upon another beer, upon which were laid seven little loaves of bread and a picture of water, and he also was let down, down, down, cavern way back to the city.

You can imagine I was no and move spectator of these proceedings. To all the others it was a thing to which they had become accustomed to from their youth up, but I was so horrified that I could not help telling the king how it struck me. Sire, I said, I am more astonished than I can express to you at the strange custom which exists in your dominions of burying the living with the dead. In all my travels I have never before met with so cruel and horrible a law. What would you have, Simbad, he replied.

it is the law for everybody. I myself should be buried with the Queen if she were the first to die. But Your Majesty, said I, dare I ask if this a law applies to foreigners also? Why yes, replied the king, smiling, what I would consider a very heartless manner. There are no exceptions to the rule

if they are married in the country. heard this I went home, much cast down. At that time forward my mind was never easy. If only my wife's little finger ate, I fancied she was going to die, and sure enough, before very long she fell really ill, and, in a few days, breathed her last. The smay was great, for it seemed to me that to be buried alive was even a worse fate than to be done. Devoured by cannibals, nevertheless there was no escape. The body of my wife, arrayed in her richest robes, and decked with all her jewels, was laid upon the pier.

I followed it, and after me came a great procession, headed by the king and all his nobles, and in this order we reached the fatal mountain, which was one of lofty chain, bordering the sea. Here I made one more frantic effort to excite the pity of the king and those who stood by, hoping to save myself even at this last moment, but it was to no avail. No one spoke to me, they even appeared to hasten over their dreadful task, and I speedily found myself descending into the gloomy pit with my seven loaves, and a picture of water beside me. Almost before I reached the bottom, the stone was rolled into its place above my head, and I was left to my fate. A feeble ray of light shone to the cavern,

through some chink, and when I had the courage to look about me, I could see that I was in a vast vault, bestroon with bones and bodies of the dead, even fancied that I heard the expiring sighs of those who, like myself, had come into this dismal place alive. All in vain did I shriek aloud with rage and despair, reproaching myself with the love of gainer and adventure, which had brought me to such a pass.

But at length, growing calmer, I took up my bread and water, and wrapping my face in my mantle, I groped my way towards the end of the cavern. I was fresher. I lived in darkness and misery until my provisions were exhausted. But just as I was nearly dead from starvation, the rock was rolled away ahead, and I saw that a rope was being load into the cavern.

It was a man thing to expect. But a lingering death, I should be doing her a service. if I shortened her misery, for when she descended, already insensible from terror, was ready armed with a huge bone, which left her death. I secured the bread and water, which gave me a hope of life. Several times did I have recourse to this desperate, expedient, and I knew, being a prisoner, fancied that I heard something near me, which breathed loudly in the play. from which the sound came, I dimly saw a shadowy form which fled at my movement, squeezing

itself through a cranny in the wall, I pursued it as fast as I could, and found myself in a narrow crack among the rock on which I was just able to force my way. It for what seemed to me many miles, and at last saw before me a glimmer of light, which grew clearer every moment, until I emerged upon the sea-shore with a joy which I cannot describe. Then I was sure that I was not dreaming, I realised that it was doubtless some little animal, which had found its way into the cavern from the sea, when disturbed, had fled, showing me a means of escape, which I could never have discovered for myself. I hastily surveyed my surroundings and saw that I was safe from all pursuit from the town.

A mountain sloped sheer down to the sea. Being assured of this, I returned to the cavern, its treasure to rubies, emeralds and jewels. However, before a single sail appeared, it was, with much delight, that I had last saw a vessel not very far from the shore. and uttering loud cries succeeded in attracting the attention of her crew, it was sent off to me, and in answer to the questions of the sailors, as to how I came to be in such a plight, I replied that I had been shipwrecked two days before,

but had managed to scramble ashore with the bales, which I pointed out to them. Luckily for me they believed my story, and without even looking at the place where they found me, took up my bundles and rode me back to the ship. Once on board I soon saw that the captain was too much occupied with the difficulties of navigation to pay much heed to me, though he generously made me welcome

and would not even accept the jewels which I offered to pay my passage. Our voyage was prosperous, and after visiting many lands, and collecting in each place great store of goodly merchandise, I found myself at last in Baghdad, once more with unheard of riches of every description. Again I gave large sums of money to the poor and enriched all the mosques in the city, after which I gave myself up to my friends and relations,

