"The officer who is before on his elephant," I said, "cries from time to time with a loud voice, 'Behold the great monarch, the mighty Sultan of the Indies, greater than Solomon.' Then the officer behind the throne cries in his turn, 'This monarch, so great and powerful, must die, must die, must die.' And the officer before him replies, 'Praise alone be to Him who liveth for ever and ever.'"
The Caliph was much pleased with my account, and sent me home with a rich present.
THE SEVENTH AND LAST VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR
After my sixth voyage I had given up all thoughts of going to sea again, for my age required rest, and I wished to expose myself to no more risks, but to pass the rest of my days in peace. One day, however, an officer from the palace came and said the Caliph must speak to me.
"Sindbad," said he, when I had bowed to the floor before the throne, "I stand in need of your service; you must carry my answer and present to the king of Serendib."
This command was to me like a clap of thunder. Though I had made a vow never to leave Bagdad, I saw that I must obey. The Caliph was well pleased, and ordered me a sum of money ample for my needs.
In a few days I departed with the letter and present, and, after a safe voyage, reached the isle of Serendib.
"Sindbad," said the king, when I was brought before him with great pomp, and had bowed to the earth, "you are welcome; I have many times thought of you. I bless the day on which I see you once more."
I 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 viceregent to his Prophet, after his ancestors of happy memory, to the potent and esteemed king of Serendib.