502 SINDBAD, THE SAILOR.

conducted my cargo with me. When we came to the city of
Serindib, I related my story to the monarch, who ordered it to
be written in letters of gold. I presented the king with some
of the most beautiful pieces of rock-crystal, and entreated him
to let me return to my own country, which he readily agreed
to, and even gave me a letter and a present to my sovereign,
the Caliph Haroun Alraschid. The present consisted of a ruby
made into a cup, and decorated with pearls; the skin of a
serpent, which appeared like burnished gold, and which could
repel disease ; some aloe-wood, camphire, and a female slave
of excessive beauty. I returned to my native country, deli-
vered the present to the Caliph, and received his thanks, with a
reward,

Hindbad received another hundred sequins, and promised to
attend the next. day.

THE SEVENTH AND LAST VOYAGE OF SINDBAD.

The Caliph Haroun Alraschid one day sent for me, and told
me I must bear a present to the king of Serindib. I ventured
to expostulate with him on account of my age, and of the many
dangers I had undergone : and I related to him every particular
of my voyages; but I could not prevail on-him to forego his
request. I arrived at Serindib, and prayed an early audience
with the king. I was conducted to the palace with great
respect, and delivered to the monarch the Caliph’s letter, and
present. The present consisted of the most ingenious and
valuable works of art, with which the king was exceedingly
delighted, and he was also pleased to acknowledge how much
he esteemed my services. When I departed, the monarch
bestowed on me some rich gifts ; but the ship had not Jong been
at sea, before it was attacked by corsairs, who seized the vessel,
and carried us away as slaves. I wassold to a merchant, who,