with whom I passed my time in feasting and merry-lawful. Here Simbad paused and all is here is declared that the adventure of his fourth voyage have pleased them better than anything they'd heard before. Then they took their leave and followed by Hinbad, who'd once more received a hundred sequence, and with the rest had been bidden to return next day for the story of the fifth voyage. When the time came, all were in their places, and when when the time came all were in their places, and when they had eaten and drunk all that were set before them, Sinbad began his tale. I soon wearied of his pleasures and longed for change at whatever port I chose, taking

my own time. But as I did not intend carrying enough goods for a full cargo, I invited several merchants of different nations to join me. We set sail with the the first favourable wind, and after a long voyage upon the seas we landed on an unknown love to be uninhabited, we determined however to explore it, but we had not gone far when we found a rock sag, as large as the one I had seen before, and evidently very nearly had The young bird had already pierced the shell. In spite of all I could say to deter them, the merchants who were there fell upon it with their hatchets, breaking the shell and killing the young rock.

Then lighting a fire upon the ground, they hacked morsels from the bird and proceeded to roast them while I stood by aghast. Scarcely had they finished their ill-omened repast when the air above us was darkened by two mighty shadows, thin of my ship, knowing by experience what this meant, cried out to us that the pair and birds were coming and urged us to get on board with all speed. This we did and sails were hoisted, but before we had made, rocks reached their despoiled nest and hovered about it, uttering frightful cries, when they discovered the mangled remains of their young one. We lost sight of them, flattering ourselves that we had escaped into the air directly

over our vessel, and we saw that each held in its claws an immense rock ready to crush us plus suspense, released its hold, and the huge block of stone hurtled through the air. But thanks to the present of mind of the helmsman, we turned our ship violently in another direction, fell into the sea close beside us, cleaving it asunder till we could nearly see the bottom. We hardly had time to draw breath of relief before the other rock. fell, with a mighty crash, smashing it into a thousand fragments, and crushing or hurling into the sea, passengers and crew. I myself went down with the rest, but had the good fortune to rise and hurt, and by holding onto a piece of driftwood with one hand and swimming with the

other, I kept myself afloat, and was presently washed up onto an island. Its shores were steep and rocky, but I scrambled up safely and threw myself down to rest upon the green turf. Recovered, I began to examine the spot in which I found myself, and truly it seemed to me that I had reached a garden of delights. There were trees everywhere laden with flowers and fruit, while a crystal stream wandered in and out, under their shadow. In a cosy nook I was alone, in a strange land, made me sometimes start up and look around and along the trees with some anxiety as to what I might see next. I had penetrated some distance into the island When I saw an old man

Bent and feeble Sitting upon the river bank First I took him To be some ship-wrecked mariner Like myself Going up to him I greeted him in a friendly way But he only nodded his head at me and reply

What he did there It signs to me That he wished to get across the river to gather some fruit and seemed to beg me to carry him on my back pitying his age and feebleness I took him up and wading across the stream

I bent down that he might more easily reach the bank and made him get down instead of allowing himself to be set free upon his feet even now it makes me laugh to think of it This creature has seemed to me so decrepit Leaped nimbly off my shoulders And hooking his legs round my neck Grimbing me so tightly

That I was well-nigh choked And so have become with terror That I fell insensible to the ground When I recovered my enemy was still in his place Though he had released his hold enough To allow me breathing space and seeing me revive he prodded me, adroitly first with one foot, and then with the other, until I was forced to get up and stagger about with him under the trees,

while he gathered and ate the choiciest fruits. This went on all day and even at night, when I threw myself down, half dead with weariness, the terrible old man held on tight to my neck, nor did he fail to greet the first glimmer of morning light by drumming upon me with his heels until I before awoke and resumed my dreamy march with rage and bitterness in my heart.

It happened one day that I passed a tree under which lay several dry gauds. Catching one up, I amuse myself with scooping out its contents and pressing into it the juice of several bunches of grapes, which hung from every bush. It was full. I left it to be propped up in the fork of a tree. And a few days later, carrying the hateful old man, snatched to the gourd as I passed,

and had the satisfaction of a draught of excellent wine, so good and refreshing that I even forgot my detestable burden and began to sing and caper the old monster was not slow to perceive

the effect which my draught had produced and that I carried him more lightly than usual so he stretched out his skinny hand and seizing the gourd

first tasted its contents cautiously the last drop and was strong and the gourd capacious. So he began to sing after a fashion, and soon I had the delight of feeling the own grip of his goblin legs and clasp, and with one vigorous effort I threw him to the ground

from which he never moved again. I was so rejoiced to have at last got rid of this uncanny old man that I ran leaping and bowing down to the sea shore. Great as good luck, I met with some mariness who had anchored off the island to enjoy the delicious fruits and to renew their water supply. They heard the story of my escape with amazement saying, You fell into the hands of the old man of the sea. It is a mercy that he did not strangle you, as he has everyone else upon his shoulders, he has managed to perch himself.

