AND ES-SINDIBAD OF THE LAND 5

kinds of sweet scents, and varieties of dried and
fresh fruits, together with abundance of various
kinds of exquisite viands, and beverage prepared
from the fruit of the choicest grape-vines. In it
were also instruments of music and mirth, and
varieties of beautiful slave-girls, all ranged in
proper order. And at the upper end of that
chamber was a great and venerable man, in the
sides of whose beard grey hairs had begun to
appear. He was of handsome form, comely in
countenance, with an aspect of gravity and dignity
and majesty and stateliness. So, upon this, Es-
Sindibéd the Porter was confounded, and he said
within himself, ‘‘ By Allah, this place is a portion
of Paradise, or it is the palace of a King or Sultan!”
Then, putting himself in a respectful posture, he
saluted the assembly, prayed for them, and kissed
the ground before them; after which he stood,
hanging down his head in humility. But the
master of the house gave him permission to seat
himself. He therefore sat. And the master of
the house had caused him to draw near unto him,
‘and now began to cheer him with conversation,
and to welcome him; and he put before him some
of the various excellent, delicious, exquisite viands.
So Es-Sindibdd the Porter advanced, and, having
said, “In the name of God, the Compassionate,