The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor

In the times of the Caliph Haroun-al-Raschid there lived in Bagdad a poor porter named Hindbad. One day, when the weather was excessively hot, he was employed to carry a heavy burden from one end of the city to the other. Being much fatigued, he took off his load, and sat upon it to rest himself before a large house.

He was much pleased that he had stopped at this place, for the agreeable smell of wood of aloes and of pastilles, that came from the house, mixing with the scent of the rose-water, completely perfumed and embalmed the air. Besides, he heard from within a concert of instrumental music, accompanied with the harmonious notes of nightingales and other birds. This charming melody, and the smell of several sorts of savoury dishes, made the porter conclude there was a feast, with great rejoicings within. He wished to know who lived in this magnificent house, but could not satisfy his curiosity, as he saw no one. He therefore applied to a servant belonging to the house, who happened just then to come out, and asked him the name of the master of the house.

"How," replied the servant, "do you live in Bagdad, and know not that this is the house of Sinbad the sailor, that famous voyager, who has sailed round the world?"

The porter, who had heard of this Sinbad's riches, could not but compare his own poor condition with that of Sinbad, whom he thought more happy than himself. This reflection made him so uneasy, that he 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 scarce get coarse barley-bread for myself and my family, whilst happy Sinbad profusely expends immense riches, and leads a life of continual pleasure. What has he done to obtain from Thee 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 from the house, and taking him by the arm, bade him follow him, for Sinbad, his master, wanted to speak to him.

Hindbad was not a little surprised at this compliment. Considering his mean appearance, he was afraid Sinbad had sent for him to punish him for his exclamation; therefore he tried to excuse himself, alleging that he could not leave his burden in the middle of the street. But Sinbad's servant assured him they would take care of it, and urged the porter so, that he was obliged to yield.

The servant 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 comely, venerable gentleman, with a long white beard, and behind him stood a number of officers and domestics, all ready to attend his pleasure. This person was Sinbad. Hindbad, 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 excellent wine, of which there was abundance upon the sideboard.

Now Sinbad had heard the porter complain through the window, and that was the reason he sent for him. When the repast was over, Sinbad addressed his conversation to Hindbad, and inquired his name and employment, and said, "I wish to hear from your own mouth what it was you lately said in the street."

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 made me 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 and plenty 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 from undertaking voyages to acquire riches. Perhaps you have never heard a distinct account of my seven voyages; and as I have now an opportunity, I will give you a faithful account of them, not doubting but it will be acceptable."

The First Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor

My father was a wealthy merchant of much repute. He bequeathed me a large estate, which I wasted in riotous living. I quickly perceived my error, and that I was misspending my time, which is of all things the most valuable. I remembered the saying of the great Solomon, which I had frequently heard from my father, "A good name is better than precious ointment;" and again, "Wisdom is good with an inheritance." Struck with these reflections, I resolved to walk in my father's ways, and I entered into a contract with some merchants, and embarked with them on board a ship we had jointly fitted out.

We set sail, and steered our course towards the Indies, by the Persian Gulf, having the coast of Persia on our left, and the shores of Arabia Felix on our right. I took with me the remainder of my fortune in merchandise. From time to time we landed at several isles, where we sold or exchanged our goods. One day, whilst under sail, we were becalmed near a small island, but little elevated above the level of the water, and resembling a green meadow. The captain ordered his sails to be furled, and permitted such persons as were so inclined to land; of this number I was one.

But while we were enjoying ourselves in eating and drinking, and recovering ourselves from the fatigue of the sea, the island on a sudden trembled, and shook us terribly.

The people on board ship perceived the trembling of the island, and called to us to re-embark speedily, or we should all be lost; for what we took for an island was only the back of a whale. The nimblest got into the sloop, others betook themselves to swimming; but for my part I was still upon the back of the whale when he dived into the sea, and I had time only to catch hold of a piece of wood that we had brought out of the ship to make a fire. Meanwhile, the captain, having received those on board who were in the sloop, and taken up some of those that swam, resolved to improve the favourable gale that had just risen, and hoisting his sails pursued his voyage, so that it was impossible for me to recover the ship.

Thus was I exposed to the mercy of the waves. I floated some time, and towards the evening I perceived I had drifted near an island. I found it to be a steep rock, but fortunately there were some roots of trees which grew out from the rock, and by their means I climbed up. I lay down upon the ground half dead, until the next morning.

When the sun was risen, though I was very feeble, both from hard labour and want of food, I crept along to find some herbs fit to eat, and had the good luck not only to find some, but likewise a spring of excellent water. Refreshed, I advanced farther into the island, and came at last into a fine plain, where I perceived a horse feeding. I went towards him, but he ran away. I followed him, and presently saw a man, who asked me who I was. I related to him my adventure, after which, taking me by the hand, he led me into a cave, where there were several other people, no less amazed to see me than I was to see them.

I ate of some victuals which they offered me, and then asked them what they did in such a desert place. They answered that they were grooms belonging to the Maharajah, sovereign of the island, and that every year they brought thither the king's mares, and fastened them in that plain, that they might be covered by a sea-horse which came out of the sea. When the mares were with foal, they took them back to the king's stables. "To-morrow," they said, "is the day of the sea-horse's appearing, and we shall be gone."

They added, that if I had been one day later, I must have perished, because the inhabited part of the island was at a great distance, and it would have been impossible for me to have got thither without a guide.

