Page:History of Sindbad the sailor.pdf/13

13 and perceiving me to be so lean that I had nothing but skin and bone, he let me go. He took up all the rest one by one, viewed them in the same manner and the captain being the fattest, he held him with one hand. as I would do a sparrow, and thrusting a spit through him, kindled a great fire, roasted, and ate him in his apartment for supper; which being done, he returned to his porch, where he lay and fell asleep: he slept thus till the morning: for our part, it was not possible for us to enjoy any rest, so that we passed the night in the most cruel fear that can be imagined. Day being come, the giant awaked, got up, went out, and left us in the palace.

Our condition was so very terrible, that several of my comrades designed to throw themselves into the sea, rather than die so strange a death; and those who were of this mind. argued with the rest to follow their example. Upon which, one of our companions answered, That we were forbid to destroy ourselves; but, allowing it to be lawful it was more reasonable to think of a way to rid ourselves of the barbarous tyrant, who designed so cruel a death for us.

Having thought of a project for that end I communicated the same to my comrades, who improved it: “Brethren, said I. you know there is a great deal of timber floating upon the coast: if you will be advised by me, let us make several floats of it that may carry us, and when they are done, leave them there, till we think fit to make use of them. In the mean time, we will execute the design to deliver ourselves from the giant, and if it succeed, we may stay here with patience till some ships pass by, that they may carry us out of this fatal island; but if it happen to miscarry, we will speedily get to our floats, and put to sea. I confess, that by exposing ourselves to the fury of the waves, we run