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happy a destiny, or I to merit one so rigorous? In saying this, he struck the ground with his foot, as if entirely given up to despair. He was still musing on his late, when a servant came towards him from the house, and taking hold of his arm, said, “Come, follow me; my master, Sinbad, wishes to speak with you.
It may easily be supposed that Hindbad was not a little surprised at the compliment that was paid him and had reason to fear, that Sinbad sent for him to reprimand him for the words he had uttered; and therefore began to excuse himself from going saying that he could not leave his load in the middle of the street; but the servant assuring him it should be taken care of, pressed him so much, that the porter could no longer refuse to go.
He led him into a spacious room, where a number of persons were seated at a sumptuous banquet, consisting of the most choice viands and delicacies. In the principal seat was a grave and venerable person, with a long white beard. The person was Sinbad. The porter made his obedience with fear and trembling; which Sinbad perceiving, desired him to approach, and seating him at his right hand, helped him himself to the choicest dishes, and gave him some excellent wine to drink.
After the repast, Sinbad addressed himself to the porter by the name of brother, and inquired his name. "Sir, (replied he) my name is Hindbad." "I am glad to see you; but I wish to know from your own lips, what it was you said just now in the street;" for Sinbad, before he went to dinner overheard what he said, from the window and what was his reason for sending for him. At this request, Hindbad, full of confusion, hung down his head, and replied, “Sir, I must confess to you, that my fatigue had put me so out of humour, that I uttered some indiscreet words, which I entreat