Next morning they returned with the mares to the capital of the island, took me with them, and presented me to the Maharajah. He asked me who I was, and by what adventure I had come into his dominions. After I had satisfied him, he told me he was much concerned for my misfortune, and at the same time ordered that I should want for nothing; which commands his officers were so generous and careful as to see exactly fulfilled.

Being a merchant, I frequented men of my own profession, and particularly inquired for those who were strangers, that perchance I might hear news from Bagdad, or find an opportunity to return. For the Maharajah's capital is situated on the sea-coast, and has a fine harbour, where ships arrive daily from the different quarters of the world. I frequented also the society of the learned Indians, and took delight to hear them converse; but withal, I took care to make my court regularly to the Maharajah, and conversed with the governors and petty kings, his tributaries, that were about him. They asked me a thousand questions about my country; and I, being willing to inform myself as to their laws and customs, asked them everything which I thought worth knowing.

There belongs to this king an island named Cassel. They assured me that in this island is heard every night a noise of drums and tymbals, and they concluded it to be the dwelling of Degial. I had a great mind to see this wonderful place, and in my way thither saw fishes of 100 and 200 cubits long, that occasion more fear than hurt; for they are so timorous, that they will fly upon the rattling of two sticks or boards. I saw likewise other fishes about a cubit in length, that had heads like owls.

As I was one day at the port after my return, the very ship arrived in which I had embarked at Bussorah. I at once knew the captain, and I went and asked him for my bales. "I am Sinbad," said I, "and those bales marked with such characters are mine."

When the captain heard me speak thus, "Heavens!" said he, "whom can we trust in these times? I saw Sinbad perish with my own eyes, as did also the passengers on board, and yet you tell me you are Sinbad. What impudence is this! And what a false tale, to tell that you are Sinbad, to possess yourself of what does not belong to you!"

"Have patience," replied I; "do me the favour to hear what I have to say."

"Well," said he, "what have you to say? Speak, and be brief."

Then I told him how I escaped, and by what adventure I met with the grooms of the Maharajah, who brought me to his court.

He was soon persuaded that I was no cheat; for there came people from his ship who knew me, paid me great compliments, and expressed much joy at seeing me alive. At last the captain himself knew me, and embracing me, "Heaven be praised," said he, "for your happy escape! I cannot express the joy it affords me. There are your goods; take and do with them as you please."

I took out what was most valuable in my bales, and presented them to the Maharajah, 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, sandals, camphor, 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 100,000 sequins.

Sinbad stopped here, and ordered the musicians to proceed with their concert, which the story had interrupted. When it was evening, Sinbad sent for a purse of 100 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 him, 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 for what Providence had sent them by the hand of Sinbad.

Hindbad put on his best clothes next day, and returned to the bountiful traveller, who received him with a pleasant air, and caressed him heartily. When all the guests had arrived, dinner was served, and continued a long time. 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 the first." Upon which every one held his peace, and Sinbad proceeded.

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 a quiet life. My inclination to trade revived. I bought goods proper for the commerce I intended, and went to Bussorah 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 on an island covered with several sorts of fruit-trees, but we could see neither man nor animal. We walked in the meadows, along the streams that watered them. Whilst some diverted themselves with gathering flowers, and others fruits, I took my wine and provisions, and sat down near a stream betwixt two high trees, which formed a thick shade. I made a good meal, and afterwards fell asleep. I cannot tell how long I slept, but when I awoke the ship was gone.

In this sad condition, I was ready to die with grief. I cried out in agony, beat my head and breast, and threw myself upon the ground, where I lay some time in despair. I upbraided myself a hundred times for not being content with the produce of my first voyage, that might have sufficed me all my life. But all this was in vain, and my repentance came too late. At last I resigned myself to the will of God. Not knowing what to do, I climbed up to the top of a lofty tree, from whence I looked about on all sides, to see if I could discover anything that could give me hopes. When I gazed towards the sea I could see nothing but sky and water; but looking over the land I beheld something white; and coming down, I took what provision I had left, and went towards it, the distance being so great, that I could not distinguish what it was.

As I approached, I thought it to be a white dome, of a prodigious height and extent; and when I came up to it, I touched it, and found it to be very smooth. I went round to see if it was open on any side, but saw it was not, and that there was no climbing up to the top, as it was so smooth. It was at least fifty paces round.

By this time the sun was about to set, and all of a sudden the sky became as dark as if it had been covered with a thick cloud. I was much astonished at this sudden darkness, but much more when I found it occasioned by a bird of a monstrous size, that came flying towards me. I remembered that I had often heard mariners speak of a miraculous bird called the roc, and conceived that the great dome which I so much admired must be its egg. In short, the bird alighted, and sat over the egg. As I perceived her coming, I crept close to the egg, so that I had before me one of the legs of the bird, which was as big as the trunk of a tree. I tied myself strongly to it with my turban, in hopes that the roc next morning would carry me with her out of this desert island. After having passed the night in this condition, the bird flew away as soon as it was daylight, and carried me so high, that I could not discern the earth; she afterwards descended with so much rapidity that I lost my senses. But when I found myself on the ground, I speedily untied the knot, and had scarcely done so, when the roc, having taken up a serpent of a monstrous length in her bill, flew away.

The spot where it left me was encompassed on all sides by mountains, that seemed to reach above the clouds, and so steep that there was no possibility of getting out of the valley. This was a new perplexity; so that when I compared this place with the desert island from which the roc had brought me, I found that I had gained nothing by the change.

