ES-SINDIBAD OF THE SEA 19”

ducted me into a large subterranean chamber,
and, having seated me at the upper end of that
chamber, brought me some food. I was hungry ;
so I ate until I was satiated and contented, and
my soul became at ease. Then he asked me
respecting my case, and what had happened to
me; wherefore I acquainted him with my whole
affair from beginning to end; and he wondered
at my story.

And when I had finished my tale, I said, “I
conjure thee by Allah, O my master, that thou
be not displeased with me: I have acquainted
thee with the truth of my case and of what hath
happened to me, and I desire of thee that thou
inform me who thou art, and what is the cause
of thy dwelling in this chamber that is beneath
the earth, and what is the reason of thy tethering
this mare by the seaside.” So he replied, “‘ Know
that we are a party dispersed in this island, upon
its shores, and we are the grooms of the King
El-Mihraj, having under our care all his horses ;
and every month, when moonlight commenceth,
we bring the swift mares, and tether them in
this island, every mare that has not foaled,
and conceal ourselves in this chamber beneath
‘the earth, that they may attract the sea-horses.
This is the time of the coming forth of the sea-