After two months sail, we arrived happily at port, where we landed, and had a very good market for our goods.  I, especially, sold mine so well, that I gained ten to one.  With the produce we bought commodities of that country, to carry back with us for sale.

When we were ready to embark on our return, I met on the sea-shore a lady, handsome enough, but poorly clad.  She walked up to me gracefully, kissed my hand, besought me with the greatest earnestness imaginable to marry her, and take her along with me.  I made some difficulty to agree to this proposal; but she urged so many things to persuade me that I ought not to object to her on account of her poverty, and that I should have all the reason in the world to be satisfied with her conduct, that at last I yielded.  I ordered proper apparel to be made for her; and after having married her, according to form, I took her on board, and we set sail.  I found my wife possessed so many good qualities, that my love to her every day increased.  In the mean time my two brothers, who had not managed their affairs as successfully as I had mine, envied my prosperity; and suffered their feelings to carry them so far, that they conspired against my life; and one night, when my wife and I were asleep, threw us both into the sea.

My wife proved to be a fairy, and, by consequence, a genie, so that she could not be drowned; but for me, it is certain I must have perished, without her help.  I had scarcely fallen into the water, when she took me up, and carried me to an island.  When day appeared, she said to me, “You see, husband, that by saving your life, I have not rewarded you ill for your kindness to me.  You must know, that I am a fairy, and being upon the sea-shore, when you were going to embark, I felt a strong desire to have you for my husband; I had a mind to try your goodness, and presented myself before you in disguise.  You have dealt generously by me, and I am glad of an opportunity of returning my acknowledgment.  But I am incensed against your brothers, and nothing will satisfy me but their lives.”

I listened to this discourse with admiration; I thanked the fairy the best way I could, for the great kindness she had done me; “But, Madam,” said I, “as for my brothers, I beg you to pardon them; whatever cause of resentment they have given me, I am not cruel enough to desire their death.”  I then informed her what I had done for them, but this increased her indignation; and she exclaimed, “I must immediately pursue those ungrateful traitors, and take speedy vengeance on them.  I will destroy their vessel, and sink them into the bottom of the sea.”  “My good lady,” replied I, “for heaven’s sake forbear; moderate your anger, consider that they are my brothers, and that we ought to return good for evil.”