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 l00,000 sequins.  My family and I received one another with all the transports of sincere affection.  I bought slaves of both sexes, 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, and it was time to retire, when 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, 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 him by the hand of Sinbad.

Hindbad put on his best apparel next day, and returned to the bountiful traveller, who received him with a pleasant air, and welcomed 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 those of the first.”  Upon which 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, as I had the honour to tell you yesterday; 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 day we landed in an island covered with several sorts of fruit-trees, but we could see neither man nor animal.  We went to take a little fresh air in the meadows, along the streams that watered them.  Whilst some diverted themselves with gathering flowers, and other 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.