"Sindbad," said he to me, "I stand in need of your service; you must
carry my answer and present to the King of Serendib."
This command of the caliph was to me like a clap of thunder.
"Commander of the Faithful," I replied, "I am ready to do whatever
your majesty shall think fit to command; but I beseech you most humbly
to consider what I have undergone. I have also made a vow never to
leave Bagdad."
Perceiving that the caliph insisted upon my compliance, I submitted,
and told him that I was willing to obey. He was very well pleased, and
ordered me one thousand sequins for the expenses of my journey.
I prepared for my departure in a few days. As soon as the caliph's
letter and present were delivered to me, I went to Bussorah, where I
embarked, and had a very prosperous voyage. Having arrived at the Isle
of Serendib, I was conducted to the palace with much pomp, when I
prostrated myself on the ground before the king.
"Sindbad," said the king, "you are welcome. I have many times thought
of you; I bless the day on which I see you once more."
I made my compliments to him, and thanked him for his kindness, and
delivered the gifts from my august master.
The caliph's letter was as follows:
"Greeting, in the name of the Sovereign Guide of the Right
Way, from the servant of God, Haroun al Raschid, whom God
hath set in the place of vice-regent to His Prophet, after
his ancestors of happy memory, to the potent and esteemed
Raja of Serendib.
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