ES-SINDIBAD OF THE SEA 137

flecting upon the events that had befallen me
and happened to me, and I said within myself,
‘“‘T wonder if God will preserve me in safety, and
if I shall return to my country, and meet my
family and my companions.” And, lo, a vessel
approached from the midst of the roaring sea
agitated with waves, and it ceased not in its
course until it anchored at that island; where-
upon the passengers landed there. So I walked
towards them; and when they beheld me, they
all quickly approached me and assembled around
me, inquiring respecting my state, and the cause
of my coming to that island. I therefore ac-
quainted them with my case, and with the
events that had befallen me; whereat they
wondered extremely. And they said to me,
“This man who rode upon thy shoulders is
called the Old Man of the Sea, and no one
ever was beneath his limbs and escaped from
him except thee; and praise be to God for
thy safety!” Then they brought me some food,
and I ate until I was satisfied; and they gave
me some clothing, which I put on, covering
myself decently. After this, they took me with
them in the ship; and when we had proceeded
days and nights, destiny drove us to a city of
lofty buildings, all the houses of which over-