The Second Voyage of Sindbad the
Sailor
I intended, after my first voyage, to spend the rest of my days at Bagdad, but it was not long ere I grew weary of an indolent life, and I put to sea a second time, with merchants of known probity. We embarked on board a good ship, and, after recommending ourselves to God, set sail. We traded from island to island, and exchanged commodities with great profit. One day we landed on an island covered with several sorts of fruit trees, but we could see neither man nor animal. We walked in the meadows, along the streams that watered them. While some diverted themselves with gathering flowers, and others fruits, I sat down near a stream betwixt two high trees, which formed a thick shade. I made a good meal of the wine and provisions I had brought from the ship and afterward fell asleep. I cannot tell how long I slept, but when I awoke the ship was gone.
Not knowing what to do, I climbed up to the top of a lofty tree, from whence I looked about on all sides, to see if I could discover anything that would give me hopes. When I gazed toward the sea I could see nothing but sky and water; but looking over the land, I beheld afar off something white; and coming down, I took what food I had left and went toward it, the distance being so great that I could not distinguish what it was.
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