This island is well known as the scene of his evil deeds, and no merchant or sailor who lands upon it cares to stray far away from his comrades. After we had taught for a while, they took me back with them on board their ship, but didn't receive me kindly, and we soon set sail. and after several days reached a large, prosperous-looking town where all the houses were built of stone. Here we anchored, and one of the merchants who had been very thrilling to me on the way

took me ashore with him and showed me a lodging set apart for strange merchants. He then provided me with a large sack and pointed out to me a party of others equipped in the same manner. Go with them, said he, and do as they do. But beware of losing sight of them. For if you strayed, your life would be in danger. That he supplied me with provisions and bade me farewell. And I set out with my new companions. I soon learnt that the object of our expedition

was to fill our sacks with coconuts. But when at length I saw the trees and noticed their immense height and slippery smoothness of their slender trunks. I did not at all understand how we were to do it. The pounds of the coconut palms were alive with monkeys, which skipped from one to the other with surprising agility. They seemed to be curious about us, and disturbed at our appearance.

I was at first surprised when my companions, after collecting stones began to throw them at the lively creatures who seemed to me quite harmless but very soon I saw the reason of it and I joined them heartily for the monkeys annoyed and wishing to pay us back in our own coin began to tear the nuts from the trees

and cast the matters with angry and spiteful gestures so that after very little labour our sacks were filled with the fruit which we could not otherwise have obtained as soon as we had as many as we could carry he went back toise me to continue the same occupation until I had earned enough money to carry me to my own country

this I did and before long had amassed a considerable son Just then I heard there was a trading ship ready to sail And taking leave of my friend I went on board Carrying with me a goodly store of coconuts And we sailed first to the islands where pepper grows And then to Campari where the Bastale Woods has found And drink no wine

By an unalterable law Here I exchange my coconut for pepper and good alley-woods and winter fishing for pearls with some of the other merchants. And my divers was so lucky that very soon I had an immense number of those very large and perfect. Pressures I came carefully back to Baghdad disposed them for large sums of money, of which I did not fail, as before, to give the tenth part to the poor. I rested from my labours and comforted myself

for all the pleasures my riches could give me having this ended his story Sinbad ordered that 100 sequins should be given to Hinbad and the guests withdrew but after the next day's feast he began the account

of his sixth voyage must be a marvel to you how after having five times met with shipwreck and unheard of perils and risk fresh trouble I'd even surprised myself when I look back but evidently it was my fate to rove

and after a year of repose I'd prepare to make a sixth voyage regardless of the entreaties of my friends and relations who did all they could to keep me at home Instead of going by the Persian Gulf, I travelled a considerable way over land and finally embarked to Indianport with the captain who meant to take a long voyage. And truly he did so, for we fell in with stormy weather, which drove us completely out of our course,

so that for many days, when we did at last discover our position, We had a small ground for rejoicing, from the captain casting his turban upon the deck and tearing his beard, declared that we were in the most dangerous spot. He had been caught by a current, which was at the minute, sweeping his to destruction. Too true. In spite of what all the sailors could do, we were driven with frightful rapidity towards, the foot of a mountain, which rose sheer out of the sea, and our vessel was dashed to pieces upon the rocks at its base. Not however until we had managed to scramble on shore withers the most precious of our possessions. When we had done this the captain said to us, Now we are here we may as well begin to dig our graves at once,

since from this fatal spot no shipwrecked mariner has ever returned the speech discouraged as much and we began to lament over our sad fate but informed the seaward boundary of a large island a narrow strip of rocky shore upon which we stood was strewn with the wreckage of a thousand gallant ships

of the luckless mariners shone white in the sunshine and we shuddered to think how soon our own would be added to the heap. We found to lay vast quantities of the costliest merchandise, and treasures were heaped in every cranny of the rocks. All these things only added to the desolation of the scene. It struck me as a very strange thing that a river of clear fresh water which gushed out from the mountain,

