66 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS.

THE SEVENTH AND LAST VOYAGE OF SINDBAD, THE SAILOR.

On my return from my sixth voyage I absolutely relinquished
all thoughts of ever venturing again on the seas. I was now
arrived at an age which required rest ; and besides this, I had
determined never more to expose myself to the perils I had so
often experienced: I prepared therefore to enjoy my life in quiet
and repose.

One day, when I was regaling a number of friends, one of
my servants came to tell me that an officer of the caliph wanted
to speak tome. I got up from table and went to him. “The
caliph,” said he, “has ordered me to acquaint you that he
wishes to see you.” I followed the officer to the palace, and he
presented me to the prince, whom I saluted by prostrating
myself at his feet. “Sindbad,” said he, “I am in want of
you; you must do me a service, and go once more to the
king of Serendib with my answer and presents ; it is but right
that I should make him a proper return for the civility he has
shewn me.”

This order of the caliph was a thunderbolt to me. “Com-
mander of the Faithful,” replied I, “I am ready to execute any-
thing that your majesty may desire; but I humbly entreat you
to consider that I am worn down with the unspeakable fatigues
I have undergone—I have even made a vow never to leave Bag-
dad.” I then took occasion to recount the long detail of my
adventures, which he had the patience to listen to attentively.
When I had done speaking, “I confess,” said he, “that these
are extraordinary adventures: nevertheless, they must not pre-
vent your making the voyage I propose, for my sake ; it is only
to the island of Serendib ; execute the commission I intrust you
with, and then you will be at liberty to return. But you must
go, for you must be sensible that it would be highly indecorous,
as well as derogatory to my dignity, to be under obligations to
the king of that island.”

As I plainly saw that the caliph had resolved on my going,
I signified to him that I was ready to obey his commands. He
seemed much pleased, and ordered me a thousand sequins to pay
the expenses of the voyage.

In a few days I was prepared for my departure ; and as soon