Page 494 - Child's own book

One day, when the heat of the weather was very oppressive,
he became faint with a load which he was carrying;; he relieved
himself from the weight upon his shoulders, and sat down near
a very magnificent house.
The windows of this stately building were open ; and Hind-
bad was regaled with the odour of the exquisite perfumes that
tame from wilhin ; and his ears were enchanted with the most
enchanting music he had ever heard.
Hindbad never having been in this part of the city before,
felt a gTeat desire to know to whom this palace could belong.
Seeing a servant at the gate, he inquired who was the master
of this house : and was told “ Sindhad, the Sailor, the famous
traveller."
The poor man had often heard of Sindbad, the Sailor, his
wonderful riches,and extraordinary adventures. He could not
however avoid feeling, that Sindhad must be as happy as him­
self was wretched. “ Alas!" said he, “ what a difference
between this man mid me."
White he was thus indulging in grief, a servant told him,
that Sind had desired to speak with him : he tried to make an
excuse ; but the servant having called another domestic to take
charge of the porters burtkcn, led Hindbad into the hall.
At the end of a table that wits surrounded hy company, sat
Sindbad, venerable with a^e; but interesting by the goodness
that appeared in his countenance and manner. He made the
porter partake of the delicacies with which the table was
covered ; and then inquired hia name and occupation,
“ My name, sir," said the poor man, “ is Hindbad : and T am
only a porter."— ** Well, Hindbad,” said tbe venerable traveller,
*■ having heard your lamentations, I sent for you that I might
convince you I did not attain this condition without having
endured more suffering, and encountered greater perils, than can