Sinbad the Sailor . mB 255

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US; we are inhabitants of. this country, and came hither to- -day
to water our fields, by digging little canals from this river, which
‘comes out of the neighbouring mountain. We saw something
floating upon the water, went speedily to find out what it was,
and perceiving your raft, one of us swam into the river, and brought
it hither, where we. fastened it, as you see, until you should awake.
Pray tell us your history, for it must be extr aordinary ; how did you
venture into this river, and whence did you come?’

- I begged of them first. to give me something to eat, and then
I would satisfy their curiosity. They gave me several sorts of
food; and when I had satisfied my hunger, I gave them a true
‘account of all that had. befallen me, which they listened to with

_ wonder. As soon as I had finished my discourse, they told me,
by the person who spoke Arabic and interpreted to them what
I\said, that it was one. of the most surprising stories they ever
heard, and that I must go along with them, and tell it to their king
myself; the story was too extraordinary to be told. by any. other
than the person to.whom it happened. I told then I. was. ready
to do whatever they pleased.

“They immediately sent for a horse, winch was ehichishe in a
little time; and having made me. get upon him, some of them
walked pelors me ‘to show me the way, and the rest took my raft
and cargo, and followed me.

' We marched thus altogether, till we came to the city of Serendib,
for it was in that island I landed. The blacks ° presented me to
their king; I approached his throne, and saluted. him as I used
to do the kings of the Indies; that is to say, I prostrated myself
at his feet, and kissed the earth. The prince ordered me to tise:
up, received me with an obliging air, and made me come up, and
sit. down near him. He. first asked. me my name, and I answered,
‘They call me Sinbad the sailor, because of the nay, voyages I
‘have undertaken, and I ama citizen of Bagdad,’

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