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 THE HISTORY OF

SINDBAD, THE SAILOR.

In the reign of the Caliph Haroun Alraschid, there lived in Bagdad a poor porter, named Hindbad. One day, during the excessive heats of summer, he was carrying a heavy load. from one extremity of the city to the other. and being much fatigued by the length of the way he had come. and having much ground still to traverse. he arrived in a street where the pavement was sprinkled with rose water ; and a gentle breeze refreshed the air. Delighted with this situation he placed his load on the ground. and took his station near a large mansion. The delicious scent of aloes and frankincense, which issued from the windows, and the smell of different sorts of viands. led him to suppose. that some grand feast was given there. He wished to know whose residence it was: for not having frequent occasion to pass that way, he was unacquainted with the names of the inhabitants. To satisfy his curiosity, therefore, he approached some servants, who were standing magnificently dressed, at the door, and inquired who was the master of that mansion. “What (replied the servant, are you an inhabitant in Bagdad, and do not know that this is the residence of Sindbad, the sailor, that famous voyager, who has sailed over all the seas under the sun.” The porter, who had heard of the immense riches of Sinbad. could not help comparing his situation, which appeared so enviable, with his own which was so deplorable; and distressed by the reflection. he raised his eyes, and exclaimed with a loud voice, “Almighty Creator of all things, what has he done to obtain so