32 ES-SINDIBAD OF THE SEA

ceeding my former habits, and forgot all that I
had suffered from fatigue, and absence from my
native country, and difficulty, and the terrors of
travel. I occupied myself with delights ‘and
pleasures, and deélicious meats and exquisite
drinks, and continued in this state. Such were
the events of the first of my voyages; and to-
morrow, if it be the will of God (whose name
be exalted !), I will relate to you the tale of the
second of the seven voyages.

Fis-Sindibad of the Sea then made Es-Sindibad
of the Land to sup with him; after which ‘he
gave orders to present him with a hundred pieces
of gold, and said to him, “Thou hast cheered us
by thy company this day.” So the porter thanked
him, and took from him what he had given him,
and went his way, meditating upon the events
that befell and happened to mankind, and won-
dering extremely. He slept that night in his
abode ; and when the morning came, he repaired
_to the house of Es-Sindibad of the Sea, and went
in to him; and he welcomed him, and treated
him with honour, seating him by him. And after
the rest of his companions had come, the food
and drink were set before: them, and the time
was pleasant to them, and.they were merry. Then
Ks-Sindibad of the Sea began his narrative thus :—