I arose, and saw a larger serpent following him,
holding him by the tail, and endeavouring to devour him. I had
compassion on him, and instead of flying away, I had the boldness
and courage to take up a stone that by chance lay by me, and threw
it with all my strength at the great serpent, whom I hit on the
head, and killed him. The other, finding himself at liberty, took
to his wings and flew away. I looked a long while after him in the
air, as an extraordinary thing; but he flew out of sight, and I lay
down again in another place in the shade, and fell asleep.
When I awoke, judge how surprised I was to see by me a black woman,
of lively and agreeable looks, who held, tied together in her hand,
two dogs of the same colour. I sat up and asked her who she was. 'I
am,' said she, 'the serpent whom you delivered not long since from
my mortal enemy. I knew not how to acknowledge the great kindness
you did me, but by doing what I have done. I knew the treachery of
your sisters, and, to revenge you on them, as soon as I was set at
liberty by your generous assistance I called several of my
companions together, fairies like myself. We have carried into your
storehouses at Bagdad all your lading that was in your vessel, and
afterwards sunk it.
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