He was much pleased that he stopped at this place, for the air was completely filled with the pleasant scent of wood of aloes and rose-water, wafted from the house.  Besides, he heard from within a concert of sweet music, mixed with the notes of nightingales and other birds.  There was also the smell of several sorts of savory dishes, and Hindbad was sure there must be a great feast within.  He knew not to whom the mansion belonged, and asked one of the servants standing by the gate in rich apparel.

“How,” replied the servant, “do you live in Bagdad, and know not that this is the house of Sindbad the Sailor, the famous voyager who has sailed around the world?”

The porter lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, loud enough to be heard,—­

“Almighty Creator of all things, consider the difference between Sindbad and me!  Every day I suffer fatigue and distress, and can scarce get coarse barley bread for myself and my family, whilst happy Sindbad freely spends vast riches, and leads a life of unbroken pleasure.  What has he done to obtain from thee a lot so agreeable?  And what have I done to deserve one so wretched?”

While the porter was speaking thus, a servant came out of the house, and, taking him by the arm, made him enter, for Sindbad, his master, wanted to speak to him.  He was led into a great hall, where many people sat round a table covered with all sorts of savory dishes.  At the upper end sat a comely, venerable gentleman, with a long white beard, and behind him stood a number of officers and servants, all ready to attend his pleasure.  This person was Sindbad.  Hindbad was much abashed, and saluted the company trembling.  But Sindbad seated him at his right hand and served him himself with excellent wine.

Now Sindbad had heard the porter’s complaint through the window, and this it was that led him to send for Hindbad.  When the feast was over, Sindbad addressed him, asking his name and employment, and said, “I wish to hear from your own mouth what you said just now in the street.”

Hindbad hung his head in shame, and answered,—­

“My lord, I confess that my fatigue put me out of humor, and, for the rash words I uttered, I beg your pardon.”

“Do not think me so unjust,” said Sindbad, “as to resent them.  But I must set you right about myself.  You think, no doubt, that I gained without labor or trouble the ease I now enjoy.  Do not mistake; before attaining this estate I suffered for several years more trouble of body and mind than can well be imagined.  Yes, gentlemen,” he added, turning to the whole company, “what I have endured would cure the greatest miser of his love of riches; and with your leave I will relate to you the dangers I have met.”

THE FIRST VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR

My father was a rich merchant of good fame.  He left me a large estate, which I wasted in riotous living.  I quickly saw my error, especially in misspending my time, which is of all things the most valuable.  I remembered the saying of the great Solomon, which I had often heard from my father, “A good name is better than precious ointment;” and again, “Wisdom is good with an inheritance.”  I resolved to walk in my father’s ways, and embarked with some merchants on board a ship we had fitted out together.