not far from where we stood, instead of flowing into the sea, as rivers generally do, turned off sharply and flowed out of sight under a natural archway of rock. And when I began to examine it more closely, I found that inside the cave walls were thick with diamonds and rubies

and masses of crystal, and the floor was strewn with amber grease from this desert at shore. We abandoned ourselves to our fate, the possibility of scaling the mountain, and if a ship had appeared, we have shared our doom. The first thing our captain did was to divide equally amongst us all. The food we possessed, of each man's life, depended on the time you can make his place, portion last, I myself could live upon very little. Nevertheless, by the time I'd buried

the last of my companions, my stock of provisions, were so small that I hardly thought I should live long enough to dig my engrave, which I set about doing, while I regretted bitterly the roving disposition which was always bringing me into such straits and thought longingly of all the comfort and luxury that I had had left behind. But luckily for me, the fancy took me to stand once more beside the river where it plunged out of sight into the depths of the cabin. And as I did so, an idea struck, this river, which hid itself underground, doubtless emerged again at some distant spot. Why should I not build a raft and trust myself to its swiftly flowing waters? If I perished before, I could reach the light of day once more,

I should be no worse off than I might find myself safe and sound in some desirable land. I decided at any rate to risk it and speedily build myself a stout raft of driftwood with strong calls of despair myself alive. I closed and saluted them and they spoke to me in return. I could not understand a word perfectly bewildered

by my sudden return to life and light I murmured to myself in Arabic. Eyes and while thou sleepest heaven will change thy fortune from evil to go who understood the tongue, then came forward saying, My brother, be not surprised to see us. This is our land and as we came to get water, from the river we noticed your raft floating down it,

brought you to the shore. We have waited for your awakening. Tell us now whence you come and where you were going by that dangerous way. would please me better, and to tell them, but that I was starving and would fain eat something first. I was soon supplied with all I needed, and having satisfied my hunger, lost in wonder at my tail, when it was interpreted to them, and said that adventures so surprising must be related to their king, only by the man to whom they had.

So procuring a horse they mounted me upon it and we set out followed by several strong men carrying my raft just as it was upon their shoulders In this order we marched into the city of Serendib where the natives presented me to their king

whom I saluted in the Indian fashion prostrating myself at his feet and kissing the ground, rise and sit beside him, asking first what was my name? I'm Sindbad, I replied, for I have voyage much upon many seas. How come you hear? Ask the king,

I told my story, concealing nothing, and his surprise and delight was so great that he ordered my adventure, ventures to be written in letters of gold and laid up in the archives of his kingdom. Presently my raft was brought in and the bales opened in his presence. In all his treasury, there was no such rubies and emeralds as those which lay in great heaps before him. Seeing as he looked at them with interest, I ventures to say that I myself and all that I had were at his time,

disposal. But he answered me smiling, Nay, Sinbad, heaven forbid that I should covet your riches, add to them, but I desire that you shall not leave my kingdom without some tokens of my goodwill. He then commanded his officers to provide me with a suitable lodging at his expense, slaves to wait upon me, and carry my rafts to my new dwelling place. You may imagine that I praised his generosity and gave him grateful thanks. Nor did I fail to present myself daily in his audience chamber for the rest of my time. I amused myself in saying all that was most worthy of attention in the city. The island of Serendib being situated on the equator,

chief city is placed at the end of a beautiful valley. to ascend to his very summit, £1,000 rubies, and whose treasure house contains 20,000 diamond grounds, to the Caliph Haron al-Rashid, sends greeting. Though the offering we present to you as unworthy of your notice, we pray you do accept it as a mark of the esteem and friendship, which we cherish for you,

and of which we gladly send you this token, and we ask of you a like regard if you deem as worthy of it. Adieu, brother, the present consisted of a vase carved with a single ruby, six inches high and thick as my finger. These were filled with the choiciest pearls, large and of perfect shape and luster. Secondly, a huge, neat skin, with scales as large as a sequin. which would preserve from sickness those who slept upon it. These of aloe woods, campore, pistachonas, and lastly a beautiful slave girl, whose robes glittered with precious stones.

And prosperous voyage, we landed at Balsora, to reach Baghdad, and taking the king's letter, I presented myself at the palace gate, followed by the beautiful slave. and various members of my own family bearing the treasure. As soon as I had declared my errand, I was conducted to the presence of the Caliph, to whom after I made my respects, I gave the letter and the king's gift. He examined that Prince of Sarah Dib was really as rich and powerful as he claimed to be.

