When dinner was over, Sindbad began his discourse to Hindbad; and calling him brother, according to the manner of the Arabians when they are familiar one to another, he asked him his name and employment.  Signior, answered he, my name is Hindbad.  I am very glad to see you, replies Sindbad; and I dare to say the same for all the company:  but I would be glad to hear, from your own mouth, what it was you said a while ago in the street; for Sindbad had heard it himself through the window before he sat down to table; and that occasioned his calling for him.  Hindbad, being surprised at the question, hung down his head, and replied, Signior, I confess that my weariness put me out of humour, and occasioned me to speak some indiscreet words, which I beg you to pardon.  Oh, do not you think I am so unjust, replies Sindbad, to resent such a thing as that; I consider your condition, and, instead of upbraiding you with your complaints, I am sorry for you; but I must rectify your mistake concerning myself.  You think, no doubt, that I have acquired, without labour or trouble, the ease and conveniency which I now enjoy.  But do not mistake yourself; I did not attain to this happy condition without enduring more trouble of body and mind for several years than can well be imagined.  Yes, gentleman, adds he, speaking to the company, I can assure you my troubles were so extraordinary, that they were capable of discouraging the most covetous men from undertaking such voyages as I did to acquire riches.  Perhaps you have never heard a distinct account of the wonderful adventures and dangers I met with in my seven voyages; and, since I have this opportunity, I am willing to give you a faithful account of them, not doubting that it will be acceptable.  And because Sindbad was to tell this story particularly on the porter’s account, he ordered his burden to be carried to the place appointed, and began thus: 

THE STORY OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR.

His First Voyage.

My father left me a considerable estate, most part of which I spent in debauches during my youth; but I perceived my error, and called to mind that riches were perishable, and quickly considered, that by my irregular way of living, I wretchedly misspent my time, which is the most valuable thing in the world.  I remembered the saying of the great Solomon, which I frequently heard from my father, that death is more tolerable than poverty.  Being struck with those reflections, I gathered together the ruins of my estate, and sold all my moveables in the public market to the highest bidder.  Then I entered into a contract with some merchants that traded by sea, took the advice of those whom I thought most capable to give it, and resolving to improve what money I had, went to Balsora, a port in the Persian gulph, and embarked with several merchants, who joined with me in fitting out a ship on purpose.