The son, far from showing any dislike, readily consented to the marriage; not only because he would not disobey his father, but also because it was agreeable to his inclination.  After this they thought of burying the captain of the robbers with his comrades, and did it so privately that nobody discovered their bones till many years after, when no one had any concern in the publication of this remarkable history.  A few days afterward, Ali Baba celebrated the nuptials of his son and Morgiana with great solemnity, a sumptuous feast, and the usual dancing and spectacles; and had the satisfaction to see that his friends and neighbours, whom he invited, had no knowledge of the true motives of the marriage; but that those who were not unacquainted with Morgiana’s good qualities commended his generosity and goodness of heart Ali Baba did not visit the robbers’ cave for a whole year, as he supposed the other two, whom he could get no account of, might be alive.

At the year’s end, when he found they had not made any attempt to disturb him, he had the curiosity to make another journey.  He mounted his horse, and when he came to the cave he alighted, tied his horse to a tree, then approaching the entrance, and pronouncing the words, “Open, Sesame!” the door opened.  He entered the cavern, and by the condition he found things in, judged that nobody had been there since the captain had fetched the goods for his shop.  From this time he believed he was the only person in the world who had the secret of opening the cave, and that all the treasure was at his sole disposal.  He put as much gold into his saddle-bag as his horse would carry, and returned to town.  Some years later he carried his son to the cave and taught him the secret, which he handed down to his posterity, who, using their good fortune with moderation, lived in great honour and splendour.

CHAPTER VII

THE SECOND VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR

I designed, 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 took my wine and provisions, and sat down near a stream betwixt two high trees, which formed a thick shade.  I made a good meal, and afterward fell asleep.  I cannot tell how long I slept, but when I awoke the ship was gone.