tuous, saluted the company, trembling. Sindbad bade him draw near, and seating him at his right hand, served him himself, and gave him excellent wine, of which there was abundance upon the sideboard.
Now, Sindbad had heard the porter complain, and this it was that induced him to have him brought in. When the repast was over, Sindbad addressed Hindbad, and inquired his name and employment, and said, “I wish to hear again what it was you lately said in the street.”
At this request, Hindbad hung down his head in confusion, and replied, “My lord, I confess that my fatigue put me out of humor and made me utter some indiscreet words, which I beg you to pardon.” “Do not think I am so unjust,” said Sindbad, “as to resent such a complaint. But I must rectify your error concerning myself. You think, no doubt, that I have acquired without labor and trouble the ease and indulgence which I now enjoy. But do not mistake; I did not attain to this happy condition without enduring for several years more trouble of body and mind than can well be imagined. Yes, gentlemen,” he added, speaking to the whole company, “I assure you that my sufferings and adventures have been of an extravagant nature; and as an opportunity now offers, I will, with your leave, relate the dangers I have encountered, for I think they will not be uninteresting to you.”
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