I returned with them to the ship, and they clothed me in rich apparel and set food and wine before me; and, when I had refreshed myself, we made merry as the ship set sail.
We were bound for El-Basrah, and my thoughts flew further,--to Baghdad, the Abode of Peace.
Great as had been the sufferings I endured, I soon forgot the perils which had threatened me by sea and in unknown lands. Lapped in luxury in the bosom of my family, I lived in Baghdad, the Abode of Peace, in the utmost joy and happiness.
And now, O Sindbad the Landsman, thou shalt dwell here with me for ever in content, and be my well-beloved boon companion. Thou hast suffered much on land, but thou hast never been in far-off lands and seas where I, as you shall further hear, have suffered enough for the two of us. Wherefore, remain thou beneath my roof, for I have conceived an affection for thee; and together we shall live in happiness, praising Allah (whose name be exalted!) the Omnipotent Creator of Land and Sea and all the wealth which cometh therefrom.
A DEAR little seamstress in Paris I knew; The tiniest possible stitches she drew. I never at all Saw sewing so small!
She made the Notary neckties new; The Apothecary, he had some too. I never at all Saw sewing so small!
The Apothecary, he had some too,-- Seamstress, what do I owe to you? I never at all Saw sewing so small!
Seamstress, what do I owe to you? Just six nothings, no more is due. I never at all Saw sewing so small!
Just six nothings, no more is due. Give me a kiss, then,--or give me two! I never at all Saw sewing so small!
ONCE upon a time there was a prince, and, as he knew very well that he was a _real_ prince and could never forget it for a single moment, he very naturally wanted to marry a _real_ princess. He sought one after another, and, after talking about the weather and the health of the emperor, he found in each case that there was something about them he didn't like--something artificial and unprincess-like. When he spoke gently they smiled; when he spoke roughly to hurt them, they still smiled--the same smile. They were not a success. None of them was what he wanted. His princess must be so sensitive that she would wither at a reproachful glance; so delicately dainty that a spot of dust would make her scream, and the draught of a fly's wings cause her a severe cold. He would have the real thing, or nothing.