the scent of the rose water, did completely perfume
the air. Besides, he heard from within a concert
of several sorts of instrumental music, accompanied
with the harmonies of nightingales, and other birds
peculiar to that climate. This charming melody,
and the smell of several sorts of victuals, made the
porter think there was a feast, with great rejoicings
within. His occasions leading him seldom that
way, he knew not who dwelt in the house; but, to satisfy
his curiosity, he went to some of the servants, whom
he saw standing at the gate in magnificent apparel,
and asked the name of the master of the house.
How, replied one of them, do you live in Bagdad, and
know not that this is the house of Signior Sindbad,
the sailor, that famous traveller who has sailed round
the world? The porter, who had heard of Sindbad’s
riches, could not but envy a man whose condition he
thought to be as happy as his own was deplorable;
and his mind being fretted with these reflections,
he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and says, loud enough
to be heard, Almighty Creator of all things, consider
the difference between Sindbad and me. I am every
day exposed to fatigues and calamities, and can scarcely
get coarse barley bread for myself and family, whilst
happy Sindbad profusely expends immense riches, and
leads a life of continual pleasure. What has
he done to obtain from thee a lot so agreeable, and
what have I done to deserve one so miserable?
Having finished this expostulation, he struck his
foot against the ground, like a man overwhelmed with
grief and despair. While the porter was thus
indulging his melancholy, a servant came out of the
house, and taking him by the arm, bid him follow him,
for Signior Sindbad, his master, wanted to speak with
him.
Your majesty may easily imagine that poor Hindbad
was not a little surprised at this compliment; for,
considering what he had said, he was afraid Sindbad
had sent for him to punish him; therefore he would
have excused himself, alleging that he could not leave
his burden in the middle of the street. But Sindbad’s
servants assured him they would look to it, and pressed
the porter so that he was obliged to yield. The
servants brought him into a large hall, where a number
of people sat round a table covered with all sorts
of fine dishes. At the upper end there sat a
grave, comely, venerable gentleman, with a long white
beard, and behind him stood officers and domestics
ready to serve him; this grave gentleman was Sindbad.
The porter, whose fear was increased at the sight
of so many people, and of a banquet so sumptuous,
saluted the company tremblingly. Sindbad bid him
draw near, and setting him down at his right hand,
served him himself, and gave him excellent wine, of
which there was good store upon the side-board.