sailor, that famous voyager, who has sailed round the world?" The
porter, who had heard of this Sinbad's riches, lifted up his eyes to
Heaven, and said, loud enough to be heard: "Almighty creator of all
things, consider the difference between Sinbad and me! I am every day
exposed to fatigues and calamities, and can scarcely get barley-bread
for myself and my family, whilst happy Sinbad expends immense riches and
leads a life of pleasure. What has he done to obtain a lot so agreeable?
And what have I done to deserve one so wretched?"

Whilst the porter was thus indulging his melancholy, a servant came out
of the house, and taking him by the arm, bade him follow him, for
Sinbad, his master, wanted to speak to him.

The servants brought him into a great hall, where a number of people sat
round a table, covered with all sorts of savoury dishes. At the upper
end sat a venerable gentleman, with a long white beard, and behind him
stood a number of officers and domestics, all ready to attend his
pleasure. This personage was Sinbad. The porter, whose fear was
increased at the sight of so many people, and of a banquet so sumptuous,
saluted the company trembling. Sinbad bade him draw near, and seating
him at his right hand, served him himself, and gave him a cup of
excellent wine.

When the repast was over, Sinbad addressed his conversation to Hindbad,
and inquired his name and employment. "My lord," answered he, "my name
is Hindbad." "I am very glad to see you," replied Sinbad; "but I wish to
hear from your own mouth what it was you lately said in the street."
Sinbad had himself heard the porter complain through the window, and
this it was that induced him to have him brought in.

At this request, Hindbad hung down his head in confusion, and replied:
"My lord, I confess that my fatigue put me out of humour, and occasioned
me to utter some indiscreet words, which I beg you to pardon." "Do not
think I am so unjust," resumed Sinbad, "as to resent such a complaint,
but I must rectify your error concerning myself. You think, no doubt,
that I have acquired, without labour and trouble, the ease which I now
enjoy. But do not mistake; I did not attain to this happy condition,
without enduring for several years more trouble of body and mind than
can well be imagined. Yes, gentlemen," he added, speaking to the whole
company, "I can assure you my troubles were so extraordinary, that they
were calculated to discourage the most covetous f