Page:Voyages and travels of Sindbad the sailor (3).pdf/4

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 gentleman 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 his dinner, Sindbad