I took out what was most valuable in my bales, and presented it to King Mihrage, who, knowing my misfortune, asked me how I came by such rarities?  I acquainted him with the whole story.  He was mightily pleased at my good luck, accepted my present, and gave me one much more considerable in return.  Upon this, I took leave of him, and went on board the same ship, after I had exchanged my goods for the commodities of the country.  I carried with me the wood of aloes, sanders, camphire, nutmegs, cloves, pepper, and ginger.  We passed by several islands, and at last arrived at Balsora, from whence I came to this city, with the value of one hundred thousand sequins[Footnote:  The Turkish sequin is about nine shillings sterling.].  My family and I received one another with all the transport that can arise from true and sincere friendship.  I bought slaves of both sexes, fine lands, and built me a great house.  Thus I settled myself, resolving to forget the miseries I had suffered, and to enjoy the pleasures of life.

Sindbad stopped here, and ordered the musicians to go on with their concert, which his story had interrupted.  The company continued to eat and drink until the evening, when it was time to retire.  Sindbad sent for a purse of one hundred sequins, and, giving it to the porter, says, Take this, Hindbad, return to your home, and come back to-morrow to hear some more of my adventures.  The porter went home, astonished at the honour done him, and the present made him.  The relation of it was very agreeable to his wife and children, who did not fail to return God thanks for what he had sent them by the hands of Sindbad.  Hindbad put on his best clothes next day, and returned to the bountiful traveller, who received him with a pleasant air, and caressed him mightily.  When all the guests were come, dinner was set upon the table, and continued a long time.  When it was ended, Sindbad, addressing himself to the company, says, Gentlemen, be pleased to give me audience, and listen to the adventures of my second voyage; they better deserve your attention than the first.  Upon this, every one held his peace, and Sindbad proceeded: 

The Second Voyage of Sindbad the Sailor.

I intended, after my first voyage, to spend the rest of my days at Bagdad, as I had the honour to tell you yesterday; but it was not long ere I grew weary of a quiet life.  My inclination to travel revived.  I bought goods proper for the commerce I designed, and 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 upon an isle covered with several sorts of fruit-trees, but so deserted that we could see neither man nor horse upon it.  We went to take a little fresh air in the meadows, and along the streams that watered them.  Whilst some diverted themselves with gathering flowers,