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you to pardon me." "Oh, (resumed Sindbad) do not imagine that I am so unjust as to have any resentment on that account. I feel for your situation, and instead of reproaching, I pity you; but I must undeceive you from one error respecting myself. You suppose, no doubt, that the riches and comforts I enjoy, have been obtained without any labour or trouble. To arrive at this state, I have endured the greatest bodily, as well as mental sufferings you can possibly conceive. Yes gentlemen, continued he, (addressing himself to the whole company) I assure you my sufferings have been of a nature so extraordinary, as would deprive the greatest miser of his love of riches. That you may judge of this. I will, with your leave, relate the dangers I have encountered.
The First Voyage of Sindbad the Sailor.
My father left me a considerable estate, most part of which I spent during my youth; but I perceived my error, and called to mind. that riches were perishable, and quickly consumed by such bad husbands as myself. I farther considered, that, by my irregular way of living. I wretehedly mispent my time, which is the most valuable thing in the world. Being struck with those reflections, I gathered together the ruins of my estate, and sold all my moveables in the public market to the highest bidder Then I entered into a contract with some merchants that traded by sea. I took the advice of such as I thought most capable to give it me; and, resolving to improve what money I had, I went to Balsora, a port on the Persian Gulph, and embarked with several merchants, who joined with me to fit out a ship on purpose.
In our voyage we touched at several islands, where we sold or exchanged our goods. One day, whilst under sail, we were becalmed near a little