Commander of the faithful, I can assure your majesty, that he has in no way exaggerated his wealth and grandeur. Nothing can equal their magnificence of his palace. When he goes abroad, his throne is repaired upon the back of an elephant, and on either side of him ride his ministers, his favourites and his courtiers. His elephant's neck sits an officer, his golden lance in his hand, top of which is an emerald as long as my arm,

hand, a thousand men in cloth of gold mounted upon richly decorated elephants, go before him, and as the procession moves onward, the officer who guides his elephant cries aloud, behold the mighty monarch, a powerful and valiant Sultan of the Indies, whose palace is covered with a hundred thousand rubies, who possesses twenty thousand diamond crowns, behold a monarch greater than Solomon and Mirage in all their glory, one who stands behind the throne answers, The king, so great and powerful, must die, must die, must die, must die. And the first takes up the chant again, all praise to him who lives forevermore.

Further my lord in Saradip, no judges needed, for to the king himself his people come for justice. Berkilif was well satisfied with my report. From the king's letter, said he, I judged that he was a wise man. It seems that he is worthy of his people and his people of him. So saying he dismissed me with the rich presents and I returned in peace to my own house.

When Sinbad had been done speaking to his guests, they withdrew, Hindbad having first received a hundred sequins, but all returned next day to hear the story on the seventh voyage, reached to appreciate a quiet life. A number of my friends, I was told that an officer of the Caliph wished to speak to me, and when he was admitted he bade me follow him into the presence of Harun El Rashid, which I accorded. did, after I had saluted him, sent for you Simbad, because I need your services. I have chosen you to bear a letter and a gift to the King of Serendib. Here's message of friendship. Commander of the faithful to do all that your majesty commands.

I am utterly disheartened by the unheard of sufferings I have undergone. made a vow never again to leave him a long account of some of my strangest adventures, to which he listened patiently. I admit he have indeed had some extraordinary experiences, but I do not see why they should hinder you from doing as I wish. You have only to go straight to Serendib and give my message, then you are free to read. to come back and do as you will, but go you must. My honour and dignity there was no help for it.

I declared myself willing to obey. Got his own way, he gave me a thousand sequins for the expenses for the voyage. I was soon ready to start, and taking the letter and the present, I embarked at Balsora and sailed quickly and safely to Serendib. Here, when I disclosed my errand, I was well received and brought into the presence of the king, who greeted me with joy. Welcome, Simbati cried. I have thought of you often and rejoiced to see you once more, for thanking him for the honour that he did me. I displayed the Caliph's Gifts.

First abed with complete hangings of all cloth of gold, which cost a thousand sequins, and another light to it of crimson stuff. Fifty robes of rich embroidery. A hundred are the finest white linen from Cairo, Suez, Cuffer and Alexandria. then more beds of a different fashion and a gate vase carved with a figure of a man aiming an arrow at a lion and finally a costly table which had once belonged to King Solomon

the King of Serendib received with satisfaction the assurance of the Cliff's friendiness towards him and now my task being accomplished I was anxious to depart but it was some time before the king was think of letting me go at last however he dismissed me with many presents and I lost no time in going on board a ship

which sailed at once and for four days all went well on the fifth day we had the misfortune to fall in with pirates who seized our vessel, killing all who resisted, and making prisoners of those who were prudent enough to submit at once, of whom I was one. When they had despoiled us of all we possessed, they forced us to put on vile raiment and sailing to a distant island. There solders for slaves, I fell into the hands of a rich merchant who took me home with him and clothed me and fed me well, and after some days sent for me and questioned me as to what I could do. I answered that I was a rich merchant who had been captured by pirates and therefore I knew no trade. Tell me, said he, can you shoot with a bird? I replied that this had been one of the past times of my youth,

practice my skill would come back to me. Upon this he provided me with bow and arrows, and mounting me with him upon his own elephant, took the way to a vast forest which lay far from the town. When we had reached the wildest part of it, we stopped and my master said to me, This forest swarms with elephants Hide yourself in this great tree

and shoot at all that pass you when you have succeeded in Kining One Come and tell me So saying he gave me a supply of food And returned to the town And I perched myself high up in the tree And kept watch That night I saw nothing

But just after sunrise the next morning a large herd of elephants came crashing and trampling by, I lost no time in letting fly several arrows, and at last one of the great animals fell to the ground dead, and the others retreated, leaving me free to come down from my hiding place and run back to tell my master of my great success, for which I was praised and regaled with good things.

