God took compassion on my hopeless state; for just as I was going, finally in desperation, to throw myself into the sea, I perceived a ship in the distance. I called as loud as I could, and unfolding the linen of my turban, displayed it, that they might observe me. This had the desired effect; the crew perceived me, and the captain sent his boat for me. As soon as I came on board, the merchants and seamen flocked about me, to know how I came to that desert island. After I had related to them all that had befallen me, the oldest among them said they had several times heard of the giants that dwelt on that island, and that they were cannibals and also of the serpents. After having expressed their joy at my escape from so many dangers, they brought me the best of their provisions and took me before the captain, who, seeing that I was in rags, gave me one of his own suits. Looking steadfastly upon him, I knew him to be the person who, in my second voyage, had left me in the island where I fell asleep, without sending to seek for me.
I was not surprised that he, believing me to be dead, did not recognize me. “Captain,” said I, “look at me, and you may know that I am Sindbad, whom you left on that desert island.”
The captain, having considered me attentively, recognized me. “God be praised!” said he, embracing me; “I re-
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