The ships at length arrived, and my master having chosen that in which I was to embark, loaded it with ivory, half of which was on my own account. He did not omit an abundance of provisions for my voyage, and he obliged me to accept some rare curiosities of that country besides. After I had thanked him, as much as possible, for all the obligations he had conferred on me, I embarked. We set sail, and as the adventure which had procured me liberty was very extraordinary, it was always on my mind.
We touched at several islands to procure refreshments. Our vessel having sailed from a port of the Indian Terra Firma, we went there to land: and, fearful of the dangers of the sea to Balsora, I landed the ivory, which belonged to me, and resolved to continue my journey by land. I sold my share of the cargo for a large sum of money, and purchased a variety of curious things for presents: when I was equipped, I joined a caravan of merchants. I remained a long time on the road, and suffered a great deal, but I bore all with patience, when I reflected, that I had neither tempests nor corsairs, serpents, nor any other peril, that I had before encountered, to fear.
All these fatigues being at last concluded, I arrived happily at Bagdad. I went immediately and presented myself to the caliph, and gave him an account of my embassy. This prince told me, that my long absence had occasioned him some uneasiness; but that he always hoped that God would not forsake me.
When I related the adventure of the elephants, he appeared much surprised, and would scarcely have believed it, had not my sincerity been well known to him. He thought this, as well as the other histories I had detailed to him, so curious, that he ordered one of his secretaries to write it in letters of gold, to be preserved in his treasury. I retired well satisfied with the presents and honours he conferred on me: and then resigned myself entirely to my family, my relations, and friends.
Sindbad thus concluded the recital of his seventh and last voyage; and addressing himself to Hindbad, “Well, my friend,” added he, “have you ever heard of one who has suffered more than I have, or been in so many trying situations? Is it not just, that after so many troubles I should enjoy an agreeable and quiet life?” As he finished these words, Hindbad approaching him, kissed his hand, and said, “I must confess, sir, that you have encountered frightful perils; my afflictions are not to be compared with yours. If I feel them heavily at the time I suffer them, I console myself with the small profit which they produce. You not only deserve a quiet life, but are worthy of all the riches you possess; since you make so good a use of them, and are so generous. May you continue to live happily till the hour of your death!”
Sindbad ordered him to have another hundred sequins; he admitted him to his friendship, told him to quit the profession of a porter, and to continue to eat at his table, for that he should all his life have reason to remember Sindbad the sailor.
THE THREE APPLES.
Sire (said Scheherazadè) I have already had the honour of relating to your majesty one excursion that the caliph Haroun Alraschid made from his palace. I will now tell you of another.
One day, this prince desired his grand vizier Giafar to be with him the following evening. “I wish,” said he, “to visit all parts of the city, and make myself acquainted with the opinions generally formed of my officers of justice. If there be any who are deservedly complained of, we will discharge them, and place others in their situation, who will perform their duty more successfully. If, on the contrary, there be any who are praised, we will reward them according to their deserts.” The grand vizier having repaired to the palace at the appointed time, the caliph, himself, and Mesrour, the chief of the eunuchs, disguised themselves that they might not be known, and set out together.
They passed through several squares, and many market-places; and coming into a small street, they perceived, by the light of the moon, a man with a white beard, and of tall stature, carrying nets on his head. He had on his arm a basket, made of palm leaves, and in his hand a stick. “To see this old man,” said the caliph, “one should not suppose him rich; let us address him, and ask him the state of his fortune.”—“Good man,” said the vizier, “what art thou?”—“My lord,” replied the old man, “I am a fisherman, but the poorest, and most miserable of my trade. I went out at noon to go and fish, and from that time till now I have not taken one. And yet I have a wife and young children, but have not sufficient means of supporting them.”