In Baghdad during the reign of Caliph Haroun Al- Rashid, there lived a poor porter named Hindbad. He worked from morning to night carrying heavy loads all over the city.
One day he stopped, exhausted and perspiring, in a very prosperous part of the city, and put his load down for a while to rest. He saw a magnificent mansion and asked a passer-by whose it was. “It belongs to Sindbad the great sailor, who is fabulously wealthy,” said the passer-by.
Hindbad felt envious of all the wealth and magnificence. Grumbling, he told the man, “Some people are very lucky! They have all the wealth in the world, while poor men like me work day and night and get nothing for all their effort!” He was muttering about his discontent, when one of the attendants from the house came up to him.
“Please come in, Sir,” said the attendant, “Our master wishes to speak to you.” Hindbad was terrified because he thought his words must have been overheard and reported to the master. He was sure to be punished!
He followed the attendant into the mansion where a venerable old man sat waiting for him. The old man welcomed Hindbad and seated him at a table, serving him wine and food.
“I am Sindbad, my friend,” said the old man, “I heard what you said. But I must tell you that I have got this wealth, that you see, as a result of very hard work and because of the many dangers that I have overcome. Let me tell you about my life and my adventures.”
Then he told him about the adventures of his life.