As I walked through this valley, I perceived it was strewed with diamonds, some of which were of a surprising bigness. I took pleasure in looking upon them; but soon saw at a distance such objects as greatly diminished my satisfaction, and which I could not view without terror, namely, a great number of serpents, so monstrous, that the least of them was capable of swallowing an elephant. They retired in the daytime to their dens, where they hid themselves from the roc, their enemy, and came out only in the night.

I spent the day in walking about in the valley, resting myself at times in such places as I thought most convenient. When night came on I went into a cave, where I thought I might repose in safety. I secured the entrance, which was low and narrow, with a great stone, to preserve me from the serpents; but not so far as to exclude the light. I supped on part of my provisions, but the serpents, which began hissing round me, put me into such extreme fear that I did not sleep. When day appeared the serpents retired, and I came out of the cave trembling. I can justly say, that I walked upon diamonds without feeling any inclination to touch them. At last I sat down, and notwithstanding my apprehensions, not having closed my eyes during the night, fell asleep, after having eaten a little more of my provisions. But I had scarce shut my eyes when something that fell by me with a great noise awaked me. This was a large piece of raw meat; and at the same time I saw several others fall down from the rocks in different places.

I had always regarded as fabulous what I had heard sailors and others relate of the valley of diamonds, and of the stratagems employed by merchants to obtain jewels from thence; but now I found that they had stated nothing but the truth. For the fact is, that the merchants come to the neighbourhood of this valley, when the eagles have young ones, and throwing great joints of raw meat into the valley, the diamonds, upon whose points they fall, stick to them; the eagles, which are stronger in this country than anywhere else, pounce with great force upon those pieces of meat, and carry them to their nests on the precipices of the rocks to feed their young: the merchants at this time run to their nests, disturb and drive off the eagles by their shouts, and take away the diamonds that stick to the meat.

I perceived in this device the means of my deliverance.

Having collected the largest diamonds I could find, and put them into the leather bag in which I used to carry my provisions, I took the largest of the pieces of meat, tied it close round me with the cloth of my turban, and then laid myself upon the ground with my face downward, the bag of diamonds being made fast to my girdle.

I had scarcely placed myself in this posture when one of the eagles, having taken me up with the piece of meat to which I was fastened, carried me to his nest on the top of the mountain. The merchants immediately began their shouting to frighten the eagles; and when they had obliged them to quit their prey, one of them came to the nest where I was. He was much alarmed when he saw me; but recovering himself, instead of inquiring how I came thither, began to quarrel with me, and asked why I stole his goods. "You will treat me," replied I, "with more civility, when you know me better. Do not be uneasy; I have diamonds enough for you and myself, more than all the other merchants together. Whatever they have they owe to chance; but I selected for myself in the bottom of the valley those which you see in this bag." I had scarce done speaking, when the other merchants came crowding about us, much astonished to see me; but they were much more surprised when I told them my story.

They conducted me to their encampment; and there, having opened my bag, they were surprised at the largeness of my diamonds, and confessed that they had never seen any of such size and perfection. I prayed the merchant who owned the nest to which I had been carried (for every merchant had his own nest) to take as many as he pleased. He contented himself with one, and that, too, the least of them; and when I pressed him to take more, without fear of doing me any injury, "No," said he, "I am very well satisfied with this, which is valuable enough to save me the trouble of making any more voyages, and will raise as great a fortune as I desire."

I spent the night with the merchants, to whom I related my story a second time, for the satisfaction of those who had not heard it. I could not moderate my joy when I found myself delivered from the danger I have mentioned. I thought myself in a dream, and could scarce believe myself out of danger.

The merchants had thrown their pieces of meat into the valley for several days; and each of them being satisfied with the diamonds that had fallen to his lot, we left the place the next morning, and travelled near high mountains, where there were serpents of a prodigious length, which we had the good fortune to escape. We took shipping at the first port we reached, and touched at the isle of Roha, where the trees grow that yield camphor. This tree is so large, and its branches so thick, that 100 men may easily sit under its shade. The juice, of which the camphor is made, exudes from a hole bored in the upper part of the tree, is received in a vessel, where it thickens to a consistency, and becomes what we call camphor. After the juice is thus drawn out, the tree withers and dies.

In this island is also found the rhinoceros, an animal less than the elephant, but larger than the buffalo. It has a horn upon its nose, about a cubit in length; this horn is solid, and cleft through the middle. The rhinoceros fights with the elephant, runs his horn into his belly, and carries him off upon his head; but the blood and the fat of the elephant running into his eyes and making him blind, he falls to the ground; and then, strange to relate, the roc comes and carries them both away in her claws, for food for her young ones.

I pass over many other things peculiar to this island, lest I should be tedious. Here I exchanged some of my diamonds for merchandise. From hence we went to other islands, and at last, having touched at several trading towns of the continent, we landed at Bussorah, from whence I proceeded to Bagdad. There I immediately gave large presents to the poor, and lived honourably upon the vast riches I had brought, and gained with so much fatigue.

Thus Sinbad ended the relation of the second voyage, gave Hindbad another purse of 100 sequins, and invited him to come the next day to hear the account of the third.

