The Voyages of Sindbad (47)

The Voyages of Sindbad (47)

  But instead of allowing himself to be set upon his feet ( even now it mekes me laugh to think of it ! ), this creature who had seemed to me so decrepit leapt nimbly upon my shoulders, and hooking his legs round my neck gripped me so tightly that I was almost choked, and so overcome with terror that I fell unconscious to the ground.

  When I recovered, my enemy was still in his place, though he had released his hold enough to allow me breathing space, and seeing me revive he prodded me first with one foot and then with the other, until I was forced to get up and stagger about with him under the trees while he gathered and ate the choicest fruits.

  This went on all day, and even at night, when I threw myself down half dead with weariness, the terrible old man held on tight to my neck, nor did he fail to greet the first glimmer of morning light by drumming upon me with his heels, until I was froced to wake and resume my dreary march with rage and bitterness in my heart.

(47/50)