Page:History of Sindbad the sailor.pdf/6

6 I ate some victuals, which they offered me, and then, having asked them what they did in such a desert place? they answered, that they were grooms, belonging to King Mihrane, sovereign of the island; and that every year, at the same season, they brought thither the king's horses. till they were washed with the water of a neighbouring pool, by virtue of which they were rendered stronger and more beautiful.

Next morning they departed, and presented me to the king. After I had satisfied his enquires, he told me he was much concerned for my misfortune, and, at the same time, ordered that I should want for nothing.

As I was one day at the port of the city, a ship arrived, and as soon as they began to unload her, and the merchants on board ordered their goods to be carried into the magazine, I cast my eye upon some bales, and perceived them to be the same I had embarked at Balsora. I knew the captain, but being persuaded that he believed me to be drowned, I asked him whose bales they were? He replied that they belonged to a merchant in Bagdad, called Sindbad, who came to sea with him, who was drowned. Those bales belonged to him, and I am resolved to trade with them, until I meet with some of his family to whom I may return the profit. I made myself known to him, when he embraced me, and said he was glad at my escape, and returned me all my goods.

I took leave of King Mihrane, and went on board the same ship, after I had exchanged my goods of that country. We at last arrived at Balsora, from whence I came to Bagdad, with the value of 100,000. My family and I received one another with of joy. I bought slaves of both sexes, fine lands, and built me a house, resolving to forget the miseries I had suffered.