The Third Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor

The pleasures of the life which I then led soon made me forget the perils of my two former voyages; but being in the flower of my age, I grew weary of living without business, and hardening myself against the thought of any danger I might incur, I went from Bagdad with the richest commodities of the country to Bussorah. There I embarked again with other merchants. We made a long voyage, and touched at several ports, where we carried on a considerable commerce. One day, being out in the main ocean, we were overtaken by a dreadful tempest, which drove us from our course. The storm continued several days, and brought us before the port of an island, which the captain was very unwilling to enter; but we were obliged to cast anchor. When we had furled our sails, the captain told us that this and some other neighbouring islands were inhabited by hairy savages, who would speedily attack us; and though they were but dwarfs, yet our misfortune was such, that we must make no resistance, for they were more numerous than the locusts; and if we happened to kill one of them, they would all fall upon us and destroy us.

This account, which threw the whole company into a great consternation, was soon verified. We saw coming towards us an innumerable multitude of frightful savages, who covered the whole shore. They were about two feet high, and covered all over with red hair. They threw themselves into the sea, swam to the ship, and encompassed her in shoals. They spoke a language we could not understand, and nimble as monkeys, they climbed up the sides of the ship, and took possession of the deck, where they sat, and we could not hinder them.

We were forced to bear with patience what we could not remedy; but the savages, after they had surveyed us, and examined the ship, made signs to us to quit her, and go ashore, which we were forced to obey. They then carried the ship into another island, from whence they had come. All travellers carefully avoided that island where they left us, it being very dangerous to stay there, for a reason you shall presently hear; but we were forced to put up with our misfortune.

We went forward into the island, where we found some fruits and herbs to prolong our lives as long as we could; but we expected nothing but death. As we went on, we perceived at a distance a vast pile of building, and made towards it. We found it to be a palace, elegantly built, and very lofty, with a gate of ebony of two leaves, which we forced open. We entered the court, where we saw before us a large apartment, with a porch, having on one side a heap of human bones, and on the other a vast number of roasting spits. We trembled at this spectacle, and were seized with deadly apprehension, when we saw a huge black man, as tall as a lofty palm-tree, come out of the apartment. He had but one eye, and that in the middle of his forehead, where it looked as red and fiery as a burning coal. His fore-teeth were very long and sharp, and stood out of his mouth, which was as deep as that of a horse. His upper lip hung down upon his breast. His ears resembled those of an elephant, and covered his shoulders; and his nails were as long and crooked as the talons of the greatest birds. At the sight of so frightful a giant, we became insensible, and lay like dead men.

The next night we resolved to revenge ourselves on the brutish giant, and did so in the following manner. After he had again finished his inhuman supper on another of our seamen, he lay down on his back, and fell asleep. As soon as we heard him snore, according to his custom, nine of the boldest among us, and myself, took each of us a spit, and putting the points of them into the fire till they were burning hot, we thrust them into his eye all at once, and blinded him. The pain made him break out into a frightful yell: he started up, and stretched out his hands, in order to sacrifice some of us to his rage; but we ran to such places as he could not reach; and after having sought for us in vain, he groped for the gate, and went out, howling in agony.

We immediately left the palace, and came to the shore, where we made some rafts, each large enough to carry three men. We waited till daybreak to get upon them, in case the giant should come towards us with any guide of his own species; but we hoped if he did not appear by sunrise, and gave over his howling, which we still heard, that he would prove to be dead; and if that happened to be the case, we resolved to stay in that island, and not to risk our lives upon the rafts. But day had scarce appeared, when we perceived our cruel enemy, with two others of the same size leading him; and a great number more coming before him at a quick pace.

We did not hesitate to take to our rafts, but put to sea with all the speed we could. The giants, who perceived this, took up great stones, and running to the shore, entered the water up to the middle, and threw so exactly, that they sunk all the rafts but that I was upon; and all my companions, except the two with me, were drowned. We rowed with all our might, and got out of the reach of the giants. But when we got out to sea, we were exposed to the mercy of the waves and winds, and tossed about, sometimes on one side, and sometimes on the other, and spent that night and the following day in a painful uncertainty as to our fate; but next morning we had the good fortune to be thrown upon an island, where we landed with much joy. We found excellent fruit, which afforded us great relief, and recruited our strength.

At night we went to sleep on the sea-shore; but were awakened by the noise of a serpent of surprising length and thickness, which devoured one of my comrades, notwithstanding his loud cries, and the efforts he made to extricate himself from it; this done, the serpent retired into the sea. We spent the following day in hideous fear; and when night came, we sought for a lofty tree, upon which we resolved to pass the night. We found one, and climbed up it. Presently the serpent came hissing to the foot of the tree; raised itself up against the trunk of it, and meeting with my comrade, who sat lower than I, swallowed him at once, and went off.

I remained upon the tree till it was day, and then came down, more like a dead man than one alive, expecting the same fate with my two companions. This filled me with horror, and I advanced some steps to throw myself into the sea; but I withstood this dictate of despair, and submitted myself to the will of God, who disposes of our lives at His pleasure.

In the meantime I collected a great quantity of small wood, brambles, and dry thorns, and making them up into faggots, made a wide circle with them round the tree, and also tied some of them to the branches over my head. Having done this, when the evening came, I shut myself up within this circle, with the melancholy satisfaction, that I had neglected nothing which could preserve me from the cruel destiny with which I was threatened. The serpent failed not to come at the usual hour, and went round the tree, seeking for an opportunity to devour me, but was prevented by the rampart I had made; so that he lay till daybreak, like a cat watching in vain for a mouse that has fortunately reached a place of safety. When the day appeared, he retired, but I dared not to leave my fort until the sun arose.

