Page:Voyages and travels of Sindbad the sailor (2).pdf/4

 tried to excuse himself from entering the house. Sindbad's servant, however, would not take a refusal, because his master’s commands had been absolute; and calling another domestic to look after the goods, he led the porter into a great hall, where a large company sat round a table covered with all sorts of dainties served in dishes of silver and gold. At the

upper end of the table sat Sindbad, a comely, venerable gentle- man with a long white beard. Hindbad’s terror increased at the sight of so many people, and he hung back, till Sindbad, in the most courteous manner imaginable, desired him to draw near; and placing him in a chair on his right hand, served him from the choicest dishes, and gave him excellent wine in a crystal goblet. When the porter had made an end of Iris dinner, Sindbad