Then we went back to the forest together and dug a mighty trench in which we buried the elephant I had killed in order that when it became a skeleton my master my return and secure its tusks For two months I hunted thus And no day passed without my securing an elephant Of course I did not always station myself

In the same tree but sometimes in one place, sometimes in another. One morning as I watched the coming of the elephants, I was surprised to see that instead of passing the tree I was in, as they usually did, they paused and completely surrounded it, trumpeting horribly and shaking the ground with their heavy dread. And then I saw that their eyes were fixed upon me.

I was terrified who was dropped from my trembling hand I had good reason for my terror when an instant later the largest of the animals wound his trunk round the tree mighty effort by the roots picking me up gently enough

set me on its back more dead than alive and followed by the whole herd turned and crashed into the dense forest It seemed to me a long time before I was once more set upon my feet by the elephant And I stood as if in a dream Watching the herd which turned and trampled off in another direction And were soon hidden, hide of a great hill

Strewed as far as I could see On either hand with bones and tusks of elephants This must be the earth Elephants' bearing place, I said to myself, and they must have brought me here that I might cease to persecute them, seeing that I want nothing but their tusks, I could carry away in a lifetime, for the city as fast as I could go, not seeing a single elephant by the way, which convinced me that they had retired deeper into the forest to leave their way open to the ivory hill, and I did not know how sufficiently to admire their sagacity.

After a day and night I reached my master's house and was received by him with joyful surprise. Ah, poor Simbad, he cried. I was wondering what could have become of you. When I went to the forest I found the tree newly uprooted and the arrows lying beside it. and I feared I should never see you again. Pray tell me how you escape death.

I soon satisfied his curiosity, and the next day we went together to the ivory hill, and he was overjoyed to find that I had told him nothing but the truth. When we had loaded our elephant with as many tusks as it could carry, we were on our way back to the city. And he said, My brother, since I can no longer treat as a slave one who has enriched me thus, take your liberty and may heaven prosper you.

I will no longer conceal from you that these wild elephants have killed numbers of our slaves every year. No matter what good advice we gave them, they were caught sooner or later. You alone have escaped the wilds of these animals. therefore you must be under the special protection of heaven. Now through you the whole town will be enriched without further loss of life. Therefore you shall not only receive your liberty, but I will also bestow a fortune upon you. To which I replied,

Master, I thank you and wish you all prosperity. For myself I can only ask liberty to return to my own country. It is well, he answered The monsoon will soon bring the ivory ships hither Then I will send you on your way With somewhat to pay your passage So I stayed with him to the time of the monsoons And every day we added to our store of ivory

Till all his warehouses was overflowing with it By this time the other merchants knew the secret But there was enough to spare for all When the ships at last arrived my master himself chose the one in which I was to sail and put on board for me a great store of provisions Also ivory in abundance And all the costliest curiosities of the country

For which I could not thank him enough And so we parted I left the ship at the first port we came to Not feeling at ease upon the sea After all that has happened to me by reason of it, and having disposed of my ivory for gold, and bought many rare and costly presents, I loaded my pack animals and joined a caravan of merchants. Our journey was long and tedious, but I bore it patiently, reflecting that at least I had not to fear temptists or pirates nor serpents,

nor any of the other perils from which I had suffered before, and at length re-reached Baghdad. My first care was to resent myself before the Caliph and gave him an account of my embassy. He assured me that my long absence had disquited him much, but he had nevertheless hoped for my best. As to my adventure among the elephants, he heard it with amazement, declaring that he could not have believed it,

had not my truthfulness been well known to him. By his orders, this story and the others I had told him were written by his scribes in letters of gold and laid up among his treasures. I took my leave of him well satisfied with the honours and rewards he bestowed upon me, and since that time I have rested from my labour and give him myself up wholly to my family and my friends.

Thus, Inbad ended the story of his seventh and last voyage, and turning to Hinbad, he said, Well, my friend, and what do you think now? Have you ever heard of anyone who has suffered more, or had more narrow escapes than I have? It is not just that I should now enjoy a life of ease and tranquility. Inbad drew near and kissing his hand respectively replied, Sir, you have indeed known fearful perils.

My troubles have been nothing compared to yours. Moreover, the generous use you make of your wealth proves that you deserve it. May you live long and happily in the enjoyment in it. Sambad then gave him a hundred sequins and henceforward counters him among his friends. Also he caused him. to give up his profession a supporter and to eat daily at his table that he might all his life remember Simbad the sailor.