I felt so much fatigued by the labour I had undergone, and suffered so much from the serpent's poisonous breath, that death seemed more eligible to me than the horrors of such a state. I came down from the tree, and not thinking of the resignation I had the preceding day resolved on, I ran towards the sea, with a design to throw myself into it headlong. God took compassion on my hopeless state. I perceived a ship at a considerable distance. I shouted, and taking the linen from my turban, displayed it, that they might observe me. This had the desired effect; the crew perceived me, and the captain sent his boat for me. As soon as I came on board, the merchants and seamen flocked about me, to know how I came into that desert island; and after I had related to them all that had befallen me, the oldest among them said they had several times heard of the giants that dwelt in that island, that they were cannibals, and ate men raw as well as roasted; and as to the serpents, they added, that there were abundance in the island, that hid themselves by day, and came abroad by night. After having testified their joy at my escaping so many dangers, they brought me the best of their provisions; and the captain, seeing that I was in rags, was so generous as to give me one of his own suits. We were for some time driven to and fro by contrary winds, but at last arrived at the island of Salahat, from whence sandalwood is brought. We entered the port, and I landed. The merchants received me kindly, and the captain introduced me to some of the principal merchants of the place, to whom I related my adventures. They were moved with compassion, and gave me some valuable merchandise to take back with me.

From the isle of Salahat, we went to another island, where I furnished myself with cloves, cinnamon, and other spices. As we sailed from this island, we saw a tortoise that was twenty cubits in length and breadth. We observed also an amphibious animal like a cow, which gave milk; its skin is so hard, that they usually make bucklers of it. I saw another, which had the shape and colour of a camel.

In short, after a long voyage, I arrived at Bussorah, and from thence returned to Bagdad, with so much wealth that I knew not its extent. I gave a great deal to the poor, and bought another considerable estate in addition to what I had already.

Thus Sinbad finished the history of his third voyage; gave another purse of 100 sequins to Hindbad, and invited him to dinner again the next day, to hear the story of his fourth voyage.

The Fourth Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor

We sailed with the first fair wind, and after a long navigation, the first place we touched at was a desert island, where we found an egg of a roc, equal in size to that I formerly mentioned. There was a young roc in it, just ready to be hatched, and its beak had begun to break the egg.

The merchants who landed with me broke the egg with hatchets, and making a hole in it, pulled out the young roc piece by piece, and roasted it. I had earnestly entreated them not to meddle with the egg, but they would not listen to me.

Scarcely had they finished their repast, when there appeared in the air, at a considerable distance, two great clouds. The captain of my ship, knowing by experience what they meant, said they were the male and female parents of the roc, and pressed us to re-embark with all speed, to prevent the misfortune which he saw would otherwise befall us. We hastened on board, and set sail with all possible expedition.

In the meantime, the two rocs approached with a frightful noise, which they uttered when they saw the egg broken, and their young one gone. They flew back in the direction they had come, and disappeared for some time, while we made all the sail we could to endeavour to prevent that which unhappily befell us.

They soon returned, and we observed that each of them carried between its talons a stone, or rather a rock, of a monstrous size. When they came directly over my ship, they hovered, and one of them let fall a stone; but by the dexterity of the steersman it missed us, and falling into the sea, divided the water so, that we could see the bottom. The other roc, to our misfortune, threw the stone so exactly upon the middle of the ship, that it split into a thousand pieces. The mariners and passengers were all crushed to death, or drowned. I myself was of the number of the latter; but, as I came up again, I fortunately caught hold of a piece of the wreck, and swimming, sometimes with one hand, and sometimes with the other, but always holding fast the plank, the wind and the tide favouring me, I came to an island, whose shore was very steep. I overcame that difficulty, however, and got ashore.

I sat down upon the grass, to recover myself from my fatigue, after which I went into the island to explore it. I found it to be a beautiful spot, abounding in fruit trees, and streams of fresh water. I ate of the fruit, which was delicious, and drank of the water, which was excellent.

I continued walking upon the banks of the stream, and saw a little old man, who appeared very weak and infirm. He was sitting on the bank, and at first I took him to be a shipwrecked person like myself. I went towards him and saluted him, but he only bowed his head a little. I asked him what he did there, but instead of answering me, he made a sign for me to take him upon my back, and carry him over the brook, signifying that he wanted to gather fruit.

I believed him really to stand in need of my help, took him upon my back, and having carried him over, bade him get down, and for that end stooped, that he might get off with ease; but instead of doing so (which I laugh at every time I think of it), the old man, who to me appeared quite decrepit, clasped his legs nimbly about my neck. He sat astride upon my shoulders, and held my throat so tight, that I thought he would have strangled me, the apprehension of which made me swoon and fall down.

Notwithstanding my fainting, the ill-natured old fellow kept fast about my neck, but opened his legs a little to give me time to recover my breath. When I had done so, he thrust one of his feet against my stomach, and struck me so rudely on the side with the other, that he forced me to rise up against my will. Having arisen, he made me walk under the trees, and forced me now and then to stop, to gather and eat fruit such as we found. He never left me all day, and when I lay down at night, laid himself down with me, holding always fast about my neck. Every morning he pushed me to make me wake, and afterwards forced me to get up and walk, and spurred me with his feet.

One day I found in my way several dry calabashes that had fallen from a tree. I took a large one, and after cleaning it, pressed into it some juice of grapes, which abounded in the island; having filled the calabash, I put it by in a convenient place, and going thither again some days after, I tasted it, and found the wine so good, that it soon made me forget my sorrow, and grow vigorous.

The old man, perceiving the effect which this liquor had upon me, and that I carried him with more ease than before, made a sign for me to give him some of it. I gave him the calabash; and the liquor pleasing his palate, he drank it all off. There being a considerable quantity of it, he became drunk, and the fumes getting up into his head, he began to sing after his manner, and to dance upon my shoulders. His grip becoming gradually relaxed, I threw him upon the ground, where he lay without motion; I then took up a great stone, with which I crushed his head to pieces.

I was extremely rejoiced to be thus freed for ever from this troublesome fellow. I now walked towards the beach, where I met the crew of a ship that had cast anchor, to take in water. They were surprised to see me, but more so at hearing the particulars of my adventures. "You fell," said they, "into the hands of the Old Man of the Sea, and are the first who ever escaped strangling by his malicious tricks. He never failed to destroy those he had once brought under his power."

They took me with them to the ship; the captain received me with great kindness, and when we came into port, he gave me some valuable merchandise to sell, and took me into his friendship.

We sailed several days, touched at several islands, and at last landed in a place where there grew abundance of pepper. From thence we went to the isle of Comari, where the best species of wood of aloes grows, and whose inhabitants have made it an inviolable law to themselves to drink no wine, and suffer no place of debauch. I exchanged my diamonds here for some merchandise. In another island I saw men who covered themselves with large leaves, and fed upon serpents. In another, men who were cannibals.

Having made this voyage, which lasted a long time, I arrived at Bagdad, with immense riches, of which I made large presents to the poor, and lived splendidly upon the remainder.

Sinbad here finished the relation of his fourth voyage, which was more surprising than the three former. He gave a new purse of 100 sequins to Hindbad, whom he requested to return the next day to hear the history of the fifth.

The Fifth Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor

All the troubles and calamities I had undergone could not cure me of my inclination to make new voyages. I therefore bought goods, set them on board a ship, and set sail. We had been but a few days at sea, when we were becalmed near a desert island, where we found an egg of a roc, as large as that I had formerly seen. There was a young roc in it, just ready to be hatched, and its beak had begun to appear. The merchants whom I had taken along with me, and who were landed, broke the egg with hatchets, and making a hole in it, pulled out the young roc piece by piece, and roasted it. I had earnestly dissuaded them from meddling with the egg, but they would not listen to me.

Scarcely had they finished their repast, when there appeared in the air, at a considerable distance from us, two great clouds. The captain whom I had hired to navigate my ship, knowing by experience what they meant, cried out they were the male and female rocs that belonged to the young one, and pressed us to re-embark with all speed, to prevent the misfortune which he saw would otherwise befall us. We made haste to do so, and set sail with all possible expedition.

In the meantime, the two rocs approached with a frightful noise, which they uttered when they saw the egg broken, and their young one gone. They flew back in the direction they had come, and disappeared for some time, while we made all the sail we could to endeavour to prevent that which unhappily befell us.

They soon returned, and we observed that each of them carried between its talons a stone, or rather rock, of a monstrous size. When they came directly over my ship, they hovered, and one of them let fall the stone it held, but by the dexterity of the steersman, who turned the ship with the rudder, it missed us, and falling into the sea, divided the water so, that we almost saw the bottom. The other roc, to our misfortune, threw the stone so exactly upon the middle of the ship, that it split into a thousand pieces. The mariners and passengers were all crushed to death or drowned. I myself was of the number of the latter; but as I came up again, I fortunately caught hold of a piece of the wreck. I swam, sometimes with one hand, and sometimes with the other, holding fast the plank the wind and tide favouring me, and came to an island whose shore was very steep. I overcame that difficulty, however, and got ashore.

I sat down upon the grass to recover myself from my fatigue, after which I went into the island to explore it. It seemed to be a delicious garden. I found trees everywhere, some of them bearing green, and others ripe fruits, and streams of fresh pure water, with pleasant windings and turnings. I ate of the fruits, which I found excellent; and drank of the water, which was very pleasant.

When I had refreshed myself, I went about exploring the island, and came to a plain, where I saw a little old man, who appeared very weak and infirm. He was sitting on the bank of a stream, and at first I took him to be some person who had been shipwrecked like myself. I went towards him and saluted him, but he only bowed his head a little. I asked him what he did there, but instead of answering me, he made a sign for me to take him upon my back and carry him over the brook, signifying that he wanted to gather fruit.

I believed him really to stand in need of my help, took him upon my back, and having carried him over, bade him get down, and for that end stooped, that he might get off with ease; but instead of doing so (which I laugh at every time I think of it), the old man, who to me appeared quite decrepit, clasped his legs nimbly about my neck. He sat astride upon my shoulders, and held my throat so tight, that I thought he would have strangled me, the apprehension of which made me swoon and fall down.

Notwithstanding my fainting, the ill-natured old fellow kept fast about my neck, but opened his legs a little to give me time to recover my breath. When I had done so, he thrust one of his feet against my stomach, and struck me so rudely on the side with the other, that he forced me to rise up against my will. Having arisen, he made me walk under the trees, and forced me now and then to stop, to gather and eat fruit such as we found. He never left me all day, and when I lay down at night, laid himself down with me, holding always fast about my neck. Every morning he pushed me to make me wake, and afterwards forced me to get up and walk, and spurred me with his feet.

One day I found in my way several dry calabashes that had fallen from a tree. I took a large one, and after cleaning it, pressed into it some juice of grapes, which abounded in the island; having filled the calabash, I put it by in a convenient place, and going thither again some days after, I tasted it, and found the wine so good, that it soon made me forget my sorrow, and grow vigorous.

The old man, perceiving the effect which this liquor had upon me, and that I carried him with more ease than before, made a sign for me to give him some of it. I gave him the calabash; and the liquor pleasing his palate, he drank it all off. There being a considerable quantity of it, he became drunk, and the fumes getting up into his head, he began to sing after his manner, and to dance upon my shoulders. His grip becoming gradually relaxed, I threw him upon the ground, where he lay without motion; I then took up a great stone, with which I crushed his head to pieces.

I was extremely rejoiced to be thus freed for ever from this troublesome fellow. I now walked towards the beach, where I met the crew of a ship that had cast anchor, to take in water. They were surprised to see me, but more so at hearing the particulars of my adventures. "You fell," said they, "into the hands of the Old Man of the Sea, and are the first who ever escaped strangling by his malicious tricks. He never failed to destroy those he had once brought under his power."

They took me with them to the ship; the captain received me with great kindness, and when we came into port, he gave me some valuable merchandise to sell, and took me into his friendship.

The island where we landed was called the Isle of Bells, because the sailors said they heard bells ringing there every night. I found it abounded in cocoa-nuts. I gathered a great quantity, and exchanged them for merchandise.

We sailed towards the islands where pepper grows in great plenty. From thence we went to the isle of Comari, where the best species of wood of aloes grows. I exchanged my cocoa-nuts in those islands for pepper and wood of aloes, and went afterwards with other merchants pearl-fishing. I hired divers, who brought me up some that were very large and pure. I embarked in a vessel that happily arrived at Bussorah; from thence I returned to Bagdad, where I made vast sums by my pepper, wood of aloes, and pearls. I gave the tenth of my gains to the poor, as I had done upon my return from my other voyages, and rested from my fatigues.

Sinbad having finished the relation of his fifth voyage, gave Hindbad the usual purse, and invited him to dinner the next day, to hear the account of the sixth.

The Sixth Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor

I know, my friends, that you will wish to hear how, after having been shipwrecked five times, and escaped so many dangers, I could resolve again to tempt fortune, and expose myself to new hardships. I am astonished at it myself when I reflect upon it, and must certainly have been actuated by my destiny, from which none can escape. Be that as it may, after a year's rest, I prepared for a sixth voyage, notwithstanding the entreaties of my kindred and friends, who did all in their power to dissuade me.

It was very long indeed, and we fell into many perplexities. One day the captain, finding himself in a place he did not know, cried out that he was utterly lost. At the same moment the ship struck, and was near splitting. We threw overboard all our merchandise, and even our provisions; but the ship, notwithstanding, went to pieces. We had, however, time to get into the boat, and row towards an island which lay before us.

We reached the island, and travelled inland, and found a stream of fresh water, which was very acceptable. We also found abundance of fruits and herbs. We resolved to stay here, and wait for some ship to pass by.

One day we saw a ship at a distance, and made signals to her. She came towards us, and took us all on board. The captain asked us how we came to be in that desolate island. We told him our story, and he had the generosity to give us some provisions. He told us that the island belonged to the King of Serendib, and that it was famous for its pearl fishery. He said he was going to that island, and that he would take us thither.

We arrived at the Isle of Serendib, which is exceedingly rich and beautiful. The capital city stands at the end of a fine valley, formed by a mountain in the middle of the island, which is the highest in the world. It is considered by the inhabitants to be the place where Adam was confined after his banishment from Paradise, and by the pilots to be a landmark. Rubies and many sorts of minerals are found here, and the rocks are mostly composed of emery, which is a metalline stone used in the cutting and polishing of other precious stones. Here are also found crystal, diamonds, and other precious stones. The island abounds in trees and flowers of all kinds, and the sea-coast is famous for its pearl fishery.

The King of Serendib is very rich and powerful. His palace is magnificent, and his throne is of massive gold, enriched with precious stones. He is very just and wise, and his subjects love him.

The captain introduced me to the king, who received me very graciously. I related my adventures to him, at which he was much surprised. He ordered his officers to take care of me, and gave me a considerable present.

I stayed some time at the court of Serendib, and employed myself in exploring the island. I saw many wonderful things, particularly the pearl fishery, which is carried on in the following manner: The divers tie a great stone to their bodies, and let themselves down into the sea. They have a net fastened to their waist, in which they put the oysters they find. When they can stay no longer under water, they make a signal to those in the boat, who pull them up with the oysters. The oysters are then opened, and the pearls taken out.

I bought a great number of pearls, and exchanged them for merchandise. I also bought some elephants' teeth, which are very valuable in that country.

Having amassed considerable wealth, I resolved to return to Bagdad. I took leave of the King of Serendib, who gave me a rich present, and a letter for the Caliph Haroun-al-Raschid, our sovereign lord, accompanied with a present consisting of a ruby made into a cup, about half a foot high, an inch thick, and filled with round pearls of the finest water; the skin of a serpent, whose scales were as large as an ordinary piece of gold money, and whose colour was so bright, that it looked like burnished gold, and whose virtue was to preserve those who lay upon it from all diseases; also some wood of aloes, camphor, and other rarities.

Sinbad thus finished the relation of his sixth voyage, gave Hindbad the usual sum, and bade him farewell, telling him that he must come the next day to hear the story of his seventh and last voyage.

The Seventh and Last Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor

Being returned from my sixth voyage, I absolutely laid aside all thoughts of travelling any farther. For besides that my age now required rest, I was resolved no more to expose myself to such risks as I had encountered; so that I thought of nothing but to pass the rest of my days in tranquillity. One day, however, as I was entertaining a company of my friends, I was told that an officer of the Caliph inquired for me. I rose from table, and went to him. "The Caliph," said he, "has sent me to tell you that he must speak with you." I followed the officer to the palace, where, being presented to the Caliph, I saluted him by prostrating myself at his feet. "Sinbad," said he to me, "I stand in need of your service; you must carry my answer and present to the King of Serendib."

This command of the Caliph was to me like a clap of thunder. "Commander of the Faithful," replied I, "I am ready to do whatever your majesty shall think fit to command; but I beseech you most humbly to consider what I have undergone. I have also made a vow never to go out of Bagdad." Here I took occasion to give him a full and particular account of all my adventures, which he had the patience to hear out.

When I had finished, "I confess," said he, "that the things you tell me are very extraordinary, yet you must for my sake undertake this voyage which I propose. You have nothing to do but to go to the Isle of Serendib, and deliver the commission which I give you. After that you are at liberty to return. But you must go; for you know it would be indecent, and not suitable to my dignity, to be indebted to the king of that island." Perceiving that the Caliph insisted upon my compliance, I submitted, and told him that I was willing to obey. He was very well pleased, and ordered me 1000 sequins for the expenses of my journey.

I prepared for my departure in a few days, took the Caliph's letter and present, and embarked at Bussorah in the same ship as before.

After a long and tedious voyage, during which we stopped at several islands to take in fresh provisions, we arrived at the Isle of Serendib. I immediately acquainted the ministers with the commission I was charged with; I demanded audience, and was conducted to the palace with much pomp. I prostrated myself before the king, presented the Caliph's letter and present, which he received with all imaginable satisfaction. The Caliph's present consisted of the richest stuffs of Bagdad, crimson velvet, fine linen, cloth of gold, etc., besides a curious piece of white cloth made of the wool of a sheep of Tartary, which was so fine that it might be drawn through a ring.

The King of Serendib was highly pleased that the Caliph answered his friendship. A few days afterwards I desired audience, in order to take my leave, which was granted. I obtained it in a very honourable manner, and the king, when he dismissed me, made me a very considerable present. I embarked immediately to return to Bagdad, but had not the good fortune to arrive there so speedily as I had hoped. God ordered it otherwise.

Three or four days after our departure, we were attacked by corsairs, who surrounded our ship and boarded her. Some of the crew offered resistance, which cost them their lives. But for me and the rest, who were not so imprudent, the corsairs saved us, on purpose to make slaves of us.

We were all stripped; and instead of our own clothes, they gave us sorry rags, and carried us into a remote island, where they sold us.

I fell into the hands of a rich merchant, who, as soon as he bought me, carried me to his house, treated me well, and clad me handsomely for a slave. Some days after, not knowing who I was, he asked me if I understood any trade. I answered that I was no mechanic, but a merchant, and that the corsairs, who sold me, had robbed me of all I possessed. "But tell me," replied he, "can you shoot with a bow?" I answered, that the bow was one of my exercises in my youth. He gave me a bow and arrows, and taking me behind him upon an elephant, carried me to a vast forest some leagues from the town. We penetrated a great way into the wood, and when he thought fit to stop, he bade me alight; then showing me a great tree, "Climb up that tree," said he, "and shoot at the elephants as you see them pass by, for there is a prodigious number of them in this forest, and if any of them fall, come and give me notice." Having thus spoken, he left me victuals, and returned to the town, and I continued upon the tree all night.

I saw no elephant during the night, but next morning, as soon as the sun was risen, I perceived a great number. I shot several arrows among them, and at last one of the elephants fell; the rest retired immediately, and left me at liberty to go and acquaint my patron with my success. When I had informed him, he gave me a good meal, commended my dexterity, and caressed me highly. We went afterwards together to the forest, where we dug a hole for the elephant; my patron designing to return when the carcase was rotten, and take his teeth to trade with.

I continued this employment for two months, and killed an elephant every day, getting sometimes upon one tree, and sometimes upon another. One morning, as I looked for the elephants, I perceived with extreme amazement that, instead of passing by me across the forest as usual, they stopped, and came towards me with a horrible noise, in such number that the ground was covered with them, and trembled under their feet. They surrounded the tree in which I was concealed, with their trunks uplifted, and their eyes all fixed upon me. At this frightful spectacle I remained immovable, and was so much terrified, that my bow and arrows fell out of my hand.

My fears were not without cause; for after the elephants had stared upon me some time, one of the largest of them put his trunk round the foot of the tree, plucked it up, and threw it on the ground. I fell with the tree; and the elephant taking me up with his trunk, laid me on his back, where I sat more like one dead than alive, with my quiver on my shoulder. He then put