Page:Researches respecting the Book of Sindibad and Portuguese Folk-Tales.djvu/55

33 VIII.—.

There was a widow who had three sons. They lived in great poverty; and the eldest son said one day, "Oh! mother, things cannot go on any longer in this manner; I am old enough now to do something; so I shall go through different countries seeking a livelihood." The mother, not wishing him to go, began crying; but the son, keeping his resolve, endeavoured to persuade her to consent, until at last, one day she prepared his outfit, and he departed at day-dawn on his journey. He travelled on, and on arriving at a certain country he inquired if any one there required a servant. He was told that a magician, who lived in that part, was always wanting servants, and that he had better apply at the house. The young man went to the house, and inquired if a servant was required to wait upon them. "You have come at an opportune time," replied the magician, "and this very day you may enter my service; you shall earn one coin a-day, but you will have to accompany me wherever I go." The young man was delighted to earn so much, and said, "Oh, Sir, I am ready to go with you to the very ends of the world, and anywhere you wish." "Very well," replied the magician, "let's go now and get our horses ready to depart." They filled several bags with provisions, and all they could require; they prepared and harnessed two good horses with wallets, and whatever else they might want for the journey, and at midnight the master and his servant left the house and began to travel through dismal places and dark roads. The young man, who was unaccustomed to long journeys, began to get very tired, and did nothing else but ask, "Oh! Sir, have we not yet arrived?" But the magician always answered him by saying, "Don't be troubled, we are sure to get there sometime or