present, which he generously refused.

"I took out what was most valuable in my bales, and presented them to
the Maha-raja, who, knowing my misfortune, asked me how I came by such
rarities. I acquainted him with the circumstance of their recovery. He
was pleased at my good luck, accepted my present, and in return gave me
one much more considerable. Upon this, I took leave of him, and went
aboard the same ship, after I had exchanged my goods for the commodities
of that country. I carried with me wood of aloes, sandal, camphire,
nutmegs, cloves, pepper, and ginger. We passed by several islands, and
at last arrived at Bussorah, from whence I came to this city, with the
value of one hundred thousand sequins. My family and I received one
another with sincere affection. I bought slaves and a landed estate, and
built a magnificent house. Thus I settled myself, resolving to forget
the miseries I had suffered, and to enjoy the pleasures of life."

Sinbad stopped here, and ordered the musicians to proceed with their
concert, which the story had interrupted. The company continued enjoying
themselves till the evening, when Sinbad sent for a purse of a hundred
sequins, and giving it to the porter, said: "Take this, Hindbad, return
to your home, and come back to-morrow to hear more of my adventures."
The porter went away, astonished at the honour done, and the present
made him. The account of this adventure proved very agreeable to his
wife and children, who did not fail to return thanks to God for what
providence had sent them by the hand of Sinbad.

Hindbad put on his best apparel next day, and returned to the bountiful
traveller, who welcomed him heartily. When all the guests had arrived,
dinner was served. When it was ended, Sinbad, addressing himself to the
company, said, "Gentlemen, be pleased to listen to the adventures of my
second voyage; they deserve your attention even more than those of the
first." Upon this every one held his peace, and Sinbad proceeded.

THE SECOND VOYAGE

"I designed, after my first voyage, to spend the rest of my days at
Bagdad, but it was not long ere I grew weary of an indolent life. My
inclination to trade revived. I bought goods proper for the commerce I
intended, 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 da