ES-SINDIBAD OF THE SEA 161

waiting for thee to rise at thy leisure. Tell us
then what is the cause of thy coming to this
place.” I replied, “I conjure thee by Allah,
O my master, that thou bring me some food;
for I am hungry; and after that, ask of me
concerning what thou wilt.” And thereupon he
hastened, and brought me food, and I ate until
I was satiated and was at ease, and my fear
subsided, my satiety was abundant, and my soul
returned to me. I therefore praised God (whose
name be exalted!) for all that had occurred,
rejoicing at my having passed forth from that
river, and having come to these people; and I
told them of all.that had happened to me from
beginning to end, and of what I had experienced
upon that river, and of its narrowness. They
then talked together, and: said, ‘‘We must take
him with us and present him to our King, that
he may acquaint him with what hath happened
to him.” Accordingly they took me with them,
and conveyed with me the raft, together with
all that was upon it, of riches and goods, and
jewels and minerals, and ornaments of gold, and
they took me in to their King, who was the King
of Sarandeeb, and acquainted him with what had
happened; whereupon he saluted me and wel-
comed me, and asked me respecting my state,