186 Be oe The. Story of Zobeide

 

towards a black place, that, so far as I could discern in the dark,
seemed to be land, and actually was a flat on the coast. When
day came, I found it to be a desert island, lying about twenty miles
from Balsora. I soon dried my clothes in the sun; and as I walked
along I found several sorts of fruit, and likewise fresh water, which
gave me some hope of preserving my life.

I laid myself down in the shade, and soon after I-saw a winged
serpent, very large and long, coming towards me, wriggling to the
right and to the left, and hanging out his tongue, which made me .
think he was ill. I arose, and saw a larger serpent following him,
holding him by the tail, and endeavouring to devour him. I had
compassion on him, and instead of flying away, I had the boldness
and courage to take up a stone that by chance lay by me, and
threw it with all my strength at the great serpent, whom I hit on
the head, and killed him. The other, finding himself at liberty, took
to his wings and flew away. I looked a long while after him in
the air, as an extraordinary . thing; but he flew out of sight, and
I lay down again in another place in the shade, and fell asleep.

_ When I awoke, judge how surprised I was to see by me a
black woman, of lively and agreeable looks, who held, tied together in
her hand, two dogs of ‘the same colour. I sat. up and asked her
who she was. ‘I am,’ said she, ‘the serpent whom you delivered
not long since from my mortal enemy, I knew not how to acknow-
ledge the great kindness you did.me, but by doing what. I have
done. I knew the treachery of your sisters, and, to revenge you.
on them, as soon as I was set at liberty by your generous assistance
I called several of my companions together, fairies like myself. We
have carried into your storehouses at Bagdad all your lading Hat
was in your vessel, and afterwards sunk it. ;
_ £These two black dogs are your sisters, whom I have transformed:
into this shape. ~But this punishment is not sufficient ; for 1 will:
have you treat them after such a manner as